The Cy Young Award goes to the best pitcher in each league. Usually every year there are multiple pitchers who have a great case to win this award. This year is no exception.
Last year the award went to Roy Halladay and it was an easy choice. The guy had great numbers and threw a no hitter AND a perfect game. This year he is at it again making big league hitters look like frosh/soph baseball players. His team, the Phillies, have the best record. All signs pointing to him having another Cy Young trophy in his trophy case.
But in my book, if the season ended today, he would not be the winner.
Granted I am a Dodger homer, but here is my case that Clayton Kershaw is the best pitcher in the National League.
Baseball freaks love stats, so let's start there.
Roy Halladay: 15-5 record, 2.53 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 177 Ks in 184.2 innings pitched
Clayton Kershaw: 15-5 record, 2.60 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 199 Ks in 183.2 innings pitched
Roy has 7 complete games, CK has 4, but CK has 2 shutouts, Roy has 0.
Considering that Roy has a legitimate All-Star lineup behind him while the Dodgers feature mostly has-been, probably-won't-be, and never will-be players, it's astounding that Kershaw has 15 wins.
Kershaw, at the ripe age of 23, has a legit shot at the Cy Young Award this year...and probably the next 10 years (assuming he stays healthy). If he continues his dominance since the All-Star break (6-1 record, 1.53 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 52 Ks in 53 innings), then I think he seals the deal.
Hopefully McCourt sells the Dodgers and the new owner locks up Kershaw. If not, then I guess I will be rooting for him from afar as he dominates as a Yankee or Red Sox.
