Who Wins AL Cy Young

[Gil Dobie]

David Price 20-5, 205 K's, 2.56 ERA - WAR 6.4
Jared Weaver 20-4, 141 K's, 2.78 ERA - WAR 3.9
Justin Verlander 17-8, 239 K's, 2.64 ERA - WAR 7.5
Matt Harrison 18-11, 133 K's, 3.29 ERA - WAR 6.1
Chris Sale 17-8, 192 K's, 3.05 ERA - WAR 5.7

[Ivytalk]

Zoolander. Getting to the playoffs helps.

[SuperHornet]

I won't even consider that WAR stat. I just looked it up, and it's confusing as heck. Worse than WHIP, IMO.

That said, I'll draw a line under Verlander there, because there's a HUGE break for me after him on that list. Those below that line are out of the discussion, IMO. IMO, you can't win a Cy with an ERA over 3 unless EVERYBODY is over 3.

I like 20 wins as a benchmark as much as the next guy, but strikeouts are ALSO a very big consideration. That eliminates the esteemed Mr. Weaver this year.

That leaves Verlander and Price. Price gets the nod on wins, Verlander on whiffs. Their ERAs are quite comparable, with a difference of less than a tenth. I'd have to look at other stats that make sense to me. Freebies allowed are practically the same (Price 59, Verlander 60). Verlander gave up three more dongs, but that came in two extra games pitched, which is negligible for me. Verlander has a lower average allowed and lower WHIP.

It's not exactly clear cut, but all things considered, I think I agree with IT. The nod (barely) goes to Verlander.

[Seahawks08]

It's great you came to the right conclusion, but please don't ever say you aren't going to use WAR as an indicator AND then use wins as one.

[clenz]

It's great you came to the right conclusion, but please don't ever say you aren't going to use WAR as an indicator AND then use wins as one.

Seriously though, Verlander