It is a Cy Young Award race a little more cluttered than the one in the National League. Over in the American League — or the varsity, as we like to call it — a host of pitchers have made their case, including New York Yankees ace CC Sabathia (15-7, 3.56 ERA) and Boston’s Josh Beckett (14-5, 3.80 ERA). But while one of those two is likely to end up with some team hardware in 2009, neither will end up with a Cy Young on their mantle. That will go to one of these four:
Zack Greinke (13-8, 2.32 ERA) » The frontrunner again after he shook off an average July. Greinke had posted a sub-2.00 ERA three months into the season for Kansas City. It isn’t much higher than that now. Headed for a strong finish after giving up just two runs in his last 17 innings. Only issue is that the Royals aren’t a contender.
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Felix Hernandez (13-5, 2.77 ERA) » A consistent, durable presence in Seattle since he broke into the big leagues at age 19 in 2005. He always pitches around 200 innings. He always has a solid ERA. But this is his best season so far. Hernandez already has set a career high with 179 strikeouts and has allowed more than three runs in a game just once over his last 18 starts.
Justin Verlander (15-7, 3.38) » Nats fans are counting the years until the Virginia native finally is a free agent. Until then he will continue to star for the Tigers, who are in control in the AL Central. Shook off a subpar 2008 and is back to his previous form. Headed for a career-low ERA and leads the league in strikeouts.
Roy Halladay (13-8, 3.13 ERA) » For a long time this season it appeared the Cy Young was Halladay’s to lose. But maybe all the trade talk in July finally got to him. Or maybe he’s battling an injury. Because he hasn’t been the same pitcher since August 1, allowing four runs or more four different times. Still a great year. But he has fallen behind the other top contenders.
