2006 AL Cy Young

[Orange Nation]

Yeah, I know I'm jumping the gun. Typically this type of discussion doesn't begin until after the ASG. But, we have some compelling performances getting turned in by a crop of rookies that could go down as one of the best rookie classes of pitchers in quite some time.

Early invitees to the dance.....

Name IP W-L SV/SVO ERA WHIP OPSA K/9

Papelbon 44.0 1-1 26/28 0.41 0.68 .403 9.21
Ryan 41.2 1-0 23/24 0.86 0.72 .368 11.23
Liriano 88.1 10-1 0/0 1.83 0.97 .546 10.40
Santana 124.0 9-4 0/0 2.76 0.99 .621 9.51
Verlander 110.2 10-4 0/0 3.01 1.17 .681 5.61
Halladay 122.1 11-2 0/0 3.02 1.05 .643 4.86


These are the front-runners, IMO. If Kazmir can lower his ERA and rack up a few more wins, he might make the chase. Contreras, Mussina, Schilling, Rogers, Zito? Nah. Jered Weaver started too late to have a shot, IMO.

I really think it's a two man race at this point between Liriano - approaching Pedro territory - and Papelbon - having a historic year in terms of ERA. If the season ended right now, I'd have to give it to Papelbon because of how dominant he's been. That said, there's a lot of games left to be played. If both keep it up, it would be neat to see a rook win the CY and ROY.

Thoughts?

[Snarf]

I have to disagree, I think it is between two Blue Jays. Halladay was the first pitcher to 12 wins today, and should easy win 20 plus games if he stays healthy. I would give BJ Ryan the edge over Papelbon if it were a closer because Ryan only has one blow save (which was not his fault, the defense totally fell apart around him) and Papelbon has two. Granted, I don't know if they were his fault or not. It is probably just because you are a Sox fan you give Papelbon the edge, and I am a Jays fan as to why I would pick Halladay.

[Sabres244]

Johan Santana always has big 2nd halves

[Merk]

If he keeps it up my vote is def for Liriano.



His slider is unreal

[BigPapi]

Papelbon

[cones5108]

If Liriano keeps this up I think it will be a runaway.

[smashingt2312]

Right now Halladay.