Josh Beckett - Not the Cy Young
Here you go Josh, a silver medal.
Unfortunately, all but the most optimistic Red Sox fans pretty much saw this one coming. Sabathia edged out Beckett in the AL Cy Young Voting today, though the race was close. Beckett actually got 8 first place votes to Sabathia’s 19.
Many will be asking, why not Josh, but a look at the actual numbers confirms that Sabathia did indeed deserve it. Remember, this is based on regular season only, so the failure of C.C. in the playoffs and ravaging success of Josh Beckett don’t count.
Beckett was the only one with 20 wins, and considering the Indians won just as many as the Sox overall, this is points in his favor. And the 20th win is probably the reason he got those 8 votes (If he had won his 21st at the end of the year, I think it would have been closer, but either way…)
Sabathia also has more strikeouts, fewer walks, a lower ERA, 4 more starts and 40 more innings. The missed starts for Beckett also probably cost him the victory.
Here are the final tallies for those interested:
Numbers are first place votes, second place votes, third place votes and total
C.C. Sabathia Cleveland Indians 19 8 — 119
Josh Beckett Boston Red Sox 8 14 4 86
John Lackey Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 1 5 16 36
Fausto Carmona Cleveland Indians — 1 4 7
Eric Bedard Baltimore Orioles — — 1 1
Roy Halladay Toronto Blue Jays — — 1 1
Johan Santana Minnesota Twins — — 1 1
Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers — — 1 1
Stumble it!