Voters for the National League Cy Young Award this year are going to have an interesting choice, given the large number of starting pitchers who are having outstanding seasons.

Probably the most obvious choice would be Brandon Webb from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 2006 Cy Young Winner, Webb is 19-4 with a 2.74 ERA, a WHIP of 1.10, and 153 strikeouts in 184 innings pitched. As the Diamondbacks are still in the playoff race, Webb will garner some extra consideration.

Tim Lincecum of the Giants is also having an outstanding season, with a 14-3 record, a league-leading 2.48 ERA, and a league leading 200 strikeouts in 177.2 innings. However, with the Giants having a miserable season overall, and the Giants playing in a relatively apathetic media market, Lincecum probably won't garner as much attention as he deserves. Likewise for Edinson Volquez of the Reds (15-5, 2.80 ERA, 155 K's/157.2 IP.)

Johan Santana (12-7, 2.64 ERA, 153 K's,/184 IP) will undoubtedly garner some votes from the New York media, although his overall record isn't as impressive. One pitcher who should get serious consideration is Ryan Dempster of the Cubs. After spending the last several seasons as the Cubs' closer, Dempster has made a seamless transition back to the starting rotation, and posted dominating numbers 15-5, 2.85 ERA, 153 K's, 172 IP) all season. With the Cubs in the middle of their best season in living memory, Dempster is sure to garner a great number of sympathy votes, particularly from the vociferous Chicago media.

Two pitchers who joined the league mid-season and have been utterly dominating are C.C. Sabathia (8-0, 1.59 ERA, 74 K's, 79 IP for the Brewers) and Rich Harden (4-1, 1.47 ERA, 70 K's, 49 IP for the Cubs.) While I don't see either player getting enough votes to be considered a contender, primarily due to the fact that they've only spent half a season in the National League, they've been the two most dominating pitchers in the league since July.

It should be noted that of the pitchers listed above, Webb, Santana, and Lincecum all pitch in stadiums that are considered "pitcher's parks," while Dempster and Volquez play in "hitter's parks." While it's unlikely that Cy Young voters will take this factor seriously into account, it does enhance the accomplishments that Dempster and Volquez have made this season.

Overall, I think that Webb will probably walk away with the award, though Lincecum and Dempster should both give him a run for his money, particularly Dempster if he stays hot through August and September.

Learn more about this author, Garrett Monaghan.
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