As the season has come to a close, it is time to now think about who is the one to get it. I would have to go on a limb and say Cliff Lee of the Cleveland Indians should win the AL Cy Young Award without a shadow of a doubt. Here is a guy who pretty much saved Cleveland's embarrassing season with a record of 22-3 with an ERA of 2.54. He is Cleveland's first 20 game winner since Gaylord Perry pulled off the feat in 1974. In the history of the Cleveland Indians, only two Cy Young Awards came to that city in Gaylord Perry and last season being CC Sabathia.

Why would you consider Lee to be the one to get it? Well, here is a guy who led the league in wins, ERA, and winning percentage. Only ranking 2nd in the American League in innings pitched, complete games, and second in WHIP. He ranked 9th in the American League in strikeouts but truth be told, Lee has not been really known as a strikeout pitcher but it does matter as long as you get the job done. Cliff has had very few bad outings this year and that cannot be denied.

The stiffest competition will be none other than Roy Halladay of the Toronto Blue Jays. He has completed more games than Lee and has pitched more innings but that can be because of the complete game-pitching going on. He finished the year 20-11 with a 2.78 ERA. The only thing that would really hurt his chances and that's going to be the number of losses. While there is no doubt he has had a great year, it just will be unfortunate that the numbers could be his potential undoing.

There is also the K-Rod factor because of him saving 62 games, an impressive feat seeing how most pitchers never get that type of opportunity. You see closers like Mariano Rivera get that but he is ranked among the elite in closers. On the downside, he has blown seven games for the Angels and has a 2-3 record. Had there not been starters that can stand out for the year, there would no question that he would get it. It is also a fact that relief pitchers rarely win this award as it is mainly for starters.

I did not mention Dice-K nor did I mention Mussina due to not leading in any categories that could warrant a vote. There is no question about their seasons being great for them but it is going to be about consistency and getting the done when called upon. Dice-K was very close in leading the league in winning percentage finishing second to Lee with an impressive record of 18-3. Maybe that period of injury might have hurt his chances but there is no way to take away from the season.

This season Cliff Lee is the one to get it. He's had more consistent starts and hasn't been pulled out earlier than the 5th inning of every start. He didn't start the last game due to a stiff neck, such a shame too. Perhaps if Hamilton doesn't get the comeback player award, you'd have to look at Cliff Lee considering that last season he came and wasn't there mentally. That will be another story. It will be a miscarriage of justice to not see Lee get the Cy Young after the year he has had this season.

Learn more about this author, Bruce Bostwick.
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