The Indians got what they expected out of Sabathia; likewise the Tigers with Verlander, the Red Sox with Beckett, the Twins with Santana, etc.
How about the numbers? Carmona finished the season with an xFIP of 3.99, good for 11th (tie) in the American League. However, only three pitchers finished ahead of him in both xFIP and Innings Pitched, two of whom did not make the playoffs and all of whom would be considered the aces of their respective staffs.
How about the "Win" stats? Carmona finished second in both WSAB and VORP, behind teammate and staff ace C.C. Sabathia in both categories. One could argue that had Carmona started the season in the rotation and finished with the same number of starts as Sabathia, he would have surpassed him in both of those categories.
Leep in mind, Carmona's first start was three days after Sabathia's second. In fact, according to The Hardball Times' WSP, which is a rate version of WSAB, Carmona led Sabathia.
Another factor I take into consideration, although admittedly skewed by luck, is how a player performs down the stretch. That is, their post All-Star numbers:
Carmona: 2.26 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 6.4 K/9
Sabathia: 2.76 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 7.6 K/9
Beckett: 3.10 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 9.4 K/9
Lackey: 3.14 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 7.1 K/9
Santana: 4.04 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 10.1 K/9
Haren: 4.15 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 8.8 K/9
As I stated, this is not the most accurate way of grading a pitcher's performance. However, what this does show is that among the aces of the American League, Carmona best served his club when it mattered the most.
There are reasonable arguments for any of the five aces I mentioned. I have no issue with the BBWA's giving the award to Sabathia; he was a horse and the Indians needed him.
However, I think more than any of these other pitchers, Carmona was a major factor in leading his team to the playoffs. His gutty performance against the Yankees didn't hurt.
(Runner Up: CC Sabathia)
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