The National League Cy Young race is heating up as the season comes to its conclusion. Let's take a look at the top candidates:
1. Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants
Lincecum is undoubtedly the favorite at this point in my mind. He is currently on a terrible excuse for a team, and his record stands at a staggering 17-4, with a 2.46 ERA, leading the National League. He also leads the NL in strikeouts with 243, 46 more than Danny Haren in second place. He has 215.2 innings pitched, and is averaging over 10 strikeouts per nine innings pitched.
2. Brandon Webb, Arizona Diamondbacks
Webb may be the most consistent NL pitcher of this decade. The Diamondbacks ace knows how to win ball games, and has proven that year after year. This season, he has a record of 22-7 with a 3.24 ERA and 176 strikeouts. He also leads my top three candidates with three complete games.
3. Ryan Dempster, Chicago Cubs
Dempster is the most unheralded of the three candidates for the Cy Young award. Since making the switch from the bullpen in 2007, he has been a dominant starter for the Cubs. In 2008, he has a record of 17-6 with a 2.99 ERA and a whopping 186 strikeouts. He leads the National League's best team in all major pitching categories among starters, and has arguably been the most dominant No. 3 starting pitcher in Major League Baseball.
While Brandon Webb is a safe pick, and Ryan Dempster is a dark horse, I think the award should go to Giants star Tim Lincecum. No pitcher has proven to be more unhittable in '08. Despite going somewhat under the radar, he has been the most dominant pitcher in the NL, and deserves to win this award.
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