Ranking Top 5 Contenders for NL Cy Young

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Reigning National League Cy Young award winner Roy Halladay and the Philadelphia Phillies are cruising toward their fifth straight NL East division title. They enter today's play with an astonishing 95-49 record.

This September, Halladay's biggest competition will be a friendly competition between fellow staff members Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee for the Cy Young. All three are legitimate contenders for the prestigious honor. 

However, they are not alone as there are two other arms who could snag it away from one of the Phillies. Can Roy Halladay repeat as the best pitcher in the National League? 

Here are the top five candidates if the season ended today.

No. 5: Ian Kennedy, ARI

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W-L: 19-4

ERA: 2.90

K: 178

WHIP: 1.11

BAA: .231

CG: 1

WAR: 4.2

The 2010 trade to acquire Ian Kennedy has payed huge dividends for the surging Arizona Diamondbacks.  The D-backs traded pitchers Max Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth to the Tigers in a three-team trade that also involved the Yankees.

Kennedy, a former top Yankee prospect always had talent but never really put it all together until this season. Kennedy, in the midst of a career year has 19 wins, the best in the National League. 

However, wins alone don't win you Cy Youngs. The fact is he has less strikeouts and a higher ERA than his competitors. Kennedy must have an incredible last month if he wants to take home the hardware.

No. 4: Cole Hamels, PHI

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W-L: 14-7

ERA: 2.60

K: 171

WHIP: .95

BAA: .207

CG: 3

WAR: 5.0

Cole Hamels has had a whirlwind experience these last couple years. He was the hero and MVP of the 2008 World Series team. 

The following year, his ERA balloned to over four, and he struggled to find consistency most of the year. In the 2009 postseason, he had an ERA over seven.  Hamels really only had his fastball and his changeup. Experts wondered if they had already seen the best of Cole Hamels. 

He was an almost forgotten man with the acquisitions of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and  Roy Oswalt.  However, the Phillies veteran has resurrected his career as a bonafide ace this season.

He is having his best season as a professional. Hamels now boasts a cut fastball and curve along with his devastating changeup. 

Hamels has re-dedicated himself and has proven to be a stud this year. Although, this season he has still been the team's third best starter. Voters will take that into account which is why he won't win the award despite an amazing season.

No. 3: Roy Halladay, PHI

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W-L: 17-5

ERA: 2.44

K: 204

WHIP: 1.05

BAA: .243

CG: 7

WAR: 7.7

For many years, Roy Halladay has been arguably the best pitcher in baseball. He has pinpoint control on five pitches and can make any pitch in any count. His sinker and cut fastball have unbelievable movement that still baffles hitters. 

Halladay has been one of the most durable pitchers in the modern era. This season is no different as he leads the league in complete games and has the highest wins above replacement average of any pitcher in the league.

Halladay, has been masterful all season long and his consistency is what makes him elite. Halladay is a virtual lock for atleast six innings and a quality start every time he toes the rubber.

Halladay is an intense competitor and wants to keep the NL Cy Young award and cement his name in baseball pitching history lore. However, he has some stiff competition in Cliff Lee and Clayton Kershaw.

No. 2: Clayton Kershaw, LAD

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W-L: 18-5

ERA: 2.36

K: 231

WHIP: 1.00

BAA: .210

CG: 6

WAR: 6.6

Clayton Kershaw is only 23 years old and already one of the top five pitchers in the major leagues.  Kershaw has amazing stuff and one of the best hooks in the league.

Even a two-time Cy Young winner is drinking the Kershaw kool-aid.  According to the San Jose Mercury News, Tim Lincecum said Kershaw would be his choice.

“The young lefty just keeps getting better and better. He has incredible stuff, and every season, he’s learning more about how to compete with it,” Andrew Baggarly wrote. 

Kershaw's only deterrent is he plays for a terrible team that is not in playoff contention. Kershaw has done his part though taking care of business every start. Kershaw's season has been outstanding as he has improved his control and lasted long in games. 

Kershaw, currently has the lowest E.R.A in the National League which is one of the biggest stats in the Cy Young race.  Kershaw could very well win his first Cy Young award. But ultimately, I think he will fall short to Mr. Clifton Phifer Lee.

No. 1: Cliff Lee, PHI

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W-L: 16-7

ERA: 2.44

K: 211

WHIP: 1.03

BAA: .227

CG: 6 (all shutouts)

WAR: 6.2

I wrote this about Cliff Lee earlier in the season, "It is not an argument—Cliff Lee has been the best pitcher in baseball over the last month. His numbers in June are outstanding and some of the best in any month, EVER. His complete June line is 5-0, 42 IP, 21 H, 1 ER (0.21 ERA), and he also threw three straight shutouts."

Talk about being in the zone. After a subpar July, Lee has been on a tear winning his last eight starts and giving up a combined three runs since Aug. 4th. Yep, three runs!

Cliff Lee is a surgeon on the mound as he picks apart both sides of the plate. His effortless motion are shades of Atlanta Braves great Tom Glavine.  

This offseason Lee shocked the baseball world when he signed with Philadelphia after being traded away earlier in the year. 

Lee struggled early in the season in his new digs. In April, May, and July, Lee posted a pedestrian 4.29 ERA.  However, Lee has figured it all out and has been the most dominant pitcher in all of baseball the last four months noted by his .40 ERA in June, August and September. 

Lee's six shutout's are the most in the majors this season and the most in the National League since 1989. 

Lee has  found his groove and if he continues his hot pitching will  follow Halladay's footsteps as an AL Cy Young award winner to also win the award in the NL for the Phillies.