We are in the stretch run for the regular season. And as of now there are only 2 logical candidates in the American League for the Cy Young award, Verlander and Cole. I think they both have legitimate cases, to earn the award. The ERA , Wins, Strikeouts, WHIP are so close. 3 or 4 weeks ago, it was a Verlander / Morton race, and Morton isn’t too much in the picture right now.
The advanced numbers say Verlander has had better luck than Cole, but luck is part of the game and wouldn't factor into my personal choice for an award, only the tangible results Verlander's WHIP advantage is pretty significant. He is also gonna end up with more innings, and currently has less total runs allowed despite more innings pitched In Cole's favor he has more K's, and the team record in his starts is a little better. (23-7 vs 21-10) Not something I would normally consider, but when 2 guys are this close you gotta dig deep. I would lean Verlander right now, but these last starts could very easily change that. They are really, really close.
Verlander has one Cy Young and Cole is looking for his first, so my vote is for Cole, if it is close.
Cole is the leader now for me, slightly. Better Ks, better in preventing homers. Verlander wins in walks and contact on balls in play. I don't consider ERA a tangible result that should be considered for a pitcher as defense isn't consistent.
I'm just going to quote myself from the game thread if y'all don't mind Since the question in the poll is "Who WILL win?" I voted Verlander. But I think a co-Cy Young for both of them would be appropriate because of that 1-2 dominance, and who's the 1 and who's the 2 is really kind of a week-to-week thing. There's no 3 in sight in the league. I hope they both get to 300 Ks as well. Think about the potential of this. Two guys, same team: > 300 Ks, >= 20 Ws, << 3.00 ERAs, > 200 IP, < .200 opp. avg., < 1.00 WHIP, and on and on. Just go here, and look at all the different things they're 1 and 2 in. It's astonishing.
This will come down to name recognition. Verlander should clean house. And he has that no hitter in his back pocket. You can sharpen a pair of balls on that.
I feel like it is close enough any vote can go either way. With that being the case, the tie-breaker will be the no-hitter.
It is pretty cool that 3 separate Astros will have won the Cy Young since 2004. Not many teams can boast something similar.
I think Cole has been the better pitcher this year, but only slightly. If Cole doesn’t have any dud outings over these next 3 starts I think he will win it. But Verlander could also take the lead with one stellar game.
Is Cole about to become the highest paid pitcher in MLB history? He’s about to hit free agency as a very possible reigning Cy Young, a Highly likely World Series, and under 30 years old. I voted for co cy Young; but he is steam rolling with momentum down these last few games....
It's easily Verlander. He leads the league in Wins, ERA, and IP. WHIP too but it's deserves distinction since it's historic. He likely wins 20 with a great winning%. No-hitter. Cole has been great with K's. But he would need much higher numbers to overcome Justin's advantages -- numbers like 400 Ks. Set the K/9 record by a full K or 2. JV has the best argument easily.... unless Cole overtakes ERA. I'd really like co's too @conquistador#11
At this point I feel more invested in Verlander and his perceived "place in the game." Leaves me rooting for him, but as an Astros fan this is a no lose situation.