Here is a list of the Top 10 qualifying ERA title aspirants in the American League. In addition to ERA, is it reasonable to think the categories listed are enough to determine the AL CY Young award winner? If so, the Angels' John Lackey would win the award. Deservedly so.
Personally I believe Boston's Josh Beckett will win given his 20 Wins and IP, Ks and ERA that are near the top of their resepctive categories. He was also quoted in The Sporting News as wondering what to do all the Dom Perignon teammate Curt Schilling gave him following his 20th victory. "I don't know what I'm going to do with it all. I'm a beer drinker," he said. I can empathize.
Surrpisingly, I do not see the Twins' Johann Santana as having any case whatsoever. His victory total is lower than a couple pitchers with better ERAs and more IPs. Am I just reacting to what I sense is groupthink regarding Santana or is there still a legitimate case for his inclusion in the Al CY Young discussion?
| PLAYER | TEAM | IP | SO | W | ERA |
| John Lackey | LAA | 224 | 179 | 19 | 3.01 |
| Fausto Carmona | CLE | 215 | 137 | 19 | 3.06 |
| Dan Haren | OAK | 222.2 | 192 | 15 | 3.07 |
| Erik Bedard | BAL | 182 | 221 | 13 | 3.16 |
| C.C. Sabathia | CLE | 241 | 209 | 19 | 3.21 |
| Josh Beckett | BOS | 200.2 | 194 | 20 | 3.27 |
| Johan Santana | MIN | 219 | 235 | 15 | 3.33 |
| Kelvim Escobar | LAA | 189.2 | 156 | 17 | 3.46 |
| Scott Kazmir | TAM | 206.2 | 239 | 13 | 3.48 |
| Mark Buehrle | CHW | 201 | 115 | 10 | 3.63 |