Colon as AL Cy Young Winner?

The Baseball Writers’ Association of America voted on the American League Cy Young Award Winner, and it was a surprise to many. Some think that there was some biased opinions involved, but others think that the nomination of Bartolo Colon was not the right one. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitcher Bartolo Colon beat out Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, and Twins starter Johan Santana in the Cy Young Award voting.

Colon was 21-8 with a 3.48 ERA in 33 games (all started). He gave up 215 hits in 222.2 innings, striking out 157, and walking 43. Also, he allowed 26 home runs, hit 3 batters, and gave up 93 runs (86 earned). His ERA of 3.48 was the 4th highest ERA ever for a Cy Young Award Winner.

Rivera was 7-4 with a career-low 1.38 ERA. In 71 games (all in relief), he pitched 78.1 innings, allowing 50 hits, walking 18, and striking out 80. He converted 43 of 47 save opportunities, giving up 2 blown saves to the Boston Red Sox. Only 18 runs (12 earned) were charged to Rivera. Four batters were hit, and 2 hit home runs.

Santana was 16-7 with a 2.87 ERA. In 33 games (all started), he pitched 231.2 innings, allowed 180 hits, hit 1 batter, walked 45, and struck out 238. He threw 3 complete games (2 of them were shutouts). Only 77 runs (74 earned) were charged to Santana. Also, run support for him was limited because of the Twins’ offense, which struggled all season long.

It seems like Mariano Rivera is the best pitcher of the three. He is also the one to rely on under pressure. Colon struggled against the Yankees, especially in the American League Division Series. Durability was an issue with Colon, especially the fact that he did not pitch at all in the ALCS. Santana should have finished second in the votings, not third, because he is the second best pitcher in the American League. Rivera shined in the spotlight, not Santana or Colon. It is as simple as that. Rivera should’ve been the first place winner, Santana in second, and Colon in third.