A.L. Cy Young: Why not Mariano??

So, I am sure everyone, unless you are an Angels fan, is absolutely sick of hearing about K-Rod. "K-Rod should get the Cy Young," or "K-Rod for MVP," and so on... Give me a break - I can't see anyway to justify giving this guy even one vote for Cy Young, and especially MVP.

Let's just kill the MVP argument before we go any further. His job is to come in and maintain the lead that his team gave him. He did not create the lead, just maintained it. Because of his status as closer, he is not used when they are losing, so he has no part in any walk-off victories. I mean, he has only pitched 59.1 innings in 65 games; that's less than one inning per game!!!!! How can he be the most valuable guy on the Angels, let alone the entire American League?

Now, I can see him being included in Cy Young discussions - but it stops there. On the surface, his 54 saves is quite impressive, but dig a little deeper, and he is not even the best closer in the league. The reason he has 54 saves is because he has been given 59 chances!! The rest of his numbers are as impressive - except for the saves, his numbers are not nearly as impressive as those of Mariano Rivera. So why not Mariano?

First of all, the Cy Young award is for the league's best pitcher. Often times the MVP depends on the success of your team, the Cy Young should not. Mariano would have more save opportunities if the Yankees were having a better year. Now, onto the numbers:

Rivera has 32 saves, and one blown save - percentage of 97% - K-Rod's is 92% (5 blown saves)

WHIP: K-Rod - 1.23, Rivera 0.70!!

ERA: K-Rod - 2.43 (not bad), Rivera - 1.46 (much better)

K-Rod has walked 30 batters, Rivera has only walked 6 all year... That is impressive.

Mariano's strikeout to walk ratio is a dominant 11.67.

Ready for this - K-Rod's is 2.27.

Can someone please tell me how K-Rod is a valid candidate for the Cy Young? Please leave some comments if you can find any way other than the number of saves, the K-Rod is having a better season than Mariano Rivera. Until, I will just laugh every time it is mentioned.

Comments

[freepass]

Rodriguez isn't deserving, the name that you are looking for is Cliff Lee. He is a viable MVP candidate as well despite playing in Cleveland. BTW, I am a Yankee fan.