I am switching up how I am doing this. Instead of going year-by-year, as I did with the Rookie of the Year voting, I am going to do player-by-player. Year-by-year worked with an award that can only be given to any one player once, but with the Cy Young, they can be voted in any year. So, I will discuss the winners of the Cy Young first, followed by the other pitchers who received votes. It will make more sense as the post goes along.
THE WINNERS
1967
22-9 record, 3.16 ERA, 246 strikeouts in 273.1 innings pitched
Lonborg was the first Red Sox pitcher to ever receive any votes in the Cy Young voting. 1967 was the first year the award was given to a pitcher in each league. The Red Sox of course went to the World Series in 1967 and Lonborg was a big reason why. He led the league in wins, strikeouts and games started. Lonborg received 18 out of the 20 votes and was also an All Star.
1986
24-4 record, 2.48 ERA, 238 strikeouts in 254 innings pitched
Clemens, like Lonborg in 1967, was the ace of a team that made it to the World Series in 1986. He led the league in wins, winning percentage (.857), ERA and several other more advanced pitching metrics that had only recently been tracked regularly, such as ERA+ (169), WHIP (0.969) and FIP (2.81). He also had the 20-strikeout game, the first in history, even though he ended up second in the league in strikeouts. He was a unanimous selection for Cy Young and also won the MVP and the All Star Game MVP.
1987
20-9 record, 2.97 ERA, 256 strikeouts in 281.2 innings pitched.
Clemens followed up his 1986 unanimous selection by winning his second Cy Young Award. He led the league in wins, complete games (18) and shutouts (seven). This was somewhat of a weaker year for Cy Young candidates. His ranking near the top of the major categories carried him, even though he tied for the league lead in wins and was second in strikeouts and third in ERA.
1991
18-10 record, 2.62 ERA, 241 strikeouts in 271.1 innings pitched.
After the debacle that was the 1990 voting (which I will get to below), Clemens won his third Cy Young award in 1991. He led the league in ERA, strikeouts, innings pitched, games started (35) and shutouts (four) and was also an All Star. The voting was not particularly close, even though he came in fourth in wins, a category that seemed very important to voters of the time.
1999
23-4 record, 2.07 ERA, 313 strikeouts in 213.1 innings pitched.
Martinez won the pitching version of the Triple Crown in 1999, leading the league in wins, ERA and strikeouts, as well as most of the advanced pitching metrics and WAR (9.8). Some of those leads included ERA+ (243), FIP (1.39), WHIP (0.923) and strikeouts per nine innings (13.2). Martinez was a true force in 1999 and nearly won the MVP as well. He was a unanimous selection for the Cy Young Award and also won the All Star Game MVP.
2000
18-6 record, 1.74 ERA, 284 strikeouts in 217 innings pitched.
As good as Martinez was in 1999, he might have been better in 2000. His traditional stats were not quite as impressive, but his advanced stats were. He led the league in ERA, strikeouts, shutouts (four) and most of the advanced stats. Among those were ERA+ (291), FIP (2.17), WHIP (0.737!) and strikeouts per nine innings (11.8). He was an All Star and was once again a unanimous selection.
2016
22-4 record, 3.15 ERA, 189 strikeouts in 223 innings pitched.
One of the most truly random Cy Young selections has to be Porcello. In his career, he was never an All Star and he only received Cy Young votes in 2016. Throw in the fact that it was a controversial vote in which he did not even receive the most first-place votes (he received eight while Justin Verlander had 14), and it is a really weird selection. Porcello led the league in wins and strikeouts per walks (5.91). He was fifth in ERA and eighth in strikeouts. It's hard to feel bad for Verlander though because he stole the 2011 MVP from Jacoby Ellsbury.
OTHER VOTE GETTERS
2007
20-7 record, 3.27 ERA, 194 strikeouts in 200.2 innings pitched.
Beckett finished second in the Cy Young race to C.C. Sabathia of the Indians. He led the league in wins, WAR (6.5) and FIP (3.08) while finishing sixth in ERA and seventh in strikeouts. Sabathia was more of a work horse, which helped him in the voting. Beckett was an All Star and won the ALCS MVP in 2007. He was the definition of an ace in the postseason.
2011
13-7 record, 2.89 ERA, 175 strikeouts in 193 innings pitched.
In 2011, Beckett finished ninth in the Cy Young voting (Justin Verlander of the Tigers won), and was probably hurt by a perceived lack of effort in the last month of the season while Boston was sliding. He was the team's best pitcher throughout the year though and finished fifth in the league in ERA. He was an All Star in 2011.
2010
17-7 record, 2.33 ERA, 120 strikeouts in 173.2 innings pitched.
Buchholz had his greatest full season in 2010 (he was better in 2013, but he was hurt for a chunk of the season). He was an All Star for the first time and ended up finishing sixth in the Cy Young vote (the winner was Felix Hernandez of the Mariners). Buchholz was second in the league in ERA, seventh in wins, fourth in winning percentage (.708) and third in shutouts (one).
1977
13-9 record, 2.96 ERA, 114 strikeouts in 140 innings, 31 saves
The 1977 Cy Young voing does not make much sense to me. Campbell finished fifth as a reliever and the winner was former Red Sox Sparky Lyle of the Yankees, also a reliever. But the two had very similar stats. They had the same number of wins, but Lyle had only five losses. Campbell led the league in saves, with Lyle having 26. Lyle's ERA was significantly better (2.17), and walked quite a few fewer batters, but Campbell struck out a lot more batters (114 to 68). There really is not much reason to award the Cy Young to Lyle and have Campbell finish fifth. 1977 was Campbell's only All Star appearance.
1988
18-12 record, 2.93 ERA, 291 strikeouts in 264 innings pitched.
Clemens was an All Star in 1988 and finished sixth in the Cy Young vote behind eventual teammate and then-Twins starter Frank Viola. Clemens led the league in strikeouts, complete games (14) and shutouts (eight). He was fourth in wins and fifth in ERA.
1990
21-6 record, 1.93 ERA, 209 strikeouts in 228.1 innings pitched.
This one is a travesty. Bob Welch of the Athletics won the Cy Young because he won 27 games for an absolutely loaded A's team. Clemens though, was the superior pitcher in every way. He led the league in ERA (Welch had an ERA a full run higher) and WAR (10.4 to Welch's 2.9!) and finished third in wins and fourth in strikeouts (Welch had 127). Clemens was an All Star and also finished third in the MVP vote behind Rickey Henderson and Cecil Fielder (Welch finished ninth in MVP voting).
1992
18-11 record, 2.41 ERA, 208 strikeouts in 246.2 innings pitched.
Clemens finished third in the Cy Young vote in 1992 behind A's closer Dennis Eckersley and White Sox starter Jack McDowell. Clemens was an All Star and led the league in ERA, WAR (8.7), WHIP (1.074) and shutouts (five) and was the lone bright spot for a bad Red Sox team. He was third in strikeouts and fourth in wins (McDowell had more wins, but that was it). Clemens probably should have been at least second and maybe should have won as an elite starter is more important than an elite closer.
1978
20-8 record, 2.99 ERA, 162 strikeouts in 268.1 innings pitched.
Before he was an elite closer, Eckersley was once a great starting pitcher. He finished fourth in the Cy Young vote in 1978 helping to lead Boston to a one-game playoff against the Yankees. The winner was Ron Guidry of those same Yankees. Eckersley finished fifth in WAR (7.3), fifth in wins, seventh in ERA and fifth in strikeouts.
1979
17-10 record, 2.99 ERA, 150 strikeouts in 246.2 innings pitched.
In 1979, Eckersley finished seventh in the voting, the winner was Mike Flanagan of the Orioles. Eckersley led the league in ERA+ (149), which is sort of odd since he was third in ERA. He also finished fifth in wins and sixth in strikeouts and tied for the lead in pitcher's WAR (7.2). Eckersley would start to struggle as a starter after 1979, eventually leading to his move to the bullpen.
2021
11-9 record, 3.75 ERA, 195 strikeouts in 182.1 innings pitched.
Eovaldi finished fourth in the Cy Young vote (the winner was Robbie Ray of the Blue Jays) and it is clear how much starting pitching has changed over the years from his record and innings total and his high showing in the vote. Eovaldi led the league in starts (32), FIP (2.79) and walks per nine innings (1.7). He was eighth in the league in ERA and seventh in strikeouts. He was an All Star in 2021 and helped lead the team to a strong postseason performance.
1988
18-6 record, 3.66 ERA, 166 strikeouts in 216.2 innings pitched.
Hurst's final season in Boston was the only season in which he received Cy Young consideration. It was his best season as far as wins and winning percentage were concerned, but he has generally been better in other seasons. Hurst finished fifth in the Cy Young vote (Frank Viola of the Twins won it) after finishing fourth in wins and second in winning percentage (.750).
2017
5-0 record, 1.43 ERA, 126 strikeouts in 69 innings pitched, 35 saves.
Kimbrel had the best season of his three-year stint with the Red Sox in 2017 and was an All Star. He finished sixth in the Cy Young vote (winner: Corey Kluber of the Indians) and won the Reliever of the Year Award. Kimbrel finished third in the league in saves, but that strikeout rate of 16.4 per nine innings is absolutely dominant.
2010
19-9 record, 3.25 ERA, 225 strikeouts in 208 innings pitched.
2010 was Lester's first year receiving Cy Young consideration as well as his first All Star appearance. He finished fourth in the Cy Young vote. The winner was Felix Hernandez of the Mariners. Lester led the league in strikeouts per nine innings (9.7) and fourth in ERA, second in wins and third in strikeouts.
2014
16-11 record, 2.46 ERA, 220 strikeouts in 219.2 innings pitched.
Lester did not finish the season with the Red Sox. He was traded at the deadline to the Athletics, but pitched more for the Red Sox. He finished fourth in the Cy Young vote and appeared in the All Star Game (with Boston). The winner of the Cy Young in 2014 was Corey Kluber of the Indians. Lester's numbers in Boston were 10-7 record, 2.46 ERA and 149 strikeouts. He was fourth in ERA and fifth in strikeouts.
2002
21-8 record, 2.58 ERA, 127 strikeouts in 219.2 innings pitched.
The 2002 Cy Young vote was ridiculous, but that will be discussed more later. Barry Zito of the Athletics won it. Lowe finished third in the vote, and that is probably the right place for him. Lowe really emerged as a starter in 2002 after spending most of his career as a reliever. He pitched a no-hitter and was an All Star. He finished second in the league in both wins and ERA.
2023
4-1 record, 1.05 ERA, 46 strikeouts in 51.1 innings pitched, three saves.
Not many middle relievers receive Cy Young consideration, but when the year is as good as Martin had in 2023, it is bound to be noticed. Martin only walked eight batters all year and his ERA is simply microscopic. He finished twelfth in the Cy Young vote (although that was just one vote) with Gerrit Cole of the Yankees winning it. Martin has quietly put together a nice career, but never seemed to get much notice for it.
1998
19-7 record, 2.89 ERA, 251 strikeouts in 233.1 innings pitched.
It is hard to argue too much with the second-place finish of Martinez in the Cy Young vote in 1998. Roger Clemens of the Blue Jays won the pitching Triple Crown, with Martinez finishing second in all three categories. Martinez proved to be well worth the cost in acquiring him as he immediately became Boston's ace. He was an All Star in 1998.
2002
20-4 record, 2.26 ERA, 239 strikeouts in 199.1 innings pitched.
As promised, it is time to talk about the 2002 vote in which Barry Zito of the A's took home the award. Zito's only advantage over Pedro was in wins (23) and games started (35). Zito was more of a workhorse, as Martinez had some injury issues, but Martinez led the league in winning percentage (.833), ERA, strikeouts, WHIP (0.923) and several other advanced pitching metrics. Martinez really should have won it in 2002. He was an All Star.
2003
14-4 record, 2.22 ERA, 206 strikeouts in 186.2 innings pitched.
Martinez finished third in the race in 2003 with the Blue Jays' Roy Halladay winning it. Injuries played a big part in his lower finish as he started just 29 games and threw fewer than 200 innings. He did though lead the league in winning percentage (.777), ERA and WHIP (1.039), along with other pitching metrics.
2004
16-9, 3.90 ERA, 227 strikeouts in 217 innings pitched.
Martinez's final season in Boston saw him finish fourth in the Cy Young vote, with Johan Santana of the Twins winning the award. It is a little surprising he finished so high, as his ERA was really not impressive and he did not lead the league in any category. He was sixth in wins, ninth in ERA and second in strikeouts.
2008
18-3 record, 2.90 ERA, 154 strikeouts in 167.2 innings pitched.
Matsuzaka is often thought of as a bust, and the way his career went after 2008 certainly supports that, but for the first two years, he looked like the real deal. Matsuzaka finished fourth in the Cy Young vote with Cliff Lee of the Indians winning it. He tended to nibble too much, and that resulted in him leading the league in walks (94), but he was fourth in wins, second in winning percentage (.857) and fifth in strikeouts per nine innings. It was his best season in Boston.
2019
19-6 record, 3.81 ERA, 213 strikeouts in 203.1 innings pitched.
Rodriguez always seemed to have talent, but just could not fully harness it. That changed in 2019 as he finished sixth in the Cy Young vote. Justin Verlander of the Astros won it. Rodriguez led the league in games started (34) and walks (75). He finished ninth in ERA, third in wins, ninth in strikeouts and fifth in pitcher WAR (5.5).
2017
17-8 record, 2.90 ERA, 308 strikeouts in 214.1 innings pitched.
Sale was in his first season in Boston in 2017 after a blockbuster trade with the White Sox. He finished second in the Cy Young vote to the Indians' Corey Kluber. Sale led the league in innings pitched, strikeouts and strikeouts per nine innings (12.9). He was fourth in the league in wins, second in ERA and eighth in winning percentage (.680). He started the All Star Game.
2018
12-4 record, 2.11 ERA, 237 strikeouts in 158 innings pitched.
Injuries slowed Sale down in 2018, but he still finished fourth in the Cy Young vote (Blake Snell of the Rays won it) and started the All Star Game. He was third in winning percentage (.750), third in strikeouts and would have been second in ERA had he thrown enough innings to qualify. To date, this was Sale's last great season and he is one of the better pitchers to have never won a Cy Young Award.
2004
21-6 record, 3.26 ERA, 203 strikeouts in 226.2 innings pitched.
Schilling was acquired in November of 2003 and was a huge reason the Red Sox finally won their first World Series since 1918. He finished second in the Cy Young vote behind Johan Santana of the Twins after leading the league in wins, winning percentage (.778) and strikeouts per walk (5.80). He was also second in the league in ERA and third in strikeouts. Schilling was an All Star in 2004 and had a huge postseason performance.
1978
15-2 record, 2.60 ERA, 38 strikeouts in 141.2 innings pitched, ten saves.
Stanley was sort of a jack-of-all-trades type pitcher. He started three games and finished 35, among his 52 games. The primary reason behind his seventh-place finish was his incredible record. His winning percentage of .882 was second in the league. The winner of the Cy Young Award in 1978 was Ron Guidry of the Yankees.
1982
12-7 record, 3.10 ERA, 83 strikeouts in 168.1 innings pitched. 14 saves.
1982 saw Stanley finish seventh in the Cy Young vote once again, this time Pete Vuckovich of the Brewers won the award. Stanley was exclusively a reliever in 1982, finishing 33 of his 48 games. He pitched enough to qualify for second in the league in ERA, eighth in pitcher WAR (4.8) and eighth in winning percentage (.632). He was ninth in saves and first in ERA+ (140).
1972
15-6 record, 1.91 ERA, 123 strikeouts in 179 innings pitched, three saves.
Once a power pitcher, Tiant fell on hard times for a few years before resurrecting his career in Boston in 1972. He finished sixth in the Cy Young vote (Gaylord Perry of the Indians won it) and led the league in ERA and ERA+ (169). He spent about half of his time as a reliever and half as a starter (19 starts in 43 games). He was second in winning percentage (.714).
1974
22-13 record, 2.92 ERA, 176 strikeouts in 311.1 innings pitched.
Tiant finished fourth in the Cy Young vote (Catfish Hunter of the A's won) and was an All Star in 1974. He led the league in shutouts (seven) and finished third in pitcher's WAR (7.7), eighth in ERA, third in wins, fifth in winning percentage (.629) and ninth in strikeouts. It was Tiant's highest finish in a Cy Young vote.
1976
21-12 record, 3.06 ERA, 131 strikeouts in 279 innings pitched.
1976 was Tiant's third year winning 20 or more games with the Red Sox and he finished fifth in the Cy Young vote (Jim Palmer of the Orioles won it) and was an All Star. Tiant finished sixth in pitcher's WAR (6.3), second in wins, eighth in winning percentage (.636) and eighth in innings pitched. 1976 was Tiant's last great season.
2013
4-1 record, 1.09 ERA, 101 strikeouts in 74.1 innings pitched, 21 saves.
Uehara was not the biggest name Boston acquired prior to the 2013 season, but he ended up being the best, by far. Uehara finished seventh in the Cy Young vote (Max Scherzer of the Tigers won it) and had an absolutely dominant season out of the bullpen. Uehara also won the ALCS MVP Award. His WHIP (0.565!), strikeouts per nine (12.2) and strikeouts per walk (11.22) were all elite numbers.
1995
16-8 record, 2.95 ERA, 119 strikeouts in 195.1 innings pitched.
Wakefield had a shocking season in 1995 after being released by the Pirates in Spring Training. He came on strong and finished third in the Cy Young vote (Randy Johnson of the Mariners won). He might have finished higher had he not slumped late in the season. He was second in ERA, fifth in wins and tenth in winning percentage (.667). Wakefield built on his 1995 season to become an important member of the Red Sox pitching staff through the 2011 season.
1975
19-12 record, 3.95 ERA, 141 strikeouts in 255.1 innings pitched.
Wise was involved in two trades for Hall of Famers, and if Reggie Smith ever gets in, it will be three. He was a pretty good pitcher in his own right and finished eighth in the Cy Young vote in 1975, the only year he received any consideration (Jim Palmer of the Orioles won). Wise finished sixth in the league in wins and ninth in complete games (17). The primary reason he finished so high was his win total and the fact that he was the big winner for a team that made it to the postseason.
I get the feeling that if someone looked back on Clemens' career they'd find he probably should've won 4-5 more Cy Young Awards.
ReplyDeleteI have three years in the running. He should have won in 1990. 1992 is very likely. And maybe 2005?
DeleteThe 1990 Cy Young pissed me off then and still irks me now...
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I feel that way about 2002 as well.
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