Fall 2008 - Issue 1

The Silversword: Home > Sports > Why Tim Lincecum Won't Win the CY Young Award this Season

Why Tim Lincecum Won't Win the CY Young Award this Season

Shane Price, Sports Editor

First allow me to start by saying that he is a great candidate for the award. His numbers speak for them self. An overall record of 17-5, with an ERA of 2.66 along with 252 strikeouts to just 82 walks. These numbers are great, ranking among the leagues best, but the San Francisco Giants have a terrible record (68-85). 11 games out from being the worst team in baseball, hurting his changes at winning such an award, leaving the door open for a couple of guys that have slightly better numbers then him.

Most likely to take the award, previous winner Brandon Webb, who has an overall record of 22-7 with 176 strike outs, 3.24 ERA, and the Arizona diamondbacks are fighting for a spot in the playoffs.

The dark horse in this race, CC Sabathia, has been lights out when taking the rubber for the Brewers. 15 starts in Milwaukee, Sabathia has tossed six complete games three shutouts while striking out 110 batters to just 22 walks, and currently sporting a 10-2 record for the Brew-Crew. I know some are thinking that he shouldn't win because of the mid season trade (Sabathia was acquired from the Indians), but that might help him in the long run. Since joining the National league, Sabathia has gotten ten hits (one home run, two doubles), driving in six RBI.

History isn't on his (Lincecum) side either. In the past ten years only three pitchers have won the Cy Young Award when their teams have failed to make the playoffs. Their names are, Randy Johnson (who won twice), Eric Gagne, and Brandon Webb.

Simply put, Tim Lincecum isn't a household name yet. If you're playing on a bad team, you have to be lights out to be in consideration for a marquee award like the CY Young.