Could The Cy Young Award Return To Oakland?
Oakland Athletics' All-Star pitcher Sonny Gray has the chance to do something this year which hasn't been done in 13 years.
In 2002, Barry Zito brought the Cy Young Award to Oakland after posting a record of 23-5 with an ERA of 2.75.
Gray isn't having the type of season Zito had in his award winning year, but it's clear that Zito's team in 2002 was also far better than this year's team.
The 2002 American League West Champions included guys like Eric Chavez, Jermaine Dye, and the A.L. MVP, Miguel Tejada.
There really is no comparison between the A's of today and 2002.
Anyways, back to Gray fighting for the Cy Young Award.
The baby-faced right handed pitcher is having an outstanding season on one of the worst teams in baseball.
In just his second full season in the big leagues, Gray is leading the A.L. in ERA at 2.10. He only has 12 wins on the season, but when you consider how bad the Athletics defense and bullpen is, his record is quite impressive.
His two biggest competitors for the award are Houston Astros' Dallas Keuchel and Toronto Blue Jays' ace David Price.
Keuchel, as well as his first place Astros, have been a couple of the biggest surprises during this baseball season. Not only did the left-handed pitcher start the All-Star Game this year, but he also leads the American League in wins with 15.
Price, on the other hand, isn't a surprise at all. He's been one of the American League's best pitchers over the past few years. He started the season with the Detroit Tigers, but was traded to the Blue Jays at the trade deadline.
Even while changing teams and divisions, Price has 13 wins and a 2.42 ERA.
There really is no doubt that Gray has been the best pitcher in the American League this season. The biggest issue for the voters every year is whether an award should be given to a player on a team which isn't making the playoffs.
It's an argument which is made year in and year out.
For the MVP Award, it makes sense to only give it to players on playoff teams, but the Cy Young should just go to the best pitcher in the league.
In a year which A's fans would love to forget, a Cy Young Award for Gray would be a bit of a consolation prize.
There hasn't been much to get excited about this season for the Green and Gold, but every time Gray takes the hill, it's something you have to watch.
His pin-point location, mid-90s fastball and huge 12-6 curve often times leave hitters baffled at the plate.
He is Oakland's one only star of the team.
Whether he wins the award this year or not, this won't be the last time he is in the running for the Cy Young.