Mariners ace Felix Hernandez is running out of time to capture voters for a Cy Young Award campaign he’s probably not going to win.
Hernandez, a.k.a. King Felix, has just two starts left. The first of them is tonight at Toronto.
His Highness is in a bad spot. The award–given to each league’s best pitcher as voted on by baseball writers–almost always goes to the league leader in Earned Run Average or Wins. Hernandez–2nd in ERA and 3rd in wins–doesn’t top either list.
Eight of the past ten AL Cy Young winners have been first in either ERA or Wins. The two who weren’t are special cases. C.C. Sabathia won the award in ’07 based on an incredible pennant race run, when he won five of his last six starts. Roger Clemens won in ’01 by compiling a gawdy 20-3 record.
Felix Hernandez can’t do either of those things. He’s got three chances:
1) A miracle outing, like a perfect game, no-hitter, or 20-strikeout performance.
2) For ERA leader Zack Greinke to get bombed in his final two starts, dropping behind Hernandez in that category.
3) Somehow Joe the Plumber gets involved.
In any event, Hernandez probably would have to win each of his final two starts. Tonight’s opponent, the Blue Jays, delivered the worst loss of Hernandez’ season in late July, stinging him for seven runs. His final start will be next Wednesday against the A’s.
We’re rooting for you, King Felix!
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