The 2009 AL Cy Young Race
Now that the 2009 regular season had ended, it is nearly time for the awards to be handed out. One of particular interest to the Mariners is the Cy Young award. Felix Hernandez is among the top three candidates for winning the American League Cy Young this year. Also in contention are pitchers Justin Verlander, CC Sabathia and Zack Greinke. Each of these pitchers leads in a different category. Hernandez put together an incredible September and October to put his name right on top of the list. In these two months he went 6-0, giving up only nine earned runs over fifty-three and one third innings. This lead to him winning AL pitcher of the month for September which saw five of those six wins.
Hernandez is looking to become the first Mariner to win the award since Randy Johnson in the teams historical 1995 campaign which saw them reach the playoffs. Felix Hernandez is only in his fourth complete season in the big leagues, but has quickly become one of the most dominant pitchers in the American League. While it is hard to believe, this is only Hernandez’ second winning season and first as an all-star. While “King” Felix is under contract with the Mariners until the end of the 2011, he will surely be a highly sought after free agent. As a Mariner fan I hope that Felix and the Mariners will be able to work out the long term contract that Felix wants and deserves. He is the type of player that a team can be built around and should continue to dominate for many years to come.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 3:50 pm
As a Mariner fan you should of wished they took the deal Boston offered at the deadline. Picking any 5 from the list of Clay Buchholz, Daniel Bard, Justin Masterson, Nick Hagadone, Michael Bowden, Felix Doubrant, Josh Reddick, and Yamaico Navarro could have provided the team with at least 2/5 of a rotation, probably more, and a closer for the future. Then to reject the counter which was a three-way deal with Adrian Gonzalez, Buchholtz, and other prospects, especially with Gonzalez under contract for 2 (???) more years is ridiculous. I know you don’t want to appear as if you are rebuilding to your fans but I cannot see an asset like Felix Martinez getting you much more than was offered, especially from the Sox. As soon as the trade deadline passed his trade value went down because that is one less pennant chase he can help a possible suitor.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:03 pm
That is very true. Once the trade deadline passed the GM reported that the team was actually very close in making that deal for Adrian Gonzalez. In an interview with the local Seattle ESPN radio station he said that a deal was nearly made but fell through. I agree, a trade would have been ideal for this rebuilding team. Jack Zduriencik has yet to make a move that has dissapointed the fans or the win total, so he has my trust. The Mariners are going to be in serious need of starting pitchers next season. We can still hope for a deal come winter meetings but you are right in saying it will surely be for less than could have been. Thanks for the comment
Eric
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:19 pm
As a Royals’ fan I’m pulling for Greinke in this one. But Hernandez was brilliant and showed some of the same dominance as Greinke for long stretches. If Zack doesn’t get the Cy, I hope it’s Felix.
November 5th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
I vote for Felix!