Chris Carpenter: 2006 Cy Young?

With the season down to it's final month before the playoffs, it's time to debate the post-season awards once again. I honestly believe that Chris Carpenter will take home the National League Cy Young Award for the second season in a row. True, he does not have as many wins as he did last season but face it, right now, there is no clear runaway winner in the National League.

Let's take a look at the league rankings for Carpenter (as of 9/19):
• Ranks 4th in NL in W (15)
• Ranks 9th in NL in IP (206.2)
• Ranks 5th in NL in SO (173)
• Ranks 1st in NL in ERA (2.79)
• Ranks 1st in NL in WHIP (1.04)
• Ranks 2nd in NL in WPct (.714)
• Ranks 2nd in NL in CG (4)
• Ranks 4th in NL in BAA (.226)

Since August 1st, he's only allowed very few walks. With regards to decisions, he's gone 6-2 since the All-Star break with three no-decisions. One of those being the Cubs game last weekend where Tony La Russa pulled him in the 9th inning due to cramping. He left with the game tied but it was a quality start nonetheless. The other no-decision was a bad start against Cincinnati where he left with the win but Isringhausen blew a save.

As of 9/13, it's down to him and Webb.

Here's some discussion from Cardinals management.

Asked whether Carpenter should win again, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said, "Absolutely. His numbers compare to anybody."

Pitching coach Dave Duncan concurred. "Who are you going to compare him to?" asked Duncan. "Nobody's run away with a bunch of wins this year.

Carp has some impressive home starts this season. In 15 home starts, he's 7-3 with 4 complete games, 3 of those shutouts. In 110 innings pitched at home, he's given up 80 hits, walked 18, and struck out 76. He's given up 18 ER (7 home runs) and has a very nice ERA of 1.47 with a 0.89 whip. The batting average against him is .201. In his next start, he should pick up career win #100.

"He was a dominant pitcher tonight."

Carpenter said, "That's nice of them to say. Let's win the division first, go to the playoffs and then when we get home again, we'll see what happens."

During Sunday's BBTN, Kruk stuck with Zambrano, and Steve Phillips went with Chris Carpenter.