Can a Relief Pitcher Win the Cy Young?

If the CY Young goes to a relief pitcher, and I believe it should and could be awarded to one if they merit it, then the MVP has has to be considered for the DH as well--In my mind you cannot have one "eligible" without the other.

In the American League I like Mariano for the Cy Young and "PAPI" for the MVP--why "PAPI" over AROD? Simple --the numbers for AROD include a lot of meaningless HR's and RBI's while PAPI has been "the man" all season

Eckersley won the Cy Young and the MVP as the closer for the Oakland A's in 1992. I beleive about 1/2 dozen other relievers have won the Cy Young award as well.

Yes, I think a relief pitcher can win the Cy Young. Do I think Mariano will win it? Nope. There is definitely Anti Yankee sentiment in the sports writer community that will off set that possibility.

History of Relief pitchers winning Cy Young Award
03 Gagne
92 Eckersley *
89 Davis
87 Bedrosian
84 Hernandez *
81 Fingers *
79 Sutter
77 Lyle
74 Marshall
50 Konstanty * League MVP - Pre Cy Young

* = MVP also that year

quote:

New York Yankees 2005 AL East Champions..AGAIN

Tied with the Boston Red Sox. (There are no tie breakers in baseball. Sheesh).

Another politically correct move by MLB?

The 162 games don't count just the 19 between the Yanks and RedSox

There should be a PLAYOFF GAME TODAY--that is baseball

TR...they knew I had pilates class tonight and couldn't make it to the Bronx in time for the game...so tie goes to the "runner"

In 2001, the same thing happened to the Astros & Cardinals -- identical records, but by head-to-head, the Astros won the Central Championship and the Cards were the Wild Card. But you knew that, because of the similiar coverage...eh?

Definitely. In this day and age, the closer has become every bit if not MORE important than the starters. Yes, a closer should be able to win the award...although I don't think a pitcher should be able to win the MVP.