MLB Preview 2007: CY Young Favorites

American League:

1. Johan Santana (Twins): How can Santana not be the preseason favorite to take the Cy Young award for the third time in four years? This guy could change his name to Pedro MarSouthpaw and nobody would bat an eye. He took the triple crown last season, and still has the most devastating changeup in the league.
2006: 19-6, 2.77 ERA, 245 K

2. Jeremy Bonderman (Tigers): He put up some career numbers last season and is still just 24 years old. This guy has gobs of talent and is still working on improving his repertoire. Watch for him to break out in a big way in 2007.
2006: 14-8, 4.08 ERA, 202 K

3. Daisuke Matsuzaka (Red Sox): Dice-K is ready to make a huge impact in the MLB. He has an arsenal of pitches that he can command and get guys out with. Whether he’s a power-pitcher with finesse, or a finesse-pitcher with power remains to be seen, but this guy is looking a whole lot like Pedro Martinez in his prime.
2006 (Japan): 17-5, 2.13 ERA, 200 K


4. Scott Kazmir (Devil Rays): His chances are hurt by the team he plays for, but Kazmir is one of the best young lefties in the game. If the offense can help him out in the wins column, Kazmir looks to move up in the voting.
2006: 10-8, 3.24 ERA, 163 K

5. John Lackey (Angels): Put up some nice numbers last season, but stumbled a bit down the stretch. He has the stuff to take the prize, but he’s going to have to remain consistent throughout the year to prove to the voters that he’s worth it.
2006: 13-11, 3.56 ERA, 190 K

Dark Horse Candidates: Chien-Ming Wang (Yankees), Justin Verlander (Tigers), Roy Halladay (Blue Jays), Dan Haren (Athletics), C.C. Sabathia (Indians), Erik Bedard (Orioles)

National League:

1. Carlos Zambrano (Cubs): In his contract year with Chicago, Zambrano is sure to put up some big numbers in the coming season. The offense is improved around him, which should help the Cubs in the division and put Zambrano on more of the voters’ radars.
2006: 16-7, 3.41 ERA, 210 K

2. Chris Carpenter (Cardinals): This guy doesn’t need to be put on anyone’s radar. Always a threat to take the Cy Young, Carpenter should make some fantasy owners happy once again in 2007.
2006: 15-8, 3.09 ERA, 184 K

3. Jake Peavy (Padres): He’s still riddled with talent, even if his numbers were down a bit last year. I’m expecting a big bounce back from Peavy in 2007, and considering he plays in the most pitcher-friendly ballpark and division in baseball, he should post some big numbers once again.
2006: 11-14, 4.09 ERA, 215 K

4. Roy Oswalt (Astros): He posted his second straight sub-3.00 ERA last season and has collected 55 wins in the last three years. With the absence of Andy Pettitte and the unknown that is Roger Clemens, Oswalt has proven that he is the ace of the Houston rotation.
2006: 15-8, 2.98 ERA, 166 K



5. Barry Zito (Giants): The move to the National League looks to be favorable for Zito. He isn’t the dominating pitcher he once was, but he can still do a lot for a team to win games. His numbers in the NL West are sure to improve over those in the AL West.
2006 (Oakland): 16-10, 3.83 ERA, 151 K

Dark Horse Candidates: Brandon Webb (Diamondbacks), Jason Schmidt (Dodgers), Aaron Harang (Reds), John Smoltz (Braves), Ben Sheets (Brewers), Derek Lowe (Dodgers), Dontrelle Willis (Marlins)