David Price has been one of the league’s most consistent pitchers, and with each year he only seems to get better and better. Price has finished out 2012 boasting his first 20 win season–the most in the American League.
Price has a 20-5 record, and has become the heart and soul of the Tampa Bay’s much celebrated pitching rotation. The closest Price has come to winning the Cy Young was in his 19 win 2010 season in which Felix Hernandez won the coveted award despite having a losing record.
Price also has the best ERA in the American League at just 2.56 to his credit. 20 victories has become the measuring stick for all Cy Young hopefuls (unless you’re King Felix, of course) and with his record being his biggest strength this is showing to be a Cy Young worthy year. Price’s biggest competition includes the likes of the aforementioned Felix Hernandez, who has since faltered since his perfect game and also Jared Weaver of the Angels who, too has 20 wins.
If history is any indicator on what the Cy Young votes will come down to Price’s low ERA, which will come in handy, as the last 8 Cy Young winners who’ve had the most wins coupled with the lowest ERA have won the award. Also, the fact that for most of the year with the loss of Evan Longoria to injury the always offensively anemic Rays were even more lackluster behind the plate, and Price still found ways to rack up wins for his squad. The numbers are there, the consistency and long time coming. This should be Price’s year.