In what could be the first step towards a Cy Young award, Felix Hernandez was named the AL Pitcher of the Year by Sporting News today.
Despite his 13-12 record, due to a serious lack of run support, Sporting News recognized Hernandez as the best in the AL, over fellow Cy Young candidates CC Sabathia and David Price.
Although Hernandez’s 13-12 record was pedestrian for last-place Seattle, he led the AL with a 2.27 ERA and 249 2/3 innings pitched. His career-best 232 strikeouts were second in the league, and his 30 quality starts were the most in the majors.
NL standout Roy Halladay, of the Philadelphia Phillies, was named the NL pitcher of the year.