The Diamondbacks punched their post-season ticket last week and while many experts feel Kirk Gibson will eventually be named the National League Manager of Year, the accolades may not stop there.
The NL Cy Young Award appears to be a tight race and it includes D-backs’ ace Ian Kennedy.
Although Kennedy’s next start won’t be until Game 1 of the NLDS this weekend, his regular season stats will certainly catch the attention of voters. Kennedy is tied with Dodgers’ ace Clayton Kershaw for most wins with 21, while only suffering four losses in 33 starts.
One debate among voters may be if Kershaw’s slightly better numbers hold less value compared to Kennedy because he plays on a team that has been out of the playoff picture for several weeks.
Diamondbacks television analyst Mark Grace was posed that question by Brad Cesmat Tuesday on “Big on Sports.”
“I think it’s Clayton Kershaw,” Grace said.
“They’re both fabulous…wins, ERA, and strikeouts all belong to Kershaw so that’s why I’d give it him. For me it’s whoever the best pitcher is this year. Kershaw has been the best pitcher in the National League. Ian Kennedy has been a close second. You can certainly make an argument for (Roy) Halladay, for Cliff Lee, but for me it’s Clayton Kershaw. ” Grace added.
Halladay claimed his first Cy Young Award last November.
