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by Digger

As the 2008 baseball season enters its' final month, the American League arms race has been narrowed to three. Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay and Francisco Rodriguez are having exceptional years on the mound. They're front runners for this seasons AL Cy Young Award.

Cliff Lee's (19-2, 2.43) return to prominence has been a fun story to follow. Heading into spring training Lee was viewed as a long shot to make Cleveland's opening day roster. Arm injuries (5-8, 6.29 in '07) seemed to curtail a once promising career (18-5, 3.97 in '05). He was not expected to be much of a factor pitching behind CC Sabathia, Jake Westbrook, Fausto Carmona and Paul Byrd. Lee put all the naysayers to shame. His tough work ethic helped rebuild a weakened pitching arm and sheer determination did the rest. He's sporting an AL best 19 victories and league low 2.43 ERA while pitching for an Indians team which never lived up to their expected potential this year. Nonetheless, Lee's been Clevelands stopper. He hasn't lost a decision since July 6th and allowed no more than 2 earned runs in 20 of 26 games. Cliff has proven staying ahead of hitters has its' advantages (only 27 walks, 8 HR in 185.1 innings).

Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay (17-9, 2.69) has kept hitters off balance most of the year. Halladay is no stranger to the Cy Young race having won back in 2003 (22-7, 3.25... 3rd in '06, 5th in '07). His stuff has been nasty all season long stiffling opponents bats. Eight complete games leads all pitchers and sports a winning record in every month after April. Six victories have been posted against New York and Boston, arch division rivals. Halladay is probably on the outside looking in as of now. His stock will rise if Lee hits a bump in the road.

Los Angeles Angels closer extraordinaire Francisco Rodriguez (2-2, 2.47, 53 Saves) is on the verge of shattering MLB's All Time Saves Record held by Bobby Thigpen (57). August was his only month in '08 without double digit save totals. The Angels know leads are safe after 8 innings when FRod takes the ball. He knows how to make major league hitters look like little leaguers (65 strikeouts in 57 innings). His stuff is flat out nasty. Near 100 mph fastball coupled with a knee buckling breaking ball makes this guy nearly untouchable. Expect Halos Mgr Scioscia to give Rodriguez every shot to become baseball's first ever 60 save man.

Great debates take place this time of year. Should relievers be considered for Cy Young or MVP Awards? Should starting pitchers be considered MVP's when their teams aren't contending? What determines a most valuable player? Best stats or most wins? These dicussions garner much intensity year after year.

Rodriguez must be considered the front runner for '08 Cy Young. He's on the verge of unchartered territory (60 saves) while being the games most dominant hurler. Anything can still happen but it'll take a lot to knock this guy off of his perch as odds on favorite. Halladay and Lee have been great, FRod has been the best. Honorable mention and recognition is given to Mike Mussina (16-7, 3.41) and Daisuke Matsuzaka (16-2, 2.82).