Brandon Webb beats Trevor Hoffman in a close race for the NL Cy Young Award. Webb polled 15 first place votes to Hoffman's 12, but also appeared on 29 ballots compared to 23 for Hoffman. Interestingly, it looks like most writers put Carpenter second, but with few first place votes he wound up third in the race. I think it's a good decision.

Webb threw a career-high 235 innings on the season while recording a career-high 178 strikeouts in addition to five complete games and three shutouts. Webb boasted the fourth-best ERA in the Majors and ranked second in innings pitched. He tied for second in complete games and tied for first in shutouts.

Webb went unbeaten in his first 13 starts, while posting an 8-0 record with a 2.14 ERA over that span.

Webb was in a sweet spot this season. His strikeouts were high enough to take pressure off his defense, but when called on, the fielders behind him were superb, posting a .713 DER. One reason for the complete games was his efficiency, as he allowed just 3.5 pitches per batter faced. It was a fine season by Brandon. He's a deserving recipient.