Gio Gonzalez’s 19th win sparks conversations about his contention for winning Cy Young Award-MLB
The Washington Nationals’ starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez steals the show which was earlier dominated by the New York Mets’ R.A. Dickey about the Cy Young Award. By recording his 19th win of the season, he has triggered debate about the hot contenders
that are going to clinch this Award.
Nationals’ manager Davey Johnson is fairly confident that Gonzalez has done all in the season that can be expected from a Cy Young Award winner.
Along with Stephen Strasburg, Gonzalez initiated long winning streaks from the beginning for the team.
While possibly overshadowed by Strasburg when the ace was not shut-down, as of now he is earning the spotlight and thus the due recognition of the solid shows he has put up in the season.
At the same time he has emerged as a top contender for the Cy Young Award. Although he faces fierce competition from others in this regard, by keep performing throughout the season he can leave them behind.
The fact the Nationals are poised for finding a spot in the post-season can also mean that Gonzalez will earn more opportunities to make sure he gathers the numbers to win the award.
His closest rival in the race is R.A. Dickey who belongs to a team which is out of contention at the moment. Despite the fact Dickey is equally important when leading contenders are considered, Gonzalez can be helped by the top standing on the table of the
team that he belongs to.
Johnson has shared the same view while he talked about Gonzalez as a candidate for the award. Johnson is optimistic that Gonzalez will earn the prestige of the Cy Young Award from the National League.
“No question,” Johnson said. “No doubt about it. I know Dickey gets a lot of attention, but you’re talking about a last-place club. It’s a little bit different. We’ve been on top and getting all those wins.”
Regardless of who earns the award, Gonzalez will be aware of the most important job that he is to carry out in the days ahead. The absence of Strasburg has put an extra responsibility on him.
He will be looking to perform it and keep the dominance of the Nationals’ pitchers in the season alive as a result.
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