ESPN insider believes Kennedy has chance for Cy Young
Aug 30, 2011, 11:27 PM | Updated: Aug 31, 2011, 12:33 am
PHOENIX – Arizona Diamondbacks starter Ian Kennedy has had a fantastic season and others are starting to take notice.
ESPN insider Tim Kurkjian joined Arizona Sports 620’s Burns and Gambo on Tuesday and said Kennedy is in contention for the Cy Young award in the National League.
“Ian Kennedy has a chance, but he’s going to have to be even better in the last month of the season and the other guys are going to have to fall off a little bit,” said Kurkjian.
Kennedy is 17-4 with a 3.03 ERA this season.
The D-backs ace’s main competition is Phillies’ Roy Halladay, Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw and Braves’ Jair Jurrjens.
“My guess is that he’s third right now, but I’ve seen the strangest things in the past where a guy’s gotten hot,” said Kurkjian.
Kurkjian believes Kennedy’s season is even more impressive based on the ballpark he pitches in.
“You can’t discount the ballpark he pitches in. That’s a great ballpark in which to hit where Ian Kennedy pitches 81 games a year,” said Kurkjian.
Even if Kennedy doesn’t end up with the Cy Young award, he is one of the main reasons for the D-backs being in prime position to get back to the playoffs.
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