KC Royals: 5 Reasons Danny Duffy Can Win AL Cy Young

Duffy Has Dominated Since Late June

Why am I looking at late June when it comes to Duffy? It’s because that’s when KC Royals manager Ned Yost first took off the training wheels and allowed him to take a pitch count over 100.

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Danny Duffy’s numbers become even more impressive after building up his arm. In the 10 starts since June 22, Duffy is 7-0, with a 2.56 ERA in 70.1 innings pitched. His 9.59 K/9 and 1.66 BB/9 remain impressive, and the Kansas City Royals are 9-1 in those 10 starts.

The number that jumps out at me is that Duffy has been averaging a little over seven innings per start. That’s exactly what makes Duffy an ace; he pretty much has been dominating games since taking full turns in the rotation.

Now, Duffy has received 4.7 runs per game from an anemic KC Royals offense that averages only 3.82 runs per game over the entire season. Some might argue that Danny Duffy’s 9-1 record involves quite a bit of luck. However, perhaps the boost in run production is because the Kansas City Royals hitters are more confident with the pitcher that has become their ace on the mound.

I know that isn’t exactly an objective measure. Somewhere, Bill James is throwing up because there are baseball bloggers who still make such arguments. I don’t care. When you compare the difference between Duffy and the rest of Kansas City’s gopher ball starting pitching, I can see how hitters would be a lot more focused with Duff-man on the mound.

I don’t think Danny Duffy’s better run support is an accident. Sue me.

Next: Reason No. 4