Chicago Cubs: Cubbies Crib staff casts their end-of-year award votes

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CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 09: Max Scherzer #31 of the Washington Nationals pitches in the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs during game three of the National League Division Series at Wrigley Field on October 9, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs: CC staff goes with Mad Max in NL Cy Young race

Opposite Kluber in what, in many folks’ minds was a projected World Series matchup, Max Scherzer got the nod from the boys in the NL race.

The Washington Nationals right-hander, who was on the mound in the decisive inning of Game 5 of this year’s NLCS, had another masterful regular season. For the ninth consecutive campaign, Scherzer made at least 30 starts. It’s not just that he ate innings, either. He was lights-out almost every time he took the ball.

He put up a 0.902 WHIP – the best mark of his career, leading the league with 268 strikeouts – despite missing time with a hamstring injury in September. The two-time Cy Young winner allowed just 5.7 hits per nine – also a personal best.

Away from Nationals Park, Scherzer put up a minuscule 1.82 ERA in 16 starts. That, in our minds, encapsulates what it means to be a Cy Young-caliber pitcher. Giving your team the chance to win every single time you take the ball – especially on the road – speaks a lot about your body of work.

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