Houston’s Cy Young

If you thought Hunter Pence was too obvious a choice for Houston’s MVP, don’t bother reading this post. Brett Myers was the Astro’s best pitcher the entire season. A season in which he came one out short in his final start of going at least six innings in each start this season. This hadn’t been done since Curt Schilling did so in 2002. Brett Myers was no question Houston’s most effective and consistent starter from the day he stepped foot in Minute Maid Park. Myers led the Astros in wins, ERA, strikeouts, and WHIP.

2010 not only saw Myers as the leader of a staff but also marked the best season of the 31-year old’s career. Brett Myers tied his career best with 14 wins, despite pitching for a team well under .500 all year. He also set career bests in ERA (3.14), innings (223.2), ERA+ (123). A big reason is his improved control of the strikezone. Myers set career lows in HR/9 (.8) and BB/9 (2.7). And after averaging a WAR of .7 over his last three years with the Phillies, Myers posted his highest WAR ever at 4.6.

Myers was a top draft pick, solid starting pitcher, and even an effective closer while in the Philadelphia organization. However, he seems to have figured something else out and reached a new level this season. Myers is the same age as Cliff Lee when Lee broke out in Cleveland. If Myers ends up anything like Lee, the Astros will have one of the best-buys in starting pitching in all of baseball. After earning $12,083,222 last year with the Phillies, Myers made $3,100,000 this year. The Houston Ace is signed through 2012 with a vesting option for 2013.