from Amazon
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
BBWAA votes: #1 ERA, #2 W/L, #3 CG
Verlander and Weaver had the same ERA, but was better in W/L, K and K-BB differential.
Since Shields beat Weaver K and K-BB differential, then Verlander’s victory was based disproportionately on W/L. And since Weaver beat Shields in ERA, then his #2 placement is based disproportionately on ERA.
As for Shields, well, he pitched 12 more innings than CC, and gave up one less earned run. Their K and BB numbers are very similar, while CC gave up much fewer HR and had a way better W/L record. CC did give up a ton more singles (or rather, he was on the mound when a ton more singles were hit).
So, it was Shields’ complete games and lack of singles against CC’s lack of HR and W/L record.