yeah, ip would be key. as long as #2 isn't a 5-6ip and done type of guy. i don't give cy youngs to pitchers that can't rack up innings too.
based on how the voting went down, it sounds like all the extras added up too.
if #1 is a KB pitcher, then the 2.25 isn't luck and the crazy low whip isn't either. knuckleballers deserve a bit more attention, because what seems like a lucky year relative to other pitchers is just the norm for them in OotP (assuming cy young level talent). they can hav elow k/9, but a very low whip/XBH against and dominate. it's not fielding if they are nubbers all day. their FIP is always underrating them in ootp.
meh to the war statement. you'd be basing everything on a weighted average of several factors from a sample with high volatility. not the worst thing, but not what it is intended to do in such a precise manner like an award.
better than wins/losses, for sure. i wouldn't even look at the pitcher's record. his talent only correlates to wins, it doesn't cause them on their own. too many other important factors are relevant to simply blame or reward 1 pitcher for a loss/win, respectively.
tunnel vision is usually the worst approach. plus, this is arbitrary stuff any year it isn't a clear cut choice. in the end, if oyu don't let the computer pick, pick based on wht you like.
e.g. i'd never in a million years give it to the closer/sp and it can be quantitatively proven to be obvious based on how seldomly they played, but you think differently.. knock yourself out, because it's just an award
they really don't mean much.