Well said. What if Clem was left in (as Carp has more than him)? Would his ERA escalate?
To extend this, 'what if' Carp were removed from each game where he pitched the 'leagal # of innings' and had no runs scored? Wouldn't his ERA go down? Would it help the team or just elevate his personal stats?
Has Carpenter won the Cy Young before? Personally I feel that both he and Clemens are deserving, but Carpenter's edge in the win column and IP category would prompt me to favor him. And I know this isn't a legitimate factor, but if he never won before I say share the wealth. Clemens already has a cabinet full of them.