Cy-zing up the candidates

A look at the top candidates for the National League Cy Young award, which will be presented Tuesday:

Roy Halladay, Phillies: Led the majors in innings pitched (250.2), complete games (nine) and shutouts (four); went 21-10 and tied for the ML lead in wins . . . Pitched a perfect game in May and went at least six innings in 32 of 33 starts . . . Allowed 2 earned runs or less in 20 of 33 starts.

Adam Wainwright, Cardinals: Went 20-11 and was the NL's only other 20-game winner . . . Went 1-5 during a stretch that began in mid-August that doomed his chances . . . His five complete games are second to Halladay's league-best nine, while his ERA (2.42) is a shade better than Halladay's (2.44).

Ubaldo Jimenez, Rockies: Looked like a runaway lock when he started the All-Star Game with a 15-1 record. He finished 4-7 . . . Turns 27 in January and is just hitting his prime.

Roy Oswalt, Astros/Phillies: With a little run support, he could have fared better than a 6-12 record with Houston and maybe gotten to 17 wins after his posttrade dominance with the Phillies.

Brian Wilson, Giants: Led the majors with 48 saves to go along with an excellent 1.81 ERA . . . Had five blown saves and 93 strikeouts in 74.2 innings . . . Would get stronger consideration if starting pitchers weren't as strong or if postseason performance was included.

Also considered: Tim Hudson, Braves; Bronson Arroyo, Reds; Tim Lincecum, Giants; Derek Lowe, Braves; Chris Carpenter, Cardinals.