ERA IS an incredibly important stat, but it can't be the only stat used when judging a CY Young winner. IMO, other very important stats include WHIP and Game Scores. Both Clemens and Carpenter are essentially equal in those stats at this point in the season. Clemens' and Carpenter's ERAs are getting closer every week, but a difference of 10 wins between these two pitchers is huge. Of course luck is involved in wins and losses, because luck is involved in nearly every aspect of the game of baseball including ERA.