Depending on one's perspective, a comparison to Steve Carlton's 1972 season is either fair or unfair. Most would think its unfair. Like I mentioned earlier, the times make it difficult to compare apples to apples in all cases. Carlton had 30 complete games; there is no way a pitcher can be expected to complete nearly every game he pitches. That effects stats such as wins, innings pitched, batters faced, hits allowed, walks and runs allowed.
To me, I don't think it is grounds for ending this discussion. It is fair to bring up the fact that Carlton won the 1972 Cy Young on a last place team, something that is very difficult to do. Dickey is trying to win the award on a Mets team that should very well be in last place, and only isn't because the Miami Marlins have caved in more than the Mets have. Non cumulative stats can make a fairer comparison.
Carlton obviously has the advantage in wins 27-19. Dickey has a higher winning percentage .760 to .730. Carlton had a lower ERA 1.97 to 2.66. Carlton made 41 starts, completed 30 games and had 8 shutouts. He also had 346 1/3 IP, 257 hits allowed, gave up 127 ER, 87 walks and had 310 Ks. Dickey has pitched 220 innings, given up 177 hits, 65 runs, walked 52 and struck out 209.
Carlton led the NL with a 182 ERA plus. Dickey sits at 142. Dickey has a 1.041 WHIP, slightly higher than Carlton's 0.993. Dickey has a chance to narrow the gap in his last two starts.
While Dickey has given up slightly more hits per 9 IP (7.2-6.7) and HRs per 9 IP (0.9-0.4), Dickey has walked less per 9 IP (2.1-2.3). RA also has more Ks per 9 IP (8.6-8.1) and more Ks to walks (4.02-3.56).
It is safe to say Carlton had the better season. Can Dickey win the Cy Young though? Winning his 20th will give him the distinct advantage.