On Thursday, we find out what most people have assumed for months now.
On Friday, we begin to watch what we assumed would unfold for months.
These events couldn't be more different, but connected in an odd and eerie way.
Cliff Lee dominated the opposition from start to finish. The Cleveland Indians left-hander came into the season as the fifth starter, just hoping to hold on, and left the staff ace just looking to continue his success.
His 2008 success poses a big question.
How did a guy that was sent to Triple-A just last year manage to turn around his career like this?
In 2007, Lee couldn't hold a lead even when he was successful. His offense would put him ahead in a game and Lee would find ways to give that up.
Last year was filled with injuries and frustration. He started the season on the disabled list, which basically took away his Spring Training. He made his debut in the first week of May and in his second start actually pitched a complete game.
But it was all downhill from there.
He had his bright spots, but this was supposed to be the second best pitcher the Indians had on their staff behind CC Sabathia.
Oh that name, Sabathia, the man who won the American League Cy Young award that year, the pitcher who stands to make a ton of cash when Free Agency opens on Friday.
Cliff Lee could've been had for so much less.
Lee was rumored in a deal involving Carlos Quentin, which is reminiscent of a Josh Hamilton for Edison Volquez trade off at this point. But Arizona obviously didn't think Lee would do what he did in 2008.
Then again, neither did the Cleveland Indians.
But they stuck with him, almost by default. If you honestly ask Indians GM Mark Shapiro if he tried to get rid of Lee, he would tell you he explored it. Truth is, Lee was probably the name brought up most in trade talks, mostly out of the fan's angst.
Why though?
Lee's antics had worn thin with the Cleveland faithful.
In the past, Lee has shown his attitude and short temper out on the mound. He's famous for firing his glove into the crowd during a game in Toronto.
In 2007, two acts stood out that summed up Lee's season.
During a game in Texas, Lee had a blow up with his Catcher Victor Martinez. This is the same game in which he gave up five runs in the first inning mind you. After the disastrous first, Lee actually stayed in the game and showed soms rare poise.
Remarkably, he managed to pitch into the seventh inning, and the Indians slowly made a comeback.
At one point however, Lee and Martinez started to argue on the mound after Lee hit Rangers' slugger Sammy Sosa in the head.
The argument actually prompted a closed-door player’s only meeting which actually started to help the Indians turn their season around.
However, Lee's season wouldn't do the same.
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about 1 month ago
Nice job Nino! Lee's day will come, not to the extent of CC, but Lee will get to cash-in in two years when his contract comes up. Lee has a great story of determination that we all have to admire.
from about 1 month ago
I wonder if Lee continues this sort of success what type of contract he would receive. Consider that he will be 32 entering the first year of his next contract. With baseball getting a BIT 'smarter', I find it tough to believe he would get a contract of more then 3 years.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah, it will be interesting to say the least. He certainly won't break the bank, but if he is still pitching as is, I see a 3-4 year deal in $15 mil range per year. The contract would be on the risky side of things, but it seems that may be a reasonable guestimate to me..
about 1 month ago
Awesome story Nino...I did some minor editing on sentence structure and grammar, but nothing big.
We share something in common this season. Celebrating a Cy Young winner on a crappy team. At least we have something to cheer for, right? At least we're not Mariners fans =)
Congratulations to you, Indians fans everywhere, and to Mr. Lee.
Lincecum & Lee....2008 Cy Young Award Winners!!!
It has a nice ring to it..
from about 1 month ago
Yes indeed.. Cliff gave a lot of fans, ones that just couldn't watch every night, a reason to tune in at least once every five days.. It truly was special.. He also gave us a reason to be happy about this season, even though it didn't turn out how we expected it to.
about 1 month ago
Nicely written Nino. Hopefully yuor career follows a similar route as Lee's.
from about 1 month ago
Haha thanks Todd!
about 1 month ago
Not fishing for comments but I finally wrote today. After a degree in Newspaper Journalism in 1983, I finally picked up "a pen" again (so to speak). LOL
about 1 month ago
I am not a fan of Lee winning the AL Cy Young, although being 1b isn't far from where I would rank him.
He certainly has a nice 'feel good story'.
from about 1 month ago
Wow..Whos your pick then, Brandon? I'd love to hear it.
from about 1 month ago
Roy Halladay.
Didn't have the award handed to him through pitching against weak competition and predominantly in pitchers parks.
about 1 month ago
Awesome article. I love Lee and I think he deserves the Cy Young hands down.
about 1 month ago
My boy wins the NL Cy. Your boy wins the AL Cy. It's been a good couple of days for us. Lee was insane this year. He deserves this as much as anybody. Our teams sucked for the most part this year, but hey, the winter has gotten off to a nice start hasn't it?
about 1 month ago
If somehow Lee hadn't won the AL Cy Young, there would be no justice in baseball.
My God, the Indians were terrible for a large chunk of 2008 and still, Lee just kept on winning!
22-3 and an ERA around 2.50 is just RIDICULOUS in the American League!
Scary to think that Lee, Sabathia and Limpscomb were all Indians...too bad we can't pay Yankee money to keep our studs!
Manny, Thome, etc....
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