Lee Presses On

While our “ace” has been more of a joker over the first few weeks, and the possible ace of the future couldn’t find the plate last night, fifth starter Cliff Lee took matters into his own, frozen hands today to pitch an absolute gem against the Oakland As.

Listening to a few callers during the weather delay on the radio, many were using excuses like that this team isn’t good in the cold.  Well, a few of them must have been listening as the wind gusts were treachorous and whatever was coming down from the sky for the majority of the day wasn’t exactly beams of sunshine.  But that didn’t stop Lee from tossing eight innings of two-hit ball.  Good news is also that the bats game alive in this one, chalking up a four-run eighth inning thanks to huge hits by Grady Sizemore and David Dellucci.  Needless to say, Jason Michaels was given the day off to rest his .111 average.  I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Michaels did record back-to-back games with at least one hit, taking his total to a whopping three for the year.

But back to Lee.  The lefty was perfect through three, and struck out eight Athletics while walking none – something that was a definite change from the past two games.  The former Cy Young candidate now sits with a 2-0 record with an ERA of 0.61.  Will he maintain this streak?  Not likely.  But at a time of the young season where a few players are looking to get back into the swing of things, it’s nice to see a position that was a question mark coming into the year ironing itself out so soon.  Let’s hope that Lee can stay healthy and continue to offer a solid end-of-rotation option.

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