Blogs

Cliff Lee

Pitcher
Position
P
Bats
L
Throws
L

Contract: Signed through 2009 with a club option for 2010.

  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 190 lbs
  • Born: Aug 30, 1978

  • Debut: September 15, 2002

SEASON

IPWSKERA

Newsbreakers

December 17, 2009

Cliff Lee was blindsided by his trade to the Seattle Mariners, and thought he would finish his career in Philadelphia, according to MLB.com.

Our View:

"At first I didn't believe it. I thought we were working out an extension with the Phillies," he said. "I thought I would spend the rest of my career there. It is a business and you never know what's going to happen." Perhaps he will now have some extra motivation in Seattle next season. Pitching in the pitcher-friendly confines of Safeco Field in 2010, he will be as elite an option as ever.

December 16, 2009

The Mariners officially acquired Cliff Lee on Wednesday afternoon, sending outfield prospect Tyson Gillies and pitching prospects Phillippe Aumont and Juan Ramirez to the Phillies, according to the Mariners' official site.

Our View:

We've all known this was going to go down for the past few days, and now at least half of the three-team deal that will also send Roy Halladay to the Phillies is officially complete. Lee, along with Felix Hernandez, will provide one of the best one-two punches in the majors. While he'll surely miss the offensive support he received in Philadelphia, a shift from a hitter-friendly stadium to a pitcher-friendly one could potentially make his already gaudy numbers even better.

November 6, 2009

MLB.com's Todd Zolecki reports that the Phillies have exercised Cliff Lee's $9 million 2010 option.

Our View:

File this one under "duh." Now the question is, will the Phils work out a long-term extension this winter. After picking up the win in both of the team's World Series victories this fall, the answer would seem to be a resounding yes.

November 2, 2009

Cliff Lee wasn't his usual dominant self on Monday, but he was good enough as the Phillies stayed alive by defeating the Yankees 8-6. Lee pitched seven innings and allowed five runs on seven hits while walking three and striking out three.

Our View:

Lee was very good until the eighth inning, when the Yanks put up three runs to get back in the game. The Phils are still alive, but they are heading back to New York down 3-2.

October 30, 2009

Cliff Lee will not be starting game four of the World Series against the Yankees on short rest, according to MLB.com's Noah Coslov.

Our View:

Lee threw 122 pitches in a complete game, game one victory. The Phils will instead counter the Yankees' CC Sabathia, who will be starting on three days rest, with Joe Blanton.

October 28, 2009

Cliff Lee blew away the high-powered Yankees in game one of the World Series, striking out ten in a complete game 6-1 victory.

Our View:

Wow. There's good, and then there's great, and Lee was positively dazzling on Wednesday. The Yanks better hope the next time they face him isn't in an elimination game.

October 25, 2009

As was widely expected, Cliff Lee has been named the Phillies' starting pitcher for game one of the World Series on Wednesday, according to MLB.com's Noah Coslov.

Our View:

If the Yankees win tonight, he will face off with CC Sabathia. If they don't, it could be anyone from Andy Pettitte to John Lackey or Jered Weaver of the Angels.

October 18, 2009

Cliff Lee was masterful yet again on Sunday as the Phillies destroyed the Dodgers 11-0 to take a 2-1 series lead in the NLCS. Lee pitched eight scoreless innings and allowed only three hits while striking out 10.

Our View:

This guy is just really, really good. His team gave him plenty of run support, but this game was over after the first with Lee on the mound. He almost looks like a sure thing every time he steps on the hill, and he gave the Phils the all-important lead in the series.

October 12, 2009

Cliff Lee threw 7.1 more dominating playoff innings on Monday night, but took a no-decision as the Phillies rallied for a late 5-4 win in Denver. The victory gave Philadelphia a 3-1 series win in the NLDS, and they will now square off with the Dodgers for the second straight season to decide the National League.

Our View:

Lee has now allowed just two earned runs in 16.1 playoff innings this season, and should be a handful for the Dodgers' talented lineup.

October 7, 2009

In his first ever postseason start, Cliff Lee went the distance in a 5-1 Phillies win that showcased his dominant left arm. Philadelphia now lead the Rockies 1-0 in the National League Division Series.

Our View:

Manager Charlie Manuel was chided for starting Lee over last year's postseason hero, Cole Hamels, but it looks like he made the right move. The big lefty allowed just one run on six his over his nine innings of work and needed just 113 pitches (79 for strikes) to get the job done. He fanned five and did not walk a batter.

October 6, 2009

Cliff Lee has been named the Phillies starter in the first game of their divisional series match-up with the Rockies on Wednesday, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.

Our View:

Cole Hamels will start game two. Lee was mostly dominant after coming to the Phillies in a deal at the trade deadline, but went just 2-3 with a 5.45 ERA after September 1. In his lone 2009 start against the Rockies, he limited them to one run over seven innings.

October 1, 2009

Cliff Lee was rocky again in his final start of the regular season. The Phllies ace allowed four runs (three earned) in 5.2 innings, as Philadelphia lost 5-3 at home to the Astros.

Our View:

After initially mowing down the National League like it was Triple-A, Lee has been very ordinary of late, going just 2-3 with a 5.71 ERA in six September starts. The Phils are going to need him to get right for the playoffs, as they attempt to become the first team since the 2000 Yankees to repeat as World Series champions.

September 25, 2009

Cliff Lee was lit up for seven earned runs on nine hits over six innings in Friday's 8-4 loss at Milwaukee. He had no walks with six strikeouts, and gave up two homers.

Our View:

Lee had one of his worst performances of the season after allowing one or less earned runs in each of his previous two starts. Hopefully he will bounce back as the Phillies gear up for the playoffs.

September 20, 2009

Cliff Lee tossed only four innings on Sunday due to a rain delay in Atlanta, and he did not factor into the decision as the Phillies beat the Braves 4-2. Lee allowed one run on five hits while striking out two in the game.

Our View:

Lee's outing was cut short due to weather today, but he was pretty good again before he was removed. Lee has found his stride after a few rough outings, and he looks like the dominating pitcher the Phils traded for earlier this season.

September 15, 2009

Cliff Lee dominated once again on Tuesday. He tossed a complete game shutout in a 5-0 win over the Nationals and allowed just six hits and three walks while striking out nine.

Our View:

Lee now has seven wins with the Phillies this season and three of them have been complete games. He was lights out in his first five starts in the NL, but then stumbled badly in his last three. Looks like he's back on track.

September 9, 2009

Cliff Lee narrowly got the win on Wednesday after two poor straight outings. The Philly ace allowed four runs in seven innings as Philadelphia beat the Nationals 6-5 on the road.

Our View:

It wasn't a spectacular night, but Lee definitely looked back on track. Expect big things down the stretch.

September 4, 2009

Cliff Lee got tagged for six runs on nine hits in just three innings of work on Friday as the Phillies fell to the Astros by a score of 7-0. Lee has now lost his last two outings, allowing 12 runs in just eight innings pitched.

Our View:

We don't know if it is time for Lee owners to be concerned just yet, but his last two outings have been disasterous. We still expect him to rebound and be just fine, but it is worth monitoring him over his next few starts.

August 29, 2009

Cliff Lee finally lost a game as a member of the Phillies on Saturday night, getting tagged for six runs and three home runs in just five innings, as the Phillies lost 9-1 to Atlanta in a rain-shortened eight-inning game.

Our View:

The rough night saw Lee's Phillies ERA skyrocket all the way to...1.80. We think he'll be just fine.

August 24, 2009

Cliff Lee moved to 5-0 as a member of the Phillies on Monday afternoon as Philadelphia defeated the Mets 6-2. Lee went seven innings and allowed two unearned runs on six hits while striking out five.

Our View:

Lee has been pretty much unhittable since coming over the the Phils, and it took two errors by his defense today to force him to actually give up runs. He has been one of the biggest deadline additions in baseball, and he is one of the main reasons the Phillies are considered by many to be the favorite in the NL.

August 19, 2009

Cliff Lee was masterful on Wednesday as the Phillies pounded the Diamondbacks by a score of 9-1. Lee allowed one unearned run in his nine innings pitched while allowing two hits and striking out 11.

Our View:

This is why the Phillies traded for Lee. He was dominating tonight, and the Phillies will remain one of the favorites in the NL if he keeps pitching like this. There is no reason to think last year's AL Cy Young winner won't keep it up.

August 13, 2009

Cliff Lee improved to 3-0 as a Phillie on Thursday by dominating the Cubs at Wrigley Field. The tough lefty pitched eight innings on one run ball, striking out eight in the process, as the Phils won 6-1.

Our View:

Lee has pitched even better for Philadelphia than the Phillies probably thought he would. In three starts, he's now 3-0 with a 1.12 ERA and 0.92 WHIP.

August 6, 2009

Cliff Lee earned his first win in front of the home town faithful on Thursday afternoon. He allowed just six hits and a walk over seven innings and fanned nine in a 3-1 win over the Rockies.

Our View:

Lee looked brilliant in this one and is now 2-0 since joining the Phillies with just two runs allowed in 16 innings. He has fanned 15 over that stretch.

July 31, 2009

Cliff Lee only surrendered one earned run on four hits over nine innings in Friday's 5-1 win at San Francisco. He had two walks and six strikeouts.

Our View:

Lee enjoyed a strong debut with the Phillies, and the reigning Cy Young winner looks to benefit from a fresh start in the NL with a contender. He improves to 8-9, and notched his fourth complete game.

July 30, 2009

Cliff Lee is slated to make his first start with the Phillies Friday against the Giants at AT&T Park, according to Scott Lauber's twitter page.

Our View:

Lee was only 7-9 with the struggling Indians this season, but the reigning Cy Young winner could have a strong second half with the defending World Series champs, assuming he can handle pitching his home games at launching pad Citizens Bank Park.

July 29, 2009

According to Ken Rosenthal at FOXSports.com, the Phillies and Indians have agreed on a deal that will send pitcher Cliff Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco to Philadelphia in exchange for Jason Knapp, Carlos Carrasco and two other prospects.

Our View:

Knapp is considered to be the main ingredient in the trade and the Tribe takes in a decent haul, but the Phillies got their big name starter and now have to be considered the favorites in the National League to return to the World Series. Lee should see an increase in wins with the Phillies' lineup at his disposal, and if he can keep the ball in the park in Philly his fantasy value should increase significantly.

July 29, 2009

According to the Associate Press, the Phillies have made an official offer to the Indians for Cliff Lee.

Our View:

The package is said to include Single-A righty Jason Knapp, Triple-A righty Carlos Carrasco, shortstop Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson. Knapp is the centerpiece, but the real key to the deal is that the Phils get to keep J.A. Happ and Kyle Drabek (something they couldn't have done if they wanted to land Roy Halladay). This appears to be a much more affordable option. More updates to come as this deal is really heating up.

July 29, 2009

According to FOX Sports, the Phillies are the new front runner for Indians' ace Cliff Lee.

Our View:

The Phillies would have to give up significantly less for Lee than they would for Roy Halladay, so this may be the more realistic of the two options. Single-A starter Jason Knapp is considered to be the centerpiece of the deal, which would also include Carlos Carrasco (who was scratched from his Triple-A start today). Lee would considerably help a struggling Phillies' rotation and his fantasy value would likely increase (more wins) if he can keep the ball down the band box the Phillies play in.

July 27, 2009

The Angels are another team that are apparently in relatively heavy pursuit of Cliff Lee, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Our View:

Second baseman Howie Kendrick would apparently be part of a possible deal that would likely include at least one or two other prospects, and possibly a starting pitcher, as well. It remains to be seen whether or not Cleveland will move Lee, but you can bet that the rumors will continue to be rampant as the trade deadline approaches.

July 27, 2009

The Yankees apparently had a scout in attendance for Cliff Lee's start against Seattle on Sunday, according to AOL Fanhouse.

Our View:

Lee continues to be one of the main sources of trade rumors, and with a contract through the 2010 season, it remains to be seen whether or not the Indians will move him. Lee's stock would certainly increase if he moved to a contender and got more opportunities to win ball games.

July 26, 2009

Both teams have "strongly denied" reports that the Indians and Dodgers have been discussing a blockbuster deal that would send Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez to L.A. for one of the Dodgers young rotation mainstays and James Loney, according to FoxSports.com.

Our View:

The word blockbuster is overused in sports, but this would truly be a blockbuster, an earth-shattering trade in the world of baseball. It's hard to believe the Dodgers would be willing to trade either Clayton Kershaw or Chad Billingsley, but Lee and V-Mart are both in the primes of their careers and relatively cheap. Stay tuned.

July 26, 2009

Cliff Lee won his third straight start on Sunday, allowing just two runs in seven innings, as the Indians routed the Mariners 12-3 in Seattle.

Our View:

Lee, who has famously received very little run support this season, is now 7-9. With the trading deadline coming this Friday, Sunday could have been Lee's last start in an Indians uniform. Were here to actually be traded, you could expect him to double his first half wins total.

July 23, 2009

The Rays have reportedly discussed a trade with the Indians involving Cliff Lee, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.

Our View:

The two sides were not close to a deal as of Wednesday night. The Indians want multiple top prospects in exchange for Lee, and would like to acquire Wade Davis as the featured blue chip in a potential trade with Tampa Bay. The reigning Cy Young winner has been a disappointment this season - but could finish strong with a much-better supporting cast if dealt to the defending AL champs.

July 22, 2009

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Brewers are scouting Indians' ace Cliff Lee.

Our View:

The Brew Crew sent a scout to watch Lee pitch against the Blue Jays on Tuesday night and were treated to a nine-inning, one-run performance by the Tribe's ace. The Brewers desperately need pitching and they likely don't have the prospects to land Roy Halladay (after trading most of them away for a CC Sabathia rental last season), so Lee would be a more feasible option.

July 21, 2009

Cliff Lee was in control from the hill in Tuesday's 2-1 win at Toronto, as he only issued one earned run on seven hits over nine innings. He had no walks with four strikeouts.

Our View:

Lee has allowed one earned run in each of his last two starts, and trimmed his ERA to 3.17. The reigning Cy Young winner is pitching like an elite hurler again since coming off the All-Star break. He notched his third complete game of the season tonight.

July 16, 2009

Cliff Lee went the distance on Thursday night, scattering nine hits as the Indians silenced the Mariners 4-1 in Cleveland.

Our View:

Lee rebounded from a few mediocre outings in a row on Thursday, and now has two complete games on the season. He's not dominating like he did in 2008, but still has a 3.31 ERA and is the among the AL league leaders in many categories.

July 10, 2009

Cliff Lee gave up three earned runs on five hits over seven innings in Friday's 5-1 loss at Detroit. He had two walks and racked up eight strikeouts.

Our View:

The reigning Cy Young winner suffered his ninth loss of the season, and is winless over his last five starts. His fantasy stock continues to be hindered while pitching for the struggling Indians (34-53).

July 5, 2009

Cliff Lee struggled a bit again on Sunday as the Indians fell to the A's by a score of 5-2. Lee went six innings and allowed three runs on eight hits while walking four and striking out three.

Our View:

Lee wasn't nearly as bad today as he was in his last start, but Lee owners should be concerned about his recent play. He has been good for a majority of the season, but he is far from the Cy Young winner we saw last season.

June 30, 2009

Cliff Lee was lit up for seven earned runs on 11 hits over a mere three innings of work in Tuesday's 11-4 loss to the rival White Sox at Progressive Field. He had one walk and three strikeouts.

Our View:

This was a nightmarish performance from the reigning Cy Young winner. He falls to 4-7, and continues to disappoint fantasy owners. He has gone three straight starts without a win.

June 25, 2009

Cliff Lee only surrendered two earned runs on four hits over seven innings in Thursday's 3-2 loss at Pittsburgh. He issued three walks with five strikeouts.

Our View:

It was a solid outing for Lee other than the three free passes, but he was forced to take a no-decision due to poor run support from his teammates. The reigning Cy Young winner remains at 4-6, despite a 2.92 ERA. The struggling Indians continue to hinder his fantasy stock.

June 24, 2009

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports indicates that the Dodgers had internal discussions regarding a trade to acquire Indians' ace Cliff Lee.

Our View:

The Indians are not going to let the reigning Cy Young winner go for a low price, and it remains to be seen if the Dodgers are willing to part with the top prospects it would likely take to acquire him. Lee's fantasy stock could improve if he did leave the struggling Indians for a solid team, such as the Dodgers.

June 19, 2009

Cliff Lee allowed three earned runs on six hits over seven innings in Friday's 8-7 loss at the Cubs. He had three walks and five strikeouts, and gave up two homers. The battle lasted 10 innings.

Our View:

Lee took a no-decision, and remains at 2-0 over four starts in June. Lee is not as dominant this season as he was when he claimed the Cy Young award in 2008, and continues to hold a losing record at 4-6.

June 14, 2009

Cliff Lee took a no-hitter into the eighth inning Sunday night against the Cardinals. Lee pitched a complete game shutout and he gave up three hits while walking two and striking out six.

Our View:

Lee sure looked like a Cy Young winner tonight, and he had the Cards' hitters absolutely baffled all night. Lee has been a bit of a disappointment this season, but after tonight's start he looks to be right back on track. Expect good things in his future.

June 9, 2009

Cliff Lee struggled in Tuesday's 8-4 win over the Royals at Progressive Field, as he gave up four earned runs on 11 hits over six innings. He had one walk and four strikeouts.

Our View:

Lee is lucky the Indians provided enough offensive support for him to avoid a loss. He has been inconsistent this season, and is not the same pitcher that won the Cy Young in 2008.

June 3, 2009

Cliff Lee allowed just one run over eight innings as the Indians won 10-1 in Minnesota on Wednesday. He gave up seven hits and a walk while striking out five.

Our View:

Lee has put together a long string of strong outings since a couple rough starts to begin the season. Since then, he has allowed just 16 earned runs in 72 innings and his ERA is now down to 2.96.

May 29, 2009

Cliff Lee had another quality outing, but ended up with yet another hard luck loss. He allowed three runs on nine hits and two walks over six innings in a 3-1 loss to the Yankees.

Our View:

It seems like nothing is going right for Lee and the Indians this season. Lee now has nine quality starts in a row and owns a 3.16 ERA, but is just 2-4 during those starts.

May 24, 2009

Cliff Lee scattered eight hits and a walk, allowing three earned runs over six innings against the Reds on Sunday. He struck out four, but did not factor in the decision as the Indians fell 4-3 in the 11th.

Our View:

Lee has been very good since getting off to a miserable start to the season that followed up an even more miserable spring. He has not allowed more than three earned runs in an outing since his second start of the season and has seen his ERA dip from 9.90 to 3.04. Looks like last year's Cy Young winner has it figured out once again.

May 19, 2009

Cliff Lee was very good on Tuesday, but he was betrayed by his bullpen in the Indians' 6-5 loss to the Royals. Lee went eight innings and allowed two runs on eight hits while striking out three.

Our View:

Lee got the job done, but unfortunately his closer didn't. Although he didn't pick up the win, this makes his second straight excellent start. Fantasy owners should expect more good things to come from Lee.

May 13, 2009

Cliff Lee hurled seven scoreless innings with six hits allowed in Wednesday's 4-0 win over the division rival White Sox at Progressive Field. He issued one walk and fired nine strikeouts.

Our View:

This was a strong outing for the reigning Cy Young winner. He snapped a personal four-game skid without claiming a win.

May 8, 2009

Cliff Lee lost again on Friday, but it wasn't due to a poor outing. He threw eight innings, allowing just one run on seven hits and two walks, but Justin Verlander proved too much for Cleveland's offense. Lee dropped to 1-5 as the Tigers took home a 1-0 victory.

Our View:

Lee has been good lately after a dreadful start to the season. Today's strong outing dropped his ERA to a season-low 3.45 and he racked up his fifth quality start in a row.

May 3, 2009

Cliff Lee picked up another loss on Sunday dropping his record to 1-4 on the year. He went seven innings and allowed three runs on twelve hits while walking one and striking out four.

Our View:

Lee found a way to work out of quite a few jams today, but his offense couldn't figure out how to solve Justin Verlander. Lee has pitched well as of late, but he has nothing to show for it.

April 28, 2009

Cliff Lee threw eight shutout innings in Monday's 3-1 loss to the Red Sox. He struck out five while allowing only five base runners.

Our View:

Lee has given up just three earned runs in his last 22 innings of work, but he has just one win to show for it. He clearly looks like he has recovered from the awful pitching that plagued him in his first two starts of the season.

April 23, 2009

During a radio spot, ESPN's Peter Gammons reported that he doesn't think the Indians will trade last year's CY Young winner Cliff Lee. He has been the focus of trade rumors lately.

Our View:

Gammons is the baseball guru and his instincts are usually right on, but why the Indians would want to keep Lee is a bit of a mystery right now. He had a dreadful spring and is off to a poor start this season as well. He is 1-3 with a 5.25 and a colossal 1.75 WHIP.

April 23, 2009

There is a rumor circulating that the Indians are willing to trade Cliff Lee, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. An official close to the club said, "I think they would love to trade him."

Our View:

The Indians are not sure that Lee is an ace hurler at the top of their rotation, and are also uncertain of what type of contract to offer him in the future. He is off to a poor start with a 1-3 record and a 1.75 WHIP.

April 22, 2009

Cliff Lee was very good on Wednesday night, but his offense couldn't give him any support as he took the loss against the Royals. Lee threw eight innings, allowing only two runs on nine hits. He walked one and struck out five.

Our View:

Lee has been very good in his last two starts, and he appears to be regaining his form from last season. Lee owners should feel much more confident in him after these last two outings, and you should expect him to keep this up.

April 16, 2009

Cliff Lee picked up his first win of the season on Thursday, lasting six innings while surrendering one run off seven hits and three walks with four strikeouts against the Yankees.

Our View:

While the outing was by no means a jaw-dropping performance, it was still very nice to see Lee log a successful start after a rough first two showings to start the season. Hopefully you didn't freak out too much and sell him ultra-low on him prior to today.

April 11, 2009

Cliff Lee was blasted for four runs on seven hits and four walks in five innings Saturday in a loss to Toronto.

Our View:

Well, this was better than his first outing, but that's not saying much. Lee is better than this, but his ability lies somewhere in between the 2007 and 2008 versions.

April 6, 2009

The Rangers tore through Cliff Lee's repertoire of pitches in a 9-1 win over Cleveland on Monday. The reigning AL Cy Young allowed 10 hits and seven earned runs through five innings of work.

Our View:

Lee was popularly seen as the one player who wouldn't come close to matching his 2008 level of production. So far that assumption appears to be dead on. In 2008, he allowed four total earned runs over his first seven starts.

April 1, 2009

Cliff Lee was roughed up again Wednesday as he allowed seven runs on nine hits in just five innings. His spring ERA is now a bloated 12.46.

Our View:

It seems like ages ago that Lee won the Cy Young because of how dreadful he has been this spring. His big season last year came out of nowhere, so it could have been a fluke. Buyer beware this season.

March 27, 2009

Cliff Lee was atrocious on Friday, allowing eight runs (seven earned) on 12 hits over five innings. His lone bright spot on the day was six Ks.

Our View:

That Cy Young is looking more and more like a fluke. Lee now has a 12.42 ERA this spring. Take a deep breath before you draft him.

March 23, 2009

Cliff Lee lasted five innings while allowing six hits and two earned runs as the Indians fell to the Rockies 4-3 on Sunday. He struck out three while walking none.

Our View:

This performance lowered his ERA to a robust 12.34 this spring. No one really thought that Lee would make another run at a Cy Young, but if this spring's any indication, than last season may have been a complete mirage. Keep your expectations in check regarding the Indians ace.

March 17, 2009

Cliff Lee was rocked again by the team he will see on Opening Day. The Rangers tattooed him for ten runs on 11 hits over just 2.2 innings. His spring ERA is now just south of 20.00.

Our View:

Last year's Cy Young winner has had a dreadful spring. We'd like to think Lee would be a solid option again this season, but last year's numbers did come out of nowhere. If you draft him, pray he's not an incredible flash in the pan.

March 17, 2009

Cliff Lee will make his third spring start today against Texas, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Our View:

Lee could use a solid outing today, as he allowed five earned runs and eight hits over four innings so far, and the opposition is batting .444 against him. He is expected to meet the Rangers again on opening day April 6.

March 11, 2009

Cliff Lee's second outing of the spring was as forgettable as his first. He gave up four runs, three earned, five hits, and a walk in three innings of work. He also made his first error of the spring and the Indians lost 5-0 to the Rockies.

Our View:

It seems impossible for Lee to recreate the 22-win Cy Young performance from a season ago. In fact, the thought of completely imploding might be more probable. Lee should have a solid season, but don't consider him a Top 10 pitcher after one good season. Just two seasons ago, Lee carried a 6.29 ERA in 97.1 innings of work.

March 6, 2009

Cliff Lee gave up two earned runs on three hits in an inning of work Friday's 17-7 loss to the Brewers.

Our View:

It's anybody's guess as to which version of Lee will appear in 2009. It could very well be the one that posted 22 wins in '08, but then again, it could just as easily be the version that recorded 19 wins over '06 and '07 combined.

March 6, 2009

Cliff Lee is set for his first start of the preseason today against Milwaukee, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Our View:

Lee won't likely win 20 games again this season, and may not be a solid source for strikeouts, so he shouldn't be overvalued on draft day. Target him among the top-30 fantasy hurlers.

January 8, 2009

Cliff Lee still has two more years to think about it, but he is willing to sign a contract extension with the Indians if the terms are right, according to the Indians Official Website. "If they want to discuss it, we're open to the discussion," said Darek Braunecker, Lee's agent. "That ball's in their court, in that regard."

Our View:

Lee is scheduled to make $5.75 million this year and has an option for $9 million for 2010. Given the uncertainty surrounding pitchers and long term deals, in addition to the fact that Lee never pitched like a superstar prior to last year, we would be surprised to see the two sides come to an agreement in the near future.

January 7, 2009

Cliff Lee will not pitch in the World Baseball Classic, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Our View:

By avoiding the WBC, Lee will be able to remain on his traditional schedule to get prepared for the season. The lefty won the AL Cy Young last season after posting a 22-3 record.

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