It is absolutely absurd how few runs the offense put up for Lee. As usual, Lee commanded the strike zone and left hitters going down looking. I agree, he is prone to giving up homeruns when he is pounding the zone too hard, but they are usually solo shots and also you're not going to see him give up five or six homers in one game.
I think people need to take a look at the entire picture when it comes to evaluating a player, especially a pitcher. You cannot made a valid assessment of Cliff based solely on this season, or any one season by itself. Historically (especially in recent years) Cliff Lee has had one of the best K/BB ratios, WHIP and IP. He also (when he can get some run support to be allowed to stay in the game) is durable and can give you at least 7 strong innings each outing. He is a veteran that I have complete confidence in every time he takes the mound.
I don't think his W/L total should automatically exclude him from the Cy Young award talks this year. Most of the losses and no decisions he received were because of lack of run support and/or the bullpen. A prime example of this was the game against San Francisco where Lee posted: 10 IP/7 K/0 BB/0 R/0 ER. He did all of this with 102 pitches, 81 of which were for strikes, and never ran a 3 ball count. The game ended with a no decision for Lee and a loss for the Phillies when Antonio Bastardo gave up a run in the 11th.
This is just one of the many examples of how you really couldn't have asked for more from Lee than he gave you and yet still he would be charged with a loss or no decision. I don't think W/L should be a factor in the awards consideration. Another feat Lee accomplished was something only Roy Halladay and Cy Young himself accomplished: 200 or more IP with 30 or fewer walks. This year Lee pitched 211 IP with 207 K and only 28 walks.
C'mon now. What more does this man have to do?
Joe - 12 years ago
Spike, thanks for the nice article on Cliff Lee. I was just questioned about his year of 6-9, and I said the same thing without a stat book in front of me. The games I watched showed a very determined Lee hitting the glove where ever Chooch put it. OK, he is prone to giving up the long ball, but he get's back into the groove. If there were such an award for effort, Lee would win. Also, an award for always acting like a mature man when watching his team strike out numerous times with runners in scoring position. Somewhere inside it does affect you, but when you throw the first pitch in the following inning, his feelings all go away. He's a very professional player, as well as a very well mannered, mature individual. For both, he has won my admiration. Your article pointed out the great year he had pitching, thanks, and then explained it is all based on the won loss record. My Father told me something to think about since I was a very young boy; "A man who knows and knows he knows, is a very wise man." Which means according to Cliff Lees mind set, He knows he had a great season pitching and didn't receive much run support, Cliff was able to just accept all the numbers, to include his win loss record, and walk away from the season feeling good about himself and not blame anyone. That's a true professional. I know Cliff Lee will always have my support every time he takes the mound, in Philly or on another team. Good luck to Cliff and may he always be the man he is, inspirational. Joe, a Phillies fan for over 56 years
It is absolutely absurd how few runs the offense put up for Lee. As usual, Lee commanded the strike zone and left hitters going down looking. I agree, he is prone to giving up homeruns when he is pounding the zone too hard, but they are usually solo shots and also you're not going to see him give up five or six homers in one game.
I think people need to take a look at the entire picture when it comes to evaluating a player, especially a pitcher. You cannot made a valid assessment of Cliff based solely on this season, or any one season by itself. Historically (especially in recent years) Cliff Lee has had one of the best K/BB ratios, WHIP and IP. He also (when he can get some run support to be allowed to stay in the game) is durable and can give you at least 7 strong innings each outing. He is a veteran that I have complete confidence in every time he takes the mound.
I don't think his W/L total should automatically exclude him from the Cy Young award talks this year. Most of the losses and no decisions he received were because of lack of run support and/or the bullpen. A prime example of this was the game against San Francisco where Lee posted: 10 IP/7 K/0 BB/0 R/0 ER. He did all of this with 102 pitches, 81 of which were for strikes, and never ran a 3 ball count. The game ended with a no decision for Lee and a loss for the Phillies when Antonio Bastardo gave up a run in the 11th.
This is just one of the many examples of how you really couldn't have asked for more from Lee than he gave you and yet still he would be charged with a loss or no decision. I don't think W/L should be a factor in the awards consideration. Another feat Lee accomplished was something only Roy Halladay and Cy Young himself accomplished: 200 or more IP with 30 or fewer walks. This year Lee pitched 211 IP with 207 K and only 28 walks.
C'mon now. What more does this man have to do?
Spike, thanks for the nice article on Cliff Lee. I was just questioned about his year of 6-9, and I said the same thing without a stat book in front of me. The games I watched showed a very determined Lee hitting the glove where ever Chooch put it. OK, he is prone to giving up the long ball, but he get's back into the groove. If there were such an award for effort, Lee would win. Also, an award for always acting like a mature man when watching his team strike out numerous times with runners in scoring position. Somewhere inside it does affect you, but when you throw the first pitch in the following inning, his feelings all go away. He's a very professional player, as well as a very well mannered, mature individual. For both, he has won my admiration. Your article pointed out the great year he had pitching, thanks, and then explained it is all based on the won loss record. My Father told me something to think about since I was a very young boy; "A man who knows and knows he knows, is a very wise man." Which means according to Cliff Lees mind set, He knows he had a great season pitching and didn't receive much run support, Cliff was able to just accept all the numbers, to include his win loss record, and walk away from the season feeling good about himself and not blame anyone. That's a true professional. I know Cliff Lee will always have my support every time he takes the mound, in Philly or on another team. Good luck to Cliff and may he always be the man he is, inspirational. Joe, a Phillies fan for over 56 years