20 Wins? We Told You So ...

Who could have predicted Cliff Lee's amazing 20-win season? Us!

Check out this ditty, which was made before the season started:

Cliff Lee becomes the team’s first 20-game winner since Gaylord Perry in 1974. Bet you thought I’d say C.C. Sabathia here, right? Sure, it’d be just as pretty if it were C.C. who broke the drought, but Lee has a nasty repertoire and none of C.C.’s training issues.

OK, so it was from our April 2006 issue, but that's still before the season started. We were just a little ahead of our time. As for this season's prognostications? We're hoping they'll come true in 2009.

Oh yeah, mark it down, the Browns will go 6-10 this year (which was the prediction I made well before they went 0-4 in the preseason).

Unbe-LEE-vable

Last night on sunny Labor Day evening at Progressive Field, Cleveland Indians pitcher Cliff Lee became the first 20 game winner of the 2008 Major League Baseball season. For the 23,000 fans in attendance, they were not disappointed on Monday night. Lee was outstanding allowing only 5 hits and no walks while striking out 4 batters in a complete game. In fact there was a sequence when after allowing the first 2 hits of the game, Lee put down 21 straight batters and pitched like a man possessed.

In the dismal season that has overtaken the Tribe due to injuries and a lack of production early in the season, it’s good to see a bright spot in Cliff Lee. Through all the trouble he had last season, being sent down to the minors to regain his focus. He then started the season competing against Aaron Laffey to make the 5th spot in the rotation. To now, where he is responsible for 20 of the Indians 66 wins and has the best winning percentage in baseball.

Cliff Lee became the first Indians pitcher since Gaylord Perry in 1974 to win 20 games. In fact, Cliff has won 20 of first 22 decisions this season and has a A.L. best 2.32 ERA. He could (and rightfully will) win his first A.L. Cy Young Award. I am just happy that I was one of those lucky fans that was able to witness this remarkable night at Progressive Field. Congrats Cliff.

— Brian Schmoldt

For the Love of the Tribe

So what if the Indians are in last place? So what if I cried when they traded C.C.? When it comes down to it I still love the Indians — the excitment of seeing Grady Sizemore make a diving catch, the hot dog races, Casey Blake's beard. I will never be able to throw away my Kenny Lofton jersey or not turn on a game — no matter how bad it gets. With 24 home games left, the Tribe returns tonight to Progressive Field for the first time after the All-Star Break to take on the Minnesota Twins. Even if we aren't chasing the pennant this year, there's still plenty of questions left to answer: Can Grady keep hitting home runs to stay on top of the AL league leaders? Will Victor and Pronk ever return? Will Cliff Lee have a second half just as impressive as the first? I don't know about you, but I will be watching.