American League Cy Young Award Deserves to Stay in Cleveland

Cleveland Indians southpaw Cliff Lee put his stamp on the 2008 American League Cy Young Award at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on Labor Day. Lee became the first Tribe pitcher to win 20 games in 34 years, not since Gaylord Perry hit the magic number in 1974 has the 20 win mark been achieved by a Cleveland hurler. Lee's 20 wins represent 30% of the Indian's victories to date this season and when we look at his season's accomplishments, how can he not win the award this season ?  A look at his numbers shows us that the lefthander has gone at least 5 innings in all 27 of his starts this year. His 9 consecutive wins are tied for the most in the league. He has a 15-0 record in night baseball. A 9-0 record at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Since the All-Star break he is 8-0 in the second half of the season. Lee became Major League Baseball's first 20 game winner. His winning percentage is .909 and he has allowed 2 or less runs in 21 of 27 outings. Don't forget that some poor choices by Tribe Manager Eric Wedge in respect to going to his bullpen cost Lee four more victories at least. Recent abdominal injuries have derailed Lee's Star Status as many fail to recall his 2005 record of 18-5 before the injuries hit. Was CC Sabathia really the ace of the Cleveland Indians pitching staff ? One thing for sure is the award that Sabathia coveted last season certainly belongs on the mantle in the Lee Family household this year.