The New York Yankees were the favorites heading into Game 1 of the 2009 World Series. However, the Philadelphia Phillies quickly showed that they are definitely for real. Behind Chase Utley’s power and Cliff Lee’s arm, the Phillies were able to win 6-1 and draw first blood in the World Series.
Lee, who the Phillies traded for during the middle of the season and quickly became the squad’s ace, was outstanding. He pitched all nine innings and didn’t give up a run until the ninth inning. When it was all said and done, Lee had given up six hits, no earned …read more

The Philadelphia Phillies continue to look like a team on a mission to win back-to-back World Series championships. After splitting the two games in Los Angeles, the Phillies blasted the Dodgers in front of their home fans.
Ryan Howard started the momentum for Philadelphia. His two-run triple in the bottom of the first inning opened the gates. When it was all said and done, the Phillies had handed the Dodgers an 11-0 thrashing.
Howard and Shane Victorino finished with three RBIs, while Jayson Werth had two. Every starter for the Phillies scored — including pitcher Cliff Lee.
Speaking of Lee, he was tremendous. …read more

Last season, Cliff Lee was busy winning the American League Cy Young Award. Suddenly, Lee will now help the Philadelphia Phillies try to win a second consecutive World Series title.
After striking out in their bid to land Roy Halladay from the Toronto Blue Jays, the Phillies called the Cleveland Indians about their ace. The two teams soon agreed to a deal that sent Lee to Philadelphia in return for four minor league prospects.
Lee’s Cy Young award numbers were obviously impressive. He had a 22-3 record to go along with a 2.54 ERA. This season, Lee has continued to pitch well. …read more

Cliff Lee, the 2008 American League Cy Young Award winner, almost threw a no-hitter on Sunday. After pitching seven hitless innings, Lee finally gave up a hit to lead off the eighth inning. Although he lost the no-hitter, he was able to shutout the St. Louis Cardinals to lead the Cleveland Indians to a 3-0 victory.
Lee finished with nine innings pitched and six strikeouts while allowing three hits and two walks. On the season, he’s 4-6 with a 2.88 ERA. Last season, Lee was 22-3 with a 2.54 ERA.
At the plate, the Indians got their runs via the long ball. …read more

Cliff Lee, a starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, has been named the American League Cy Young Award winner. Lee, who just last season was sent down to the minors due to ineffective pitching, bounced back in a big way in 2008.
When looking at Lee’s numbers, it’s difficult to keep your jaw from hitting the floor. He had a record of 22-3 to go along with a 2.54 ERA and a microscopic WHIP of 1.11. He also had 170 strikeouts and only 33 walks in 223.1 innings pitched.
The 30-year-old Lee had by far his best season in 2008. In 2007, …read more

5) Mike Mussina, New York Yankees
Although he doesn’t have a legitimate chance to win the award, Mike Mussina has pitched well enough in 2008 to be an American League Cy Young favorite. While many Yankee fans were ready to bury him coming into the season, Mussina responded with a vintage season. He currently has an ERA of 3.57 to go with a record of 18-9.
4) Roy Halladay, Toronto Blue Jays
Another year, another Roy Halladay great season. Perhaps the most underrated pitcher in the entire major leagues, Halladay currently has a 2.81 ERA and a 19-11 record. It took the Blue …read more

AL MVP – Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
Ian Kinsler and Milton Bradley are playing very well for the Rangers. However, I believe that it is Hamilton who is the backbone of that team’s lineup. Take him away and the Rangers wouldn’t be nearly as deadly.
NL MVP – Lance Berkman, Houston Astros
Sure, the Astros are a bad team and chances are slim that they will make the playoffs. That said, Berkman is having a career year and is the best hitter in the NL to date this season.
AL Cy Young – Cliff Lee, Cleveland Indians
Mariano Rivera might be having …read more

The Cleveland Indians starting pitchers are blazing. The Indians starting pitchers have now pitched 43 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings. The pitchers responsible for this streak are CC Sabathia, Aaron Laffey, Fausto Carmona, Cliff Lee and Paul Byrd.
CC Sabathia was struggling earlier in the season, but he has turned it around. He started the streak and he’s the one who pushed it to 43 1/3 on Wednesday. After starting the season off horribly, CC Sabathia now has a 5.47 ERA and has only allowed one run in his last 16 innings.
Here is a video regarding …read more

A couple weeks into the baseball season, let’s take a break and check out the hottest fantasy baseball players. In this top five list, there will be a few players who could remain near the top for the duration of the 2008 season.
1) Mark Reynolds, Arizona Diamondbacks
A lot of people liked the Diamondbacks coming into the season. Few thought that they’d be this dominant this early. Mark Reynolds, the 24-year-old third baseman for Arizona, has been a monster in this early season.
2) Lance Berkman, Houston Astros
Lance Berkman has been an enigma in recent years. He has massive potential but for …read more