Even after A.J. Burnett pitched so well in Game 2 for the New York Yankees, it wasn’t certain that the Yankees will go with him in Game 5 on only three days of rest. But now, after the announcement by manager Joe Girardi, it is certain.
The Yankees went with C.C. Sabathia in Game 4 on only three days of rest and will do the same with Burnett in Game 5. In Game 2, Burnett pitched seven innings and allowed only four hits and one earned run while striking out nine batters.
While most major league pitchers struggle on only three days …read more

When the Philadelphia Phillies traded for Cliff Lee, they knew they were getting a good pitching — especially considering he was the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner. However, little did they know he’d be this good.
In five starts with the Phillies, Lee is now 5-0 with a 0.68 ERA. In his latest start, he helped the Phillies beat the New York Mets by a final score of 6-2 on Monday. In seven innings, Lee gave up six hits and no earned runs while he struck out five batters.
Offensively, Ryan Howard carried the Phillies. In the first inning, he hit …read more

As much as everyone wanted Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers to be the feel good story of the year, but my vote goes to Fernando Tatis of the New York Mets. Until Tatis got hurt near the end of the season, I thought he had a great chance at Comeback Player of the Year in the National League. However, Tatis finished fifth in the voting as Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge took the honors.
But it was a nice comeback for Tatis, no matter where he finished in the voting. To be honest, it was shocking to …read more

If the season ended today, is there a chance that Cliff Lee, ace of one of the worst teams in the American League, could win the Cy Young Award? Not only could this happen, but it should.
Lee, if you remember, had a horrible blow-up season with the Cleveland Indians in 2007. There was a time when Lee couldn’t find the strike zone and left games early enough to tire out the Indians bullpen with regularity. He was sent down to the minors and eventually left off Cleveland’s playoff roster. Yet, in 2008, Lee is totally different …read more

I’m not sure why, but the Cleveland Indians haven’t figured it out yet. They have been robbed by the Milwaukee Brewers after trading away last year’s AL Cy Young Award winner C.C. Sabathia. The Brewers are only a few papers away from obtaining Sabathia and in exchange, they gave up a few minor leaguers. Sure, future slugger Matt LaPorta was included in the deal, but Cleveland could have received much, much more for C.C.
The deal is just about ready to be announced. With the acquisition of Sabathia, the Brewers could possibly have the best 1-2 punch …read more