Lee gets to 20

I know the season isn't technically over, so saying that Cliff Lee has "completed" his personal turnaround is a bit premature. The guy probably still has five more starts in him, barring any late season injuries. But honestly, at this point what could he do as an encore??? Last night he became the first Indian in 34 years to win 20 games in a season, upping his record to a ridiculous 20-2 in his complete game 5-0 shutout of the White Sox.

Cliff showed some rare emotion after the final out

He was so dominant that he actually retired 21 straight batters after giving up two singles to lead off the game. Just add that to some other incredible numbers for Lee this year:

• He has only reached a 3-0 count when facing a batter five times this entire season.
• He has only faced a batter with the bases loaded four times this entire season.
• By contrast he has been ahead in the count 0-2 against 86 batters this season, with no walks and 34 strikeouts in those situations.
• All of the above numbers are through 26 starts and 185-1/3 innings and over 700 plate appearances against him.

Those numbers are simply staggering to me, especially when you consider he was sent to AAA Buffalo at this time last year, searching for his delivery and left off the postseason roster. I've said it here before, but in a season like this one for the Tribe Lee has been a breath of fresh air and a true reason to watch whenever he has been on the mound. If he can keep this up over the last month of the season I will be truly disappointed if he doesn't win the Cy Young award. What more could he possibly do?

"I never lost confidence," Lee said. "I never got down on myself or questioned my abilities. I never once doubted what I could do."

My only disappointment from last night's game is that my wife and I weren't in attendance. We have really enjoyed his turnaround this year, especially since I was so hard on him after a game we were at against the Red Sox in August of last year. Only 23,317 were in attendance at the Prog last night, but you can bet there will be plenty more over the years that claimed they were there.

Other Tribe Notes: Terry Pluto has more great things to say about Lee and can do a much better job than me... And it's nice to see that I'm not the only one with an extreme dislike for A.J. Pierzynski... Pat McManamon also has nothing but praise for Cliff, and rightfully so... And finally, should the Indians even bother putting in an offer for C.C. this winter? I say no. Why even waste your time?

Catching up on the long holiday weekend - you can blame me for the Tribe stumbling against the Mariners, and getting swept on the heels of a 10-game win streak. Of course my wife and I were in attendance on Friday night and that likely turned things in the wrong direction - I'm superstitious like that. But the good news is that I don't have tickets again until next Friday, August 12th against the Royals. So we'll keep tabs right here on the Tribe's quest for a winning record in 2008.

Browns Update: Not a big surprise here, but expect Derek Anderson to be in uniform for the good guys on Sunday at 4:15. On the other hand, Josh Cribbs' situation is more up in the air. If he's not in the line-up on Sunday and we win the opening coin toss, I think I'll be more than a little nervous to think that Sydric Steptoe will be the first guy to touch the ball for the 2008 Browns. And I expect around 73,000 others around me to feel similar butterflies.

"It doesn't matter what I think at this point. It's not up to me. They're going to make an assessment as the week progresses and do what's best for me and the team." - Josh Cribbs

I'll give my full thoughts and a prediction on the Browns/Cowboys matchup (likely to be incorrect) later in the week. Right now my thoughts are on planning for an epic tailgating session in the Pit on West 3rd...

On the brink of 20 wins

With their dominating 10-4 victory last night in Detroit the Tribe has now won 15 of 18... 8 in a row on the road... and 9 in a row overall. All impressive numbers to be sure - but not as impressive as Cliff Lee upping his record to 19-2. Do you realize he is on pace for a mind-boggling 24 wins this year? It sounds crazy, but at this point I wouldn't be surprised if he pulls it off.

"I just want to get as deep in the game as I can," Lee said. "Give the team a chance to win and put up as many zeros as I can."

Lee continued his season of dominance by going 7-2/3 innings and allowing 2 runs on 6 hits. He likely would have notched his 5th complete game of the season if he wasn't on a pitch count (and he should be now). And Lee got plenty of run support on this night as the Tribe belted 4 homers on the way to their 10 runs. Ben Francisco got into the act twice and even Jamey Carroll joined the home run party for the first time this season.

Lee will look to become the Tribe's first 20-game
winner in over 30 years on Sunday

So for the first time since June of 2005 the Indians have put together a 9-game winning streak. And even better news, they have climbed up to third place in the Central. I know it's all too little and too late this year, but I think Eric Wedge deserves some credit for how this team is playing now. How many other big league teams could withstand losing their Cy Young ace, having their #2 starter (Carmona) being injured for a stretch, trading away another veteran rotation guy (Byrd), trading their starting third baseman, and having their #3 and #4 hitters injured for a huge chunk of the year and still be around .500? Not to mention all the bullpen problems this year. It shows a lot of heart by this team to still play at this level after all that turmoil. And I think it bodes well for the team's future.

The Indians will look to continue the hot streak and go for the sweep tonight with Fausto Carmona on the mound for the good guys. Then they will enjoy a much-deserved day off on Thursday before starting a home series against the Mariners.

Other Tribe Notes: The team seems to be split on the decision to add instant replay. I'm actually OK with it, but why in the world would you throw it in right in the middle of the season??? Then again, this is Bud Selig we're talking about... Ryan Garko is finally on a bit of a hot streak... and Aaron Laffey may be back up with the big league club soon.

Browns Update: It will be a battle for a roster spot among Syndric Steptoe, Travis Wilson, and Steve Sanders... The team trimmed the roster down to 75 yesterday, with final cuts coming later this week after Thursday's preseason finale... Travis Daniels is just happy to not be on the Dolphins anymore.

Cavs Update: An interesting look at some predictions for this NBA season. Sasha for Most Improved??? Even I'm not that big of a homer... and Dan Gilbert is moving more things from Detroit to Cleveland.

Swamped in the Meadowlands

Things were not pretty for our Brownies in New York last night, falling 37-34 to the Giants. Of course most loyal Browns fans' immediate reaction after watching the first-team offense and defense was one of panic. It's understandable with a 30-3 deficit early in the 2nd quarter, taking into account all the many bad penalties, big plays given up on defense, and downright horrific-looking offensive plays. It was bad enough that I ended up switching back to the Olympics after seeing Derek Anderson, Josh Cribbs, and Brodney Pool all leave the game with injuries. The three of them will be vital to the Browns' success this year in my opinion.

"Unbelievable," Crennel said. "Evidently we didn't do enough work. I told the team it's my fault for trying to save them in practice by not hitting. We're not very good right now."

But I did feel better after receiving a text from my buddy Nicko. He brought up a good point - after the feel-good training camp and all the national praise, perhaps this is exactly what this team needs right now. A kick in the pants, a bruise to their egos, and a message that nothing will be given to them this season. They need to earn it. And remember, this is just the preseason - a dress rehearsal for the real thing and a place to work all the kinks out. I thought the MNF announcers were especially critical of the Browns when I was watching, with Tony Kornheiser at one point making fun of them for being the "chic" pick this year. I'm sure there was more than a hint of vanilla in the Browns offense last night considering they play the Giants in the regular season. I'll be far more concerned if this is what we see on the field when these two teams meet again on MNF on October 13th.

Seeing DA laying on the turf isn't a pretty sight, even for a BQ fan like me

Cribbs is set to get an MRI today on his injured left ankle, and I'm honestly praying that he is all right. I know Syndric Steptoe had a big game last night and looks like a capable replacement, but Josh Cribbs is a game-changer... Bud Shaw is panicking that the Browns aren't ready for prime time... and even with the bad showing some game balls were awarded (although not officially by the head coach). I'm hoping that Phil Dawson's big leg continues into the regular season. The Browns will have a short week of work, preparing for a game Saturday night in Detroit.

Tribe Updates: Franklin Gutierrez and David Dellucci (a personal favorite of mine this year) have been showing improvement at the plate. I appreciate Dellucci's hard work, but I still don't see how or why he would fit into this team's future plans... Terry Pluto gives his always-enjoyable scribbles on the Tribe... and Matt LaPorta was in the center of an Olympic beanball-fest against Team China yesterday. I'm really getting sick of these Chinese athletes (sorry if my USA-centric opinion is shining through but there is no way those Chinese gymnast are 16). Check out this video at the 2:45:30 mark if you want to see LaPorta getting beaned. And the 2:06:40 mark if you want to see what kind of started it. Just watch out for all the unedited swearing if you're watching at work.

"He told me, 'I'm OK, I'm OK,'" U.S. manager Davey Johnson said of LaPorta "I said, 'No, you're going to the hospital.'"

Not exactly the Olympic moment that LaPorta was hoping for

The Indians are back on the field tonight at the Prog to start a three-game battle with Kansas City to stay out of the Central cellar. Anthony Reyes will be on the hill for the good guys.