Former MCC pitcher, Cliff Lee headed to All-Star Game

The Cleveland Indians are struggling in the AL Central this season, but they still put two of their players on the All Star team, Cliff Lee and Grady Sizemore. The All-Star Game will be played July 15 at Yankee Stadium in New York.

Lee, who played two seasons at Meridian Community College in the late 1990’s, has a chance to be the AL starting pitcher.

"I'd love a chance to start," said Lee, 11-2 with a 2.43 ERA.

Charles Nagy was the most recent Indians pitcher to start an All-Star Game. He did it in 1996 in Pittsburgh after the Indians went to the World Series in 1995.

Lee will receive a $100,000 bonus for making the club.

"I think they're both deserving," said manager Eric Wedge. "I think Cliff has to be at least considered for the start. Grady is a 20-20 guy in the first half, leading the league in home runs, he's scored a great deal of runs for us. He's doing a great job under some tough circumstances."

Lee has had a bounce-back season. Last year he was 5-8 with a 6.29 ERA and spent August at Class AAA Buffalo, N.Y. He didn't make the Indians' postseason roster and came close to being traded to Arizona over the winter.

This spring he had to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation with Aaron Laffey and Jeremy Sowers. At one point in spring training, the Indians discussed having Lee open the season at Buffalo.

Now he could be the No. 1 starter on the staff with C.C. Sabathia on the verge of being traded, and Fausto Carmona and Jake Westbrook on the disabled list.

"Making the All-Star team is icing on the cake," said Lee. "I've been pretty fortunate this year. Things have gone my way."

Lee and Sizemore were selected by the players' vote. Lee led the five starters selected by the players with 327 votes. J.D. Drew (237), Sizemore (271) and Carlos Quentin (260) were the three outfielders voted onto the club by their peers.