Former MCC pitcher, Cliff Lee named AL's Comeback Player

Wednesday, October 01, 2008
www.cleveland.com
By: Paul Hoynes

Manager Eric Wedge, at his end-of-the-season press conference Tuesday, predicted it would be a busy off-season for Cliff Lee.

Wedge was talking about Lee hitting the banquet and postseason awards trail. He saw CC Sabathia go through it last year and it's already started for the 30-year-old left-hander.

Lee was named the American League Comeback Player of the Year by Major League Baseball. Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge received the award in the National League.

After going 5-8 last year, Lee made himself the Cy Young favorite this season by going 22-3 with a 2.54 ERA. Lee, the Indians first 20-game winner in 34 years, led the AL in victories and ERA.

Lee missed spring training in 2007 with an abdominal injury. He never righted himself and was sent to Class AAA Buffalo at the end of July. When he returned in September, he was put in the bullpen and didn't make the postseason roster.

During the winter, he was nearly traded to Arizona.

This year, Lee, in a career high 223 1/3 innings, struck out 170, walked 34 and threw four complete games.