ColumbusSports.com

It is only May, don't jump yet. It really isn't even Cliff Lee's fault.  He did get off to a sluggish start.  His first outing was not so good, to put it nicely.  Recently, he has been much, much better.  He has pretty much been on fire his last few outings.  Unfortunately, good pitching is not the only factor.  Lately, when Lee has been pitching, one of the bad words in Cleveland has been "run support".

Cliff has had a number of good innings his last few starts but, he has had Zero or very little "run support".  When you pitch seven innings against a Central Division rival, the Detroit Tigers, you should be able to give up two or three measly runs and still be in a good position to win.  When your offense can't hit the broad side of a barn you just can't expect to win.  On 4/27, when last year's American League Cy Young winner, Cliff Lee, went up against one of MLB's former champions, the Boston Red Soxs, he pitched great.  Boston had won eleven straight.  Lee came out and pitched his tail off, giving the Indians seven or eight innings and not giving up any runs.  That is exactly what the Indians' Ace should have done.  However, can you guess how many runs he got from the offense?  Let's just say, even one would have given him a chance to win.

This brings me to my next point.  Starting pitchers are not expected to go out and pitch nine innings every day like in the "good old days".  Baseball came up with the concept of relief pitching.  Currently, Tribe fans are relieved if they don't see the bullpen. Remember the Boston game that I mentioned before?  Cliff left the game and our "go to guy" in the pen, Kerry Wood, came out and laid an egg.  Granted, it was not a save situation but who cares?  Your closer is supposed to go out there and do two things. He is to get outs and allow no runs.  OOPS!!   Kerry had a bad day.  This is just one example.  To keep this article from being as long-winded a campaign speech, I will spare you other examples of the dugout guys trying to "dig out" a win.

I know Lee is 1-4 and I know the Tribe is at around .380 winning percentage, but if we could get the starting lineup batting at .380, it would make a huge difference! No one can honestly put this season's dismal start on Cliff's hardworking arm.  Like I said before. it is only early May and there has never been a championship won or lost in early May.  Let's wait until the end of June and then if there has been no improvement, we can be a little concerned.  Once those bats get going, it will help tremendously.  Manager Wedge will not put up with much more of this.  His job may be on the hot seat.  He has already brought some guys up to help get some runs scored and David Dellucci just got off the IR and is playing well.  So, just relax and enjoy the great game of baseball, and it will all turn around soon.  Hang in there Tribe fans, hang in there!

Tags: cleveland indians, cliff lee, eric wedge