Now that's what I call pitching!

Cliff Lee, the former future superstar, is looking like a superstar again. In yesterday's 7-1 win against Oakland, Lee went eight innings, striking out eight and giving up just two hits. They both happened to be in the same inning (the fourth), or else Lee would likely have thrown a goose egg up on the scoreboard. I would have liked to see him try to finish, but I'm not second-guessing Eric Wedge. We won, and that's what's important. But that performance from Cliff Lee was sure good to see. And judging by the photo at left, Lee was happy to see it too. Doesn't he look like he's smiling?

And it was sorely needed. The Indians had lost three in a row, during which time none of our starters (Paul Byrd, C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona) got past 3 1/3 innings. Any guesses when's the last time three consecutive Tribe starters didn't get more than 10 outs? I'll tell you -- it was in September 1987. (For those who are curious, the three pitchers that time were Tom Candiotti, "I'm Not" Rich Yett and Ken Schrom.)