It is time to talk about the best pitcher thus far in Major League Baseball. Closing in on his 30th birthday in August, Cliff Lee has emerged as one of the top pitchers in the Majors in the first month and a half of the season. Undrafted by most GMs in Fantasy Baseball Leagues, Lee is currently 6-0 with a 0.67 ERA, 44 strikeouts with only 4 walks in 7 starts. Lee, a 4th round pick from the University of Arkansas by the Montreal Expos in 2000, was to be a top prospect but no one was ever expecting this. The Cleveland Indians had been trying to shop the 6'3'' lefty all off season with no bites. Now with this fantastic start, in a contract year, the Indians have some problems ahead of them when the season comes to a close. Lee is making 4 million dollars this season with obviously more to come. Along with Lee, fellow left handed pitcher, C.C. Sabathia is also in a contract year. With most teams considering this a good problem, the Indians won't be because of salary problems already going on in the organization. Before this season, Lee was 54-36. Last season he was 5-8 in 16 starts with a 6.29 ERA, hence the trade talks. After his breakout year in 2005, when he went 18-5 with a 3.79 ERA. Injuries followed the young prospect and thus his numbers started to fall. His 0.67 ERA is obviously the MLB's top. But, to put this stat into prospective, the league ERA average is at an amazing 4.19. If you were lucky enough to grab this kid in your fantasy league congrats, because this kid's stuff is absolutely disgusting. Watch him pitch once and you will agree.
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