We Can Win Awards . . .

Even though it really didn't come as a surprise, Cliff Lee was awarded the American League Cy Young award, the second year in a row that it was awarded to a Cleveland Indian. I may be a little biased, but Cliff Lee's story was one of the best stories MLB stories of 2008 and his stat line was truly remarkable. (I mean seriously, who were the 4 guys that didn't cast a 1st place ballot for him!!) As many of you will remember, Cliff Lee was unable to overcome a preseason injury and ended up being demoted to the minor leagues. He then showed up at Spring Training, fighting for a spot as the Indians fifth starting pitcher. What a difference a year can make! He went from the minor leagues to fighting for a job to the most prestigious pitching award in baseball.

As a lifelong Indians fan, as hard as it was at times, I followed the inconsistent team all season long. For the most part, I never knew what to expect - never knowing if I was going to see them rally late for an amazing win or crumble at the last minute for a heartbreaking loss. The exception to this was about everything fifth game, when Cliff Lee would step onto the mound.
I would wait for those games, knowing that I would get to see a game that wouldn't disappoint. And I hope that continues. Congrats Cliff! Enjoy this moment; you definitely deserve it.

And of course, we can't talk about awards being handed out to Cleveland Indians without mentioning every one's favorite outfielder, Grady Sizemore. His second Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger - not too bad.

Now if we could just win a championship.