Gate D: Examining Cliff Lee in April

image: indiansconfidential.com
If you're a fan of both the Indians and statistics, then you're probably aware that Cliff Lee has looked amazing in 2 starts so far this season: 14.2 innings, 12 K, 6 H, 1 BB, 1 ER, all good for a .61 ERA and the most important stat of all - 2 WINS.

You may not know that Lee, in his 5 full seasons with the Tribe (2004-present), has started his year 2-0 every season except in 2006. Also impressive is his 9-2 record in April including last night's win against the A's. Basically it's the fast start the Tribe needs to weather this offensive lull and sub-par pitching from supposed Ace C.C. Sabathia.

Here's to hoping that Cliff Lee has a season that emulates 2005, where he never lost more than 1 game a month, including a perfect August, on his way to an 18-5 record.

Here's a look at Cliff Lee's performance in April the last 5 seasons:

2004: 3-0 Record in 5 Starts, 3.21 ERA
2005: 2-1 Record in 5 Starts, 4.50 ERA
2006: 2-1 Record in 5 Starts, 3.10 ERA
2007: 0-0 No Starts
2008: 2-0 Record in 2 Starts, 0.61 ERA

Overall 9-2 Record in 17 Starts, 2.86 ERA avg.

statistics from baseball-almanac.com