Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Posted: 6:30 p.m.
By Jim Salisbury
CSNPhilly.com
CLEARWATER, Fla.Cliff Lee had the best control in the majors last season. Thats what made his spring debut rather unusual Tuesday.
He hit the first batter he faced. He threw a wild pitch. He walked the leadoff batter in the second inning.
So there you have it. Despite all the hype that has surrounded Lee and his return to Philadelphia this winter, it can safely be said that he is human after all.
I wish the results were better, Lee said. But it was the first time to face hitters.
Lees two-inning stint in a 6-2 loss to Detroit might have been spotty, but from pitching coach Rich Dubees standpoint, it was completely understandable.
MLB
Hes still getting his timing down, still breaking in his spikes, Dubee said. His arm worked fine and he felt good. Thats all were looking for at this time of spring training. Guys are getting out there for the first time and to their credit theyre a little juiced up and their deliveries are a little off.
Lee had good enough stuff to strike out three batters in his two innings of work. He also gave up two runs, one on a triple and one on a sacrifice fly.
How unusual were his control issues? Well, in 212 13 innings last season, he hit just one batter. He walked just 18. His .763 walks per nine innings was the lowest mark in baseball. His 10.28 strikeouts-per-walk ratio was the majors best.
In other words, dont worry about Lee. His control issues Tuesday were clearly an aberration. He believes that once he gets a few starts under his belt, his command will be right on. It has to be for him to succeed.
There are some guys who have the stuff to be able to catch more of the plate and throw it by people, he said. I'm not really one of those guys. I have to locate and keep the ball down, off the heart of the plate. It's what I'm trying to work on now.
My first few starts in spring training are always about establishing fastball command. Thats what I worked on today. I also threw a few cutters. That was my best pitch.
This was the first time Lee pitched against an opponent while wearing a Phillies uniform since he faced the Yankees in the 2009 World Series. Phillies fans, of course, are thrilled that he is back with the club, having signed a five-year, 125 million contract in December.
Lee is aware of the excitement.
He heard plenty of it as he warmed up in the bullpen at Bright House Field on Tuesday.
I see it, but Im not super caught up in that, Lee said. I'm more focused on preparing to help this team win. But it's nice to know the fans are excited about me being back. They're excited about the team. We have a good squad. They have a reason to be excited. Yeah, I've sensed that with the few times I've been to Philly and obviously today. It's a good thing. It's better than those guys booing me every time they see me.
Lee was asked if he could explain Phillies fans affection for him. (It might have something to do with that 4-0 record and 1.56 ERA in five postseason starts in 2009.)
I don't know, he said. You'd have to ask them. I would hope they respect the way I play. I hustle and give it everything I've got each day. That's it. These fans can definitely sense effort. They understand the game. They're educated fans. I would hope they respect the way I play.
I had some success when I was here, helped the team get to the World Series. That probably has something to do with it, too.
Oh, yes, it does. And the fansand Leewould love to get back there.
Every team in baseball should be expecting good things and trying to get to the postseason, Lee said. It's what everyone should be thinking. This team is no different than any one I've been on. Obviously the talent level is there and there's a lot of hype and media coverage. It's still the same feel that I've had every spring.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com
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