Surprises on the Mound: Cliff Lee, Zack Greinke Sizzle In AL Central

If someone asked you to pick which two pitchers would come out hot in the 2008 M.L.B. season, not many would have predicted the tribes Cliff Lee or the Royals Zack Greinke.  But these two A.L. Central foes are turning some heads, and to say they are hot is an understatement.

Cliff Lee is off to an impressive 5-0 start for the Indians.  Maybe more impressive than his record are his numbers.  Lee is posting a .96 E.R.A. and teams are averaging less than four hits a game off of Lee.  Another stat that shows why he has been so effective is his two walks given up in 37.2 innings of work.  That is why he has been so effective this year.  His command is excellent.  He has the ability to put his fastball wherever he wants, and even though it is not an overpowering fastball, it allows him to get ahead in the count and use his other pitches, which include a very good breaking ball.  However at thirty years old, Lee is no stranger to the tribes pitching staff.  Just two years ago, he had a career year with the Indians and appeared to be one of the premiere lefties in the game, but after a poor showing early on last season, Lee found himself back in the minors.  Something in the minors must have helped, because after being called back into the Indians rotation on March 24th, Lee hasn't looked back and is looking like one of the best in the game and just in time for the tribe.  With ace and Cy-Young award winner C.C. Sabathia struggling, Lee is just what Cleveland needed to keep pace in the A.L. Central.

Another pitcher is off to a surprising start in the Central as Well.  The Royals Zack Greinke is red hot.  Off to a 3-1 Start and sporting an E.R.A. of 1.47, Greinke is turning some heads around the league for a Royals team that is just four games under .500.  The twenty-five year old Greinke has a live arm and also works in some off speed pitches to keep the hitters off balance.  Like Lee, Greinke has good command, averaging just over a walk a game.  When he is on he can rack up some strikeouts as well, just as he did in his last outing against the Rangers when he struck out nine in seven innings of work.  Give him a couple of years and he could be one of the better pitchers in the league.  The only question for Greinke is if the Royals bats can give him enough support.