On Thursday, we find out what most people have assumed for months now.
On Friday, we begin to watch what we assumed would unfold for months.
These events couldn't be more different, but connected in an odd and eerie way.
Cliff Lee dominated the opposition from start to finish. The Cleveland Indians left-hander came into the season as the fifth starter, just hoping to hold on, and left the staff ace just looking to continue his success.
His 2008 success poses a big question.
How did a guy that was sent to Triple-A just last year manage to turn around his career like this?
In 2007, Lee couldn't hold a lead even when he was successful. His offense would put him ahead in a game and Lee would find ways to give that up.
Last year was filled with injuries and frustration. He started the season on the disabled list, which basically took away his Spring Training. He made his debut in the first week of May and in his second start actually pitched a complete game.
But it was all downhill from there.
He had his bright spots, but this was supposed to be the second best pitcher the Indians had on their staff behind CC Sabathia.
Oh that name, Sabathia, the man who won the American League Cy Young award that year, the pitcher who stands to make a ton of cash when Free Agency opens on Friday.
Cliff Lee could've been had for so much less.
Lee was rumored in a deal involving Carlos Quentin, which is reminiscent of a Josh Hamilton for Edison Volquez trade off at this point. But Arizona obviously didn't think Lee would do what he did in 2008.
Then again, neither did the Cleveland Indians.
But they stuck with him, almost by default. If you honestly ask Indians GM Mark Shapiro if he tried to get rid of Lee, he would tell you he explored it. Truth is, Lee was probably the name brought up most in trade talks, mostly out of the fan's angst.
Why though?
Lee's antics had worn thin with the Cleveland faithful.
In the past, Lee has shown his attitude and short temper out on the mound. He's famous for firing his glove into the crowd during a game in Toronto.
In 2007, two acts stood out that summed up Lee's season.
During a game in Texas, Lee had a blow up with his Catcher Victor Martinez. This is the same game in which he gave up five runs in the first inning mind you. After the disastrous first, Lee actually stayed in the game and showed soms rare poise.
Remarkably, he managed to pitch into the seventh inning, and the Indians slowly made a comeback.
At one point however, Lee and Martinez started to argue on the mound after Lee hit Rangers' slugger Sammy Sosa in the head.
The argument actually prompted a closed-door player’s only meeting which actually started to help the Indians turn their season around.
However, Lee's season wouldn't do the same.
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