LEE DOMINATES GAME ONE

Cliff Lee dominated last night's World Series Game One, he also showed the Yankees up on a couple of occasions. Before I complain, though, I really do have to tip my cap to Lee. I gave the "Ace" edge to CC Sabathia and the Yankees, but so far, Lee is one up on them. He was masterful last night. It was actually one of best pitching performances I've personally seen in any World Series game. The Yanks looked lost, even the super-hot ARod struck out three times! All it really took was two Chase Utley solo shots for the game to be over. The Yankee bullpen gave up 4 more, though, unfortunately. It'll be interesting to see how the rest of these "Ace" match-ups turn out, since it'll most likely be with both of the them on three days rest. Lee hasn't really done it, and threw about a 120 pitches last night. Sabathia has, and I believe he'll be better next time around.

Now the teams turn to Pedro Martinez and A.J. Burnett in Game Two. The pressure is on the Yankees as you don't want to go to Philly down 2-0. How will Pedro respond to a crowd that will clearly be on him? Maybe he'll feed off of it, or maybe he'll fold. He has been a big game pitcher in the past, but can he still do it on this large a stage? And can Burnett bounce back after his bad ALCS Game Five? He better, because you can't trust too many guys in that bullpen right now!

Getting back to Lee...while I can appreciate his work last night, I cannot stand how he treated certain plays. The nonchalant pop-up catch was ridiculous, as was the patting on Posada's behind for an out a bit later. Both felt like he was sticking it to his opponents, which he didn't need to do as he was already mowing them down with surgeon-like precision. Sure, maybe I'm sensitive as a Yankee fan, but I just didn't understand it. My respect level for him, while it was surging prior, dropped a few levels. This is the World Series after-all.