The Phillies will have a reigning Cy Young Award winner take the mound at home for the first time in nearly generation when Cliff Lee makes his home debut Thursday afternoon against Colorado. And, if early impression mean anything Lee might bring to the table an old Phillies tradition -- "win day."
Lee, the defending American League Cy Young Award winner, was traded along with outfielder Ben Francisco to the Phillies last week for a group of prospects.
The 30-year-old lefty dazzled in his Phillies debut on Friday at San Francisco. He pitched a complete-game four-hitter while striking out six Giants.
He actually carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning of that game. Imagine if he does the same thing Thursday against the Rockies.
But it’s not like Lee is the first defending CYA to take the mound for the Phightins.
The last time the Phightins had a defending CYA winner take the hill was 1988 when closer Steve “Bed Rock” Bedrosian came in from the bullpen.
Lee won’t be coming out of the pen anytime soon.
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With him in the fold the Phillies have a true top of the rotation guy. Maybe when the southpaw takes the mound the Phillies can say what they used to say whenever four-time CYA winner Steve Carlton took the hill -- “it’s win day.” That was because when Carlton took the mound his teammates believed they would win the game.
For now, enjoy your ace Phillies fans -- let’s just hope rain doesn't wash out win day.
