Near-Lee Perfect Debut

(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Could you have asked for a better start to the Cliff Lee Era in Philadelphia? Lee, pitching for the first time in Phillies red, pitched a complete game 4 hitter to completely shut down the Giants in a 5-1 Phillies win. Lee was dominant all night, mixing speeds and making the Giants look like fools at the plate as he struck out 6 and allowed very few hard hit balls. If it wasn't for an Aaron Rowand double and a subsequent ground-out and sacrifice fly in the 8th inning, Lee would have posted a shutout.

Lee's night was not just spectacular on the mound, however, he also showed what he can do at the plate. Lee entered the game 2 for 32 lifetime at the dish, but he showed that he can swing a bat as he went 2 for 4 and scored a run. Lee crushed a double in the 8th inning that nearly left the ballpark and could have easily been a homer at Citizens Bank. His hitting prowess may not last long, but it was a nice surprise tonight.

Roy Halladay who? With one outing, Cliff Lee proved that the Phillies made the right choice in acquiring the lefty ace. Even though Lee may not always be as dominant as he was out there on Friday night, it's clear that he is going to win some games for the Phillies. Welcome to the Phillies, Lee, with a few more performances like that, you are going to experience first hand what it means to be a World F'n Champion.