looking ahead, take 1

Of all the seasons good, bad or ugly put up by Mississippians in the majors in 2012, none was more curious than Cliff Lee’s. The former Meridian Community College left-hander had a 3.16 ERA and struck out 207 batters while walking just 28. But his record, with a Philadelphia club that made a late playoff push, was 6-9. Six and nine? It doesn’t add up. Lee averaged just over seven innings per start, so it wasn’t that he failed to go deep in games. The Phillies’ bullpen, at least the back end, was not a problem. They had Jonathan Papelbon, the ex-Mississippi State ace, closing and he recorded 38 saves. Mostly, it was just dumb luck that turned Lee’s record sour. His career mark over 11 MLB seasons is 125-78, with a 3.59 ERA. He’ll turn it around in 2013. At 34, he still has some quality innings in his arm.