NEW YORK -- Brad Lidge has a shot to cap his perfect season with a World Series ring. Cliff Lee should be ready to clear room in the trophy case for a Cy Young Award.
First, the two pitchers received a different honor Tuesday when they were selected Comeback Players of the Year.
Lee was 22-3 with an American League-leading 2.54 ERA for the Cleveland Indians and could be their second consecutive Cy Young winner. He went 5-8 with a 6.29 ERA last year and was demoted to the minor leagues.
Lidge was a perfect 41-for-41 in save opportunities as the NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies' closer. In 2007, he converted just 19 of 27 for the Houston Astros and lost his spot as an elite closer.
"I never lost confidence in myself, no matter what the years were like or the results," Lidge said. "I always felt I was going to come back and pitch to the best of my ability."
Lidge hopes he can remain perfect in the playoffs, starting Wednesday when the Phillies open the best-of-5 division series at home against Milwaukee.
"If we weren't in the playoffs, this season would not be a success for me," Lidge said before the Phillies worked out.
Lidge, 31, reclaimed his reputation as one of the most reliable relievers in the game. After two up-and-down seasons in Houston -- following Albert Pujols' mammoth homer off him in the 2005 playoffs -- Lidge responded with the best year of his seven-year career. He was on the mound Saturday when the Phillies clinched their second straight division title and there's no one else manager Charlie Manuel wants on the mound with the game on the line.
"Where could we go get anybody better? He's been that good," Manuel said.
Lee, an 18-game winner in 2005, was nearly as flawless this season for the Indians. No one knew what to expect from Lee after he won a three-way competition for the final starting spot during spring training.
He was hurt last season, demoted to the minors and relegated to a relief role when he returned. Lee was even left off the Indians' postseason roster.
Now, Lee is the favorite to follow ex-Indians teammate CC Sabathia for the AL Cy Young Award.
"I've never seen a season like that," Cleveland manager Eric Wedge said. "From start to finish he was incredible. There were real reasons for it. He worked hard physically to get back."
