Watching and talking to Cliff Lee after he won his 20^th game Monday night was a bit of a strange experience. First, the Indians had a video on the scoreboard congratulating Lee from Gaylord Perry, the team’s last 20-game winner. This was a good idea. But Perry wore a Giants hat. Odd, no?

Then Lee went on rambling soliloquies that didn’t really reveal a lot. One of his main themes was that he was glad it was over because he didn’t have to answer any more questions about the pursuit. This is a case when, as a journalist, you feel a tad odd. Players get mad when they are asked about things not going well, yet they get tired of being asked about things when they do go well. This seems like the proverbial no-win situation.There’s no question the repetitive nature of the job can be wearing on some guys, but there’s also no question it’s part of the job. And it seems like winning 20 games might make a guy enjoy the questions a little more. That being said, we’re all different and Lee insisted more than once he was glad it was over.

Lee also was asked if he had ever met Perry, and the thought barely crossed his mind that the pair had shaken hands at the All-Star Game. He almost had to be reminded of the meeting.

It just seemed … interesting.

All this means nothing, really, compared to the reality that Lee did win 20 games this year after being sent to the minors in 2007. He was barely an afterthought to a playoff season a year ago; this year he’s the Indians MVP. He also showed some fire during the game. Lee said White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski was “chirping” at Lee during the game, and when the game was over Lee seemed to point to the White Sox dugout. Many Chicago players stayed in the dugout as the Indians shook hands, which is very unusual. It’s not unlike Pierzynski to talk, but after the game he denied it. Were the White Sox mad at Lee? His answer: A sharp and direct “I don’t care.”