Scenarios for Games 6 & 7
Posted by Pat Gallen, Tue, November 03, 2009 04:29 PM | Comments: 177
Posts
Here is what we know: Pedro Martinez will start Game 6, going up against Andy Pettitte, who will pitch on three days rest. Martinez is fully rested, having pitched Game 2 on Thursday.
Beyond that, it’s a crapshoot and Charlie Manuel will likely wing it from here on out. However, Cole Hamels and his regrettable comments have thrown a wrench into any plan Manuel would put together. Does he have confidence in the lefty to put his quote in the past and pitch should there be a seventh game?
I say put Hamels in relief for these last two games of the year. In Game 6, should Pedro have to be removed early (say prior to the fifth inning) bring Hamels in to pitch two or three frames. That will save the likes of Happ, Blanton, and some of the tattered bullpen being run out there currently.
It’s a longshot here, and Manuel probably won’t do it, but I think it would be best for Hamels not to start. He’s under the microscope and to have him start the seventh game of the World Series is not the ideal situation. Cliff Lee – should the Phillies get that far – HAS to be the starting pitcher. If Charlie wants to throw Lee out for three innings to get it started, and then use Hamels in relief for that game, so be it. But he cannot stick to a plan regarding Hamels at this time.
As far as starting Lee, the old “all hands on deck” adage is getting a workout, although it is spot on. He can rest on Friday until spring training begins, so throwing 50 more pitches isn’t going to pull his arm out of its socket.
Back to Hamels; I want to see Charlie use him in one of the final two games, but I would feel a bit more comforted knowing it was not on the grandest stage in all of baseball, starting Game 7. Plus, Hamels has looked good early on in his starts, only to lose focus, have a play go awry, and have things snowball against him. If Manuel prepares him by letting him know he needs him in relief in the one of the final two games, it will take loads of pressure off of him and may allow him to positively contribute.
On the other side, it had been said by Joe Girardi that the Yankees will go with Pettitte. Interesting to see how that old left arm will hold up.
Should the Phillies start Lee and put Hamels in the bullpen to be available for either game? Or should Hamels get that start?
Pat Gallen can be reached via email at Pat@Philliesnation.com
Posts: 0 Ed R.
Can we please for the love of Christ stop talking about game 7? Please.
Posted: 11:37 AM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck
Padilla’s a stupid thug. Got what he deserved. Idiot..
_______
As for tonight…..I agree…we need to get to Pettitte early….he’s gonna come out throwing strikes (ahem….Ryan Howard???….). The lineup changes that are being suggested are appealing…..but Cholly probably isn’t going to mess with it. Same approach as Monday. Get runners on early and get to the meat of the order for some RISP action. Give Pedro a lead to work with and he’ll be fine.
Posted: 11:37 AM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 The Original Chuck P
You make solid points, Ben… normally I would agree with you 100% and this is not like me to suggest somehting unorthodox but I’m worried about Vic. He’s still day to day and I’m not so sure that he’s ready to swing a bat… I would hate to see him that high up in the order if he’s not able to grip a bat. Chollie has went with order before… I don’t see a reason why he wouldn’t do it again. It’s not crazy… it’s not that far fetched and I don’t think that it’s that disruptive.
Posted: 11:38 AM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck
Ed R. ……
I agree….Guys… no more Game 7 talk. Like I’ve been preaching all week…ONE GAME AT A TIME
Posted: 11:39 AM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Ben
the phils need to selectively agressive. they need to attack pettite’s strikes, but also when he gets wild let him get wild. we can’t bail him out by swinging at bad pitches.
for the most part the phils have been doing this, htey just need to continue it. i agree that we can probably look for early meatballs from him.
interesting, but pettite had to be sat down in august or september due to a tired arm. now he’s pitched an extra month, and he looked not so great on extra rest in game 3. again, get his count up and pound him early.
Posted: 11:43 AM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Ben
original, if its his hand than thats a different scenario and i agree with you. then i say you move him down to 7 or something. if its an issue with his hand he should not be higher than that.
also, keep in mind he’s swinging right handed today to start. less pressure on his right hand on the right side.
Posted: 11:46 AM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Ed R.
I feel bad for the guy too, no one should have to deal with that as a distraction as well as most likely defend his mother to the media. But at the same time, what is mother did is somewhat laughable. Pathetic as it may be.
Posted: 11:48 AM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 joedad
By the way, I only suggest a lineup change if Victorino isnt 100%. If he is at 75%, he is still a better option than the bench.
Posted: 11:51 AM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 The Original Chuck P
You have to respect Joba for what he has been able to overcome… his mom’s a drug addict, his dad is confined to a motor scooter (polio), he took a year off after high school to work to help pay bills and started his collegiate career at a Nebraska satellite campus. Interestingly, the Yankees drafted him 41st in the 2006 MLB draft… a pick they received as compensation from the Phillies for Tom “Flash” Gordon.
With that being said, I wouldn’t be that upset if this news serves as a temporary distraction for Joba.
Posted: 11:52 AM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Ed R.
I agree Original. I would never wish bad things on anyone even A-Rod but while this series is going on and we have guys like Hamels saying what he is and guys like Myers being idiots then its about time some news that is less than flattering hits the Yankees.
And while we are at it, how does a complete and total douche like Nick Swisher get someone like Joanna Garcia? At least Jeter is a stand up guy who is actually good at what he does. Swisher? What has he ever done besides wear an awful mohawk and take part in some gross tongue ritual with Johnny “I would never play for the Yankees” Damon?
Posted: 11:56 AM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck
Johnny Damon’s a Neanderthal…..ever hear the guy talk?….He makes the Geico cavemen seem like Albert Einstein.
Posted: 12:07 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 JD
Will the real Ryan Howard please stand up. And shave that damn beard its not working for you!!
Posted: 12:37 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Manny
haha JD… I was thinking the same! Shave that beard and he’ll be back getting some key hits!
Posted: 12:49 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Georgie
Since I’m not a big fan of facial hair, my husband decided to shave his beard late Sunday night after that nasty game. Imagine how thrilled I was to wake up to a porn ‘stache Monday morning, but given the results of Monday night’s game, I told him he has to keep it as is until the series is over. I’m not sure how much longer I can live with (My Name Is) Earl…
Posted: 12:52 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Mike D.
The real Ryan Howard was doomed for the series when he ended up on the cover of SI.
Posted: 12:57 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Ed R.
Well given that excellent with by the Rams, your husband might be inclined to keep the porn ‘stache for a little longer.
Posted: 01:00 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Seth Lempert
I think what your saying is right Pat. Hamels is very good early on, and if there is a game 7 is all or nothing at that point. Game 7 is still a long shot away, so will see what happens.
Posted: 01:02 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Georgie
Ed, don’t even SUGGEST that, I didn’t think about that until you brought it up, so I’m not mentioning it to him. Hopefully, HE hasn’t linked the two together, that thing’s GOT to go!
Posted: 01:04 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Mike D.
@Georgie, I believe that if you are a fan, you will live with whatever good-luck behavior anyone else exhibits for as long as necessary, so long as it isn’t unhygienic. Lucky shirt, shoes, and pants, but underwear must be washed. That’s my philosophy.
Come on PHILS! Get this!
Posted: 01:14 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 beta sigma shag
All this crap about game seven, Can we win tonight first! It is going to be a bull pen game if the Phillies are going to have a chance is this one. If you let AP settle down he could go 7, the bats have to stay strong and chase him after 3 or 4 at the most. If Pedro can go 6 strong and give up 2 runs while the phillies score 4 or 5 I think that is all you can realistily expect. Would love to see them break out the whipping stick and put up double digits in the first 5 or 6 innings and leave no doubt about game 7.
And all the Cole Brett stuff is a joke, Brett did not hear Cole’s comments before he told a reporter who asked him where Cole was and he said “he quit” Cole heard him and said FU. they did not get into a fight, and Listen or read the whole interview before you jump down a guys throat. The question was what if there is no game 7. When asked about game 7 he said he wanted the ball. THis is a media story, this team has his back they know him, and know he did not quit on them. So get over it and win tonight
Posted: 01:20 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 The Original Chuck P
Unhygienic? Eff that… I’ve been wearing the same pair of vinegar smelling drawers for almost two years!
Posted: 01:21 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck
My socks are starting to get sticky..hopefully, I won’t be changing them til Friday…
Posted: 01:29 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Michael
Anyone nervous but me?
Posted: 01:52 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Bruce
Why be nervous Michael? As the song says..Que sera, sera (whatever will be, will be). Usually the better team wins. And the Yankees have never lost a World Series with a 3 games to 1 lead ( 8 times). Just enjoy the World Series. I’m rooting for Utley to win the MVP. And if the Phillies lose, it would be only the second time in history that a player won the MVP for a losing team. Name the other player, team and year.
Posted: 02:10 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 bob
@ Michael
Damn right I’m nervous. I get butterflies before each playoff game and I’m not the one on the field.
I think the time has come for the Phils to jump out early for once, give Pedro a little breathing room. I really think Pedro has what it takes to keep the Yanks off balance. If he can turn in another 6+ 3R performance, we are gonna be in damn good shape to force game 7.
The Yankees have an advantage having the lead and being at home, but anything positive the Phils do puts the pressure on them. If they can jump out early it should suck the life out of Yankee Stadium, maybe the Yanks tighten up a bit.
I think we need to take the same approach as we did against Burnett, do not let Pettite pump in first pitch fastballs for strikes. He made Utley look silly with 2 strikes in Game 3.
Posted: 02:13 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck
bob….
You’re right with the “jumping out early” approach…..but we DID that with Hamels on Saturday in Game 3…only to have him sh!t the bed…hopefully Pedro will take better advantage of that..
Posted: 02:52 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Keith
we need to score more than one run for Pedro.
Posted: 02:55 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Georgie
Mike D., I washed my Ryan Howard Reading Phils t-shirt after he went on that hot streak, and all of a sudden he went cold as ice, I KNEW it was a bad thing to do, I think I’ll dirty it up for tonight’s game!
Bruce, love that song, my mom used to sing it to me when I was little…
And yep, I am nervous as sh!t.
GO PHILLIES!!!!!!!
Posted: 03:07 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 The Original Chuck P
Be nervous but don’t forget to appreciate this for what it is because this is as good as it gets. Pedro Martinez versus Andy Pettitte at Yankee Stadium… Game 6 of the World Series… the New York Yankees against our Fightin Phils, the defending World Champs… Top dogs in both leagues squaring off for a chance to make history!
I couldn’t feel any better… sure, I’m nervous but this is awesome. Rewind the clocks 5 years and just IMAGINE how you would respond to the suggestion that one day Pedro Martinez would be pitching a pivotal game 6 of the World Series for our Phillies in Yankee stadium… seriously, you couldn’t have dreamt this up if you tried. When we signed Pedro, we all hoped and suggested that his tenacity and experience could help us win another title… this is it, fellas. Pedro Martinez in PHILLIES RED pinstripes pitching for our chance to make history. After all, the Phillies have NEVER played in a game 7 in postseason history.
All the pressure is on them and we’re simply playing the roles we’ve been playing since day one; home wreckers and party spoilers. Don’t ever count this team out… they won’t disappoint.
Posted: 03:15 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Manny
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! CAN’T F*CKING WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted: 03:17 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 shag beta sigma delta
I have been saying it all WS, I feel good about this game tonight, and game 7 is what it is if we get there.
But win tonight or not win tomorrow night or not. This team has defended it title well, and will be back next year and for years to come so appreciate that, I know that is not like some of you on here, and it is hard to do.
Lets make this a classic and go to game seven,
I am nervous and I have to work till like 9:30- 10 pm, but I will be very derelict in my managerial duties because I will be standing in the bar watching the game.
GO PHILLIES
Posted: 03:22 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 bob
@Chuck
very true about Cole. I think with Pedro on the hill and an early lead may send some shock waves through Yankee Stadium and maybe the Yankees themselves. We’ve all seen their recent history with the pressure on in the postseason. On the road, most teams tend to play looser and that’s what you saw from the Yankees in Games 3-4.
There is not as much pressure on the Phillies, barely anyone that is not associated with the Phillies expect them to come out and take this game or a potential game tomorrow night.
With the Yankees their 27th championship is expected and if things don’t go their way early their fans will clam up and their team might grip those bats a little bit tighter, ala Game 1.
Posted: 03:24 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 christopher
i am nervous for the first time really this entire WS. last postseason (and the year before) i had big time butterflies for just about every game. this year it’s been different now that they’ve won the big one. i’ll get a bit on edge for a game here and there, but this WS in particular i’ve been laid back. tonight though… i can feel the butterflies already, and we’re 5+ hours away! but it’s a good feeling, it’s the type of excitement that keeps me coming back for more every year.
Posted: 03:29 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 SpinJamin
GO PHILLIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted: 03:29 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 joedad
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! CAN’T F*CKING WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m right there with you Manny.
I haven’t been able to concentrate at work for weeks. Today is no exception. It is less nerves than anticipation. I wanted a clean sweep but a win tonight gives us at an even more exciting conclusion.
Posted: 03:33 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck
Looks like Manny and joedad are nervous…well……SO AM I!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted: 03:43 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 TrappedInNYC
I am not worried…I work here in NYC and all the Faux Yankees fans are crapping in their bloomers…the Phils will just take care of business and pound Pettitte…even the dumbest Yankee fans know what they are up against
Posted: 03:50 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 U Gotta Believe
does anyone else see it as ironic that our song High Hopes repeats the phrase “Oops there goes another rubber tree plant” 3 times…since we have to win 3 straight games from the Yanks…High Hopes baby…Phillies will win this game and tomorrow’s game.
Espn commerical: Colin Cowherd ask J Roll if the Phillies are going to win tonight.
Rollins response: Please!
Rollins set the tone and BIG PIECE is have a game tonight….Pedro silence the whose your daddy chants…and tell them: “I like it when you call me big Poppa!”
U Gotta Believe: HK you will never be forgotten and this one is for you!
Posted: 03:51 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 HK
Thank you everyone..Thank you for not forgetting me.
Posted: 04:11 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Richie Ashburn
Looks like you’re still really popular, Harry.
Posted: 04:12 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 HK
You’re right, Whitey.
That’s because you have to have…..
High Hopes!!
Posted: 04:14 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 1372 Pat Gallen
I love it. No one can concentrate at work, everyone is on a phillies high. And even though they are down, doesnt it make it feel even more special? People are still positive and I love that, it’s awesome.
Tonight will be a huge night in Phillies history, and I can’t wait to be watching.
Posted: 04:15 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 shag beta sigma delta
Anticipation more than worried, This is a great Phillies team, I think one of the best of all Phillies’ teams, I am proud of them, and know they will be in contention for years to come, now lets blow this game up and shut them down early.
Posted: 04:16 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Harry Kalas
Sorry HK, put please stop.. I changed the name to Harry Kalas after we lost to the Brewers on Sat nite during the regular season for Good Luck. And guess what? We’re still here… No offense dude, but please don’t post as HK anymore for the rest of the 2009 season. Thank you.
-Food for thought. The Yankees are trying to win what would be their 27th World Series title. Who has been the biggest thorn in their side this WS? Even more so than Cliff Lee?…. Chase Utley. And what number does Mr. Chase “Reggie Jackson” Utley wear?? _ _……..
Posted: 04:44 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Manny
I need to edit this long-a$$ paper for work but I can’t… I just can’t.
Posted: 05:00 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 joedad
Yeah, there is only room for one HK here.
Who knows how Joe West calls balls and strikes?
Posted: 05:06 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 U Gotta Believe
Harry Kalas:
More Food for thought:
Right now, the Yanks have 0 world series titles in their new stadium…
The average IQ of yankee fans is 1.
0 + 1 = 1.
Chase Utley is number 26 and he’s handing it to the Yanks right now.
2 + 6 = 8.
1 combined with 8 is 18.
There were 18 terrorists participating in the attacks during 9/11
Therefore, the yankees and their fans are terrorists!
Just kiddin Yankee fans…buddy at work thought this up…I thought it was pretty funny!
Posted: 05:08 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 j reed
I was thinking about what pitches Pedro brought to the last game…the one pitch that I didn’t really see was that two seamer with that late movement he was dealing against the Dodgers. I am hoping to to see it tonight. Pedro knows he has to bring something different to the table tonight. I hope there is no bad blood between him the ump Joe West. If he can get good sink on that two seamer and throw it for strikes we could see alot of groundball outs (praying). Plus, Pedro, for having such a late start is at a point where he could be peaking. I also think he has an extra gear….I heard Kruk talking about how Petite was saying that we was making up pitches towards the the later innings of his last start because he had nothing left. Aside from all the hoohaw about sign stealing which supposedly was the reason for all the mound visits I think they were stalling to give Petite a little more rest between pitches. I feel that Howard and Ibanez unleash hell tonight….like Howard, Ibanez has been taking those swings that looked like he was playing badminton, until that moonshot. I think those guys struggled to time the loopy offspeed stuff from Petite and they try to compensate by slowing down there bat speed….And let’s face it they are HULK SMASH BALL guys…leave the blooper swings and chipshots to Juan Pierre’s and Jeter’s. I think their timing has come around. HULK SAYS PHILLIES SMASH LITTLE WHITE BALL
Posted: 05:18 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 j reed
Joedad – Joe West Info
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/a-zone-of-their-own
Scroll down towards the end if you don’t want to plod thru the article
Posted: 05:22 PM on November 4, 2009
Posts: 0 Scott in D.C.
I’ve got a prediction for tonight: Whoever scores the most runs will win.
Now I’m going to go throw up from neurasthenia.
Posted: 05:23 PM on November 4, 2009