Of course, it would have been really nice to take the first two games of this series and be in control as it shifts to Colorado, but it’s certainly not time to panic. It’s now a best-of-three series, with two of them on the road, but I still like the Phils’ chances, especially with the thought of a potential Game 5 back in Philly and Cliff Lee back on the mound. Some thoughts on today’s loss:
- Obviously, it was not the Cole Hamels we saw last October, but he looked pretty good. He didn’t walk anybody, and the only two balls that were even hit hard were the two extra-base hits he gave up (Torrealba homer and Gonzalez double). It’s pretty good timing that his wife went into labor today, because he almost certainly won’t be called on to pitch again until the NLCS, if they get there, and his start there is over a week away.
- I loved how the crowd at the game got loud and fired up at the start of the bottom of the 6th inning. The Phils were down 4-0 and had been getting shut down by Aaron Cook. The fans were looking to give the team a lift, and it seemed to work. Three batters later (after two singles and a double) Cook was out of the game, and the Phillies were on their way back in it. Great job by the fans there.
- It’s hard to feel too good about our bullpen when, with the bases loaded in the 8th inning, Antonio Bastardo got the call. The scary thing is, I agreed with Charlie on the move. Jason Giambi can’t hit lefties anymore, and it probably helps that he’s never faced Bastardo before. In any event, Bastardo got the strike-out he needed. It just would be nice to have someone with more than 6 major league appearances in a spot like that.
Looking ahead to Game 3, there are two huge story lines: who will be the Phillies starting pitcher, and how will the freezing temperatures and snow affect the game. I won’t pretend to have the right answer regarding the starting pitching. Charlie said after the game that is probably between Joe Blanton and Pedro Martinez for the Game 3 start. Assuming Happ is ok after taking the shot to the leg today, I would go Blanton on Saturday and Happ on Sunday in Game 4. I just think that Pedro is a bit of an unknown at this point. Also, Blanton has had good success against lefties this year, which could be useful against a line-up that could feature as many as five left-handed bats. I would also put Pedro out in the bullpen, and tell him to be ready.As for the weather, we’ll just have to wait and see. I don’t think it really gives either team much of an advantage. Too bad the Rockies don’t have a dome. Of course, if the series is lengthened due to a canceled game or two, it could be nice to have Lee back out there in Game 4.
This is a fascinating little dilemma here with the starting pitching–I just wish it wasn’t with the team in which I’m so emotionally invested.
I do still feel good about the series because, no matter who the Phils throw out there, I think they have the starting pitching advantage against Jason Hammel.
The weather is going to be quite interesting as well. Wow, all this drama–can’t we just have some drama-free, take-care-of-business playoff series, like last year?
Announced that it will be Pedro in Game 3. I don’t think I like it. Blanton and Happ were better pitchers this year, why not put Pedro in the pen instead?
I’m a little behind on this and the Phillies’ thinking, but it may be that as an older pitcher, Pedro might not be able to warm up as quickly in the cold in the bullpen. Legend has it that a similar line of thinking was used in choosing Koufax to pitch game 7 in the 1966 World Series on 2 days rest rather than Drysdale, with Koufax having the more delicate arm and wouldn’t be able to warm up in a hurry if needed.
I can see some validity in that, but why wasn’t Pedro in the pen yesterday instead of Blanton, when the weather was in the high-60’s? And if there’s worry about him pitching in the cold because he’s old, why pitch him at all, when you have two other (and probably better) options?
I trusting that Charlie and Rich Dubee have watched Pedro throwing in recent days and liked what they saw. Hopefully it works out. There are certainly worse options than a Hall-of-Famer with a sub-4 ERA on the season.
Truly no matter if someone doesn’t know then its up to other viewers that they will assist, so
here it takes place.
The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and
tested to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube
sensation. My apple ipad is now destroyed and she has 83 views.
I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!