Pitching Comparisons
First things first. I think it will be a big mistake if the Phillies don’t start Pedro Martinez in Game 2. The reasons. One Pedro is a big game pitcher who won’t be in awe pitching on the road at Yankee Stadium. I don’t think it’s a good idea pitching lefties, Lee and Hamels back to back. It gives the Yankees an advantage seeing pitchers throwing from basically the same angle back to back. You want to change the eye level of the hitter from game to game, if possible.
Game One match-up. Phils: Cliff Lee vs. Yanks: C.C. Sabathia. Both lefties, both former Cy Young winners, former teammates on the Indians, both pitching in their first World Series. Both were exceptional from the All-Star break on and both were dominating during the playoffs. C.C. would have the advantage if both pitched in the 7thgame, if the Series goes that far, because of his physical size. Lee beat the Yanks back in April while playing with the Tribe. Neither team has an advantage in pitching in Game One. Bruce—CC and the Yanks easily win Game One
Game 2. The first question is who will start for both teams? A.J. Burnett is probably the choice for the Yankees. He has the best stuff any pitcher on either team. However Burnett is at times inconsistent. If he’s on he’s extremely hard to beat. If anyone can throw a shutout and strikeout 13 it’s Burnett and yet he is very capable of giving up a big crooked number on the scoreboard at anytime. For the Phils, Cole Hamels , the ’08 Series M.V.P. could start Game 2. Hamels has been very inconsistent this year. His experience in last year’s Fall Classic gives him an edge over Burnett but if he goes in Game 2 my gut says go with Burnett. Pedro Martinez has pitched very well since being signed by the Phils. He was brilliant vs. the Dodgers in the NCLS. I like the Phillies If Pedro goes in Game 2.
Game 3 Phillies: Hamels or Blanton vs. Yanks: Andy Pettite— Pettitee would have the advantage against Hamels or Blanton, a hard throwing righthander who 12 this year.
Game 4 Phils: Hamels or Martinez or Blanton. Vs. Yanks: C.C. Sabathia. Gotta like the big fella though vs Martinez it’s about even.
Bullpens: Key relievers….Phils: J.A. Happ, a rookie lefthander was a starter during the regular season won 12 and is in the running for Rookie of the Year. Could be used for long relief or to match-up against a lefty. Chan Ho Park, hard throwing veteran likely to be used in 7th or 8th inning. Ryan Madson, righthander averages a strikeout an inning. Scott Eyre a lefty to use against a lefty. Brad Lidge, closer. Pitched great in playoffs. Had a horrible regular season after not blowing a save last year.
Yankees. Joba Chamberlain. Power throwing righty. Can dominate or his emotioms could get the best of him. Damaso Marte, lefty who piched well in the playoffs and poorly during the year. Alfredo Aceves righty won 10 during the year. Phil Coke lefty usually pitches less than inning an outing. Phil Hughes, righty, converted starter, he did an outstanding job as a 8th inning set up man and Mariano Rivera, closer, the best in baseball.
Bullpen…Advantage to the Yankees
Starters..a very slight advantage to Yankees.
Managers Phils Charlie Manuel. Won W.S. last year. Yanks.. Joe Giradi, first W.S. as manager. Advantage Manuel due to experience in Series.
Winner of 2009 World Series. Phillies in 7. Better defensive team. Can match the power of Yankees and big game experience as most guys return from last year’s World Series team.
SUMMARY—-Bruce Mercenaries in 7 Freddy Phillies in 7 Vatz Yanks in 6
Bruce—-It’s all about Arod—he is just too tough right now. It is very hard to repeat in Baseball and the Yankees have the mo on their side. Look for Tex to explode and further break Oriole Fans hearts.
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