Alright, well I’m already ready to go for the NLCS, and it will be interesting to see how our rotation sets up.
Here is the schedule…
Game 1: Thursday at LA
Game 2: Friday at LA
Game 3: Sunday at PHI
Game 4: Monday at PHI
Game 5: Wednesday at PHI
Game 6: Friday at LA
Game 7: Saturday at LA
And here is what we can pretty much guarantee about our starting pitching… The day off before and after Game 5, gives Lee the chance to pitch on full rest in Game 6, not 7.
Game 1: Hamels
Game 2: TBD
Game 3: Lee
Game 4: TBD
Game 5: Hamels
Game 6: Lee
Game 7: TBD
We know the Rockies didn’t fare well against lefties, but it seems like the Dodgers are pretty even against righties and lefties so that doesn’t really give Happ and advantage like it did last series.
Happ would be on full rest for Friday’s game, as would Blanton, and obviously Pedro. It’s going to be very interesting to see who Manuel puts in there. I really have no idea. Park might be back for the NLCS which would mean we wouldn’t need Blanton as much. Pedro is obviously fresh and has a big game history, and Happ was the best regular season pitcher. My first inkling is Pedro with Blanton ready to jump in.
For Game 4, I’d probably throw Happ, who I think was bothered more by the cold than they stage on Sunday. For Game 7? It would depend how all 3 had pitched, so I can’t say right now. It’s possible if we are up 3-2 that we go with Pedro or Blanton in Game 6 and save Lee for Game 7. Who knows.
Lots of possibilities, lots of excitement for the NLCS rematch. Let’s hear what you guys think.
Why no love for Joe Blanton? The dude was one of the NL’s best pitchers after the all-star break and the Phillies best starter (check out his quality start numbers). He has proven himself in the postseason last year, and has a ton of rest heading into the NLCS. I would give him the ball as a clear cut #3 starter right now.
“Buckshot” Blanton’s fastball’s sometimes too straight, no movement (Manny meals). He humps the ball to the plate, jumping in the air to tiptoes after release. His calves and forearms are too pudgy for classic SI hurler sequence photos. West Virginians don’t reckon to take much to Tennesseeans. The playoffs are no time for sentimental gifts.
Seriously, Blanton’s been solid this year after a bad 1st month. Has earned a start. Couldn’t complain if he was handed the ball. A bulldog out there who was a mainstay, somewhat surprisingly. I’d choose him over Happ, if it came to that.
I’d be perfectly fine with Blanton in Game 2, he’s been very solid all year. But, he’s was good out of the bullpen in the NLDS, and one of those 3 needs to go there.
Game 1: 8pm on Thursday
Game 2: 4:30pm on Friday (lame)
Game 3: 8pm on Sunday
from Jayson Stark…
“Of all the National League teams that have won a World Series over the past century-plus, these Phillies are only the fifth, believe it or not, to come back and win a postseason series the following year.
They’re the first since the 1995-96 Braves. Before them came the 1975-76 Reds. And before those two, you have to travel back to the baseball stone age — to the 1921-22 Giants and the 1907-08 Cubs.”
Blanton really needs to get the start. he’s the one pitcher you know is gonna be sharp which is more than I can say for ether Happ or Pedro. since Lee cant go for Game 2. Park coming back might really help our 7th inning situation.
Switching gears, is anybody really worried about Randy Wolf and Vicente Padilla? I mean, Wolf has been solid this season but as a #1 starter? Its not like we’re going to start Chan Ho Park against the Dodgers.
Next thing you know the Dodgers will throw Bruce Chen and Andy Ashby out there.
The Dodgers bullpen is solid though with Kuo, Sherrill, Broxton, and Bellisario (sp?) able to get our lefty’s out (except maybe a Stairs v. Broxton re-match).
Well, two years in a row, hard to believe,. Thought I’d check back and see what you guys were saying this year, enjoyed the insight last year from you guys.
Not worried about Wolf huh? I bet the Cards said the same thing, yes they chased him early, but they didn’t hurt him. He has been a pleasant surprise this year, and if he’s on, watch out, he can really confuse a lineup. We’re pretty trusting of our bull pen too.
I was pretty disappointed in our guys last year, hopefully we can put up a better fight this year.
Um, wow. Check out this link and please please please explain to me how this makes sense. I should probably read the rest of the article (if there is any) but how on earth is LA vs. NY better for the game than Phillies vs. NY? For the good of the game and purity of the game? Do the Phillies have A-Rod or Manny on their team?