Ladies and Gentlemen, this is it.
If we win tonight, we regain some hope and start talking about how if we can get to Pettitte on 3 days rest in NYC we can force a Game 7 and anything can happen in a Game 7 and so on and so forth.
If we lose, I start preparing all my off-season stuff, we find people to blame, ways to bash the Yankees and their fans, and I get on my soapbox and start my “sign Chone Figgins” campaign.
If the former can’t happen with our ace on the mound at home, then we don’t deserve to send it back NYC anyway.
I don’t want to talk about Game 4, as I will be discussing it with my therapist for years to come, so here is what I am looking for in Game 5.
- Will the talented Yankees line-up be able to adjust to Cliff Lee after seeing him in Game 1, or is Lee just that good.
- Will the talented Phillies line-up be able to adjust to A.J Burnett after seeing him in Game 2.
- Will Burnett continue his career success on 3-days rest (2.33 ERA in 4 starts) or will he be rattled by the fans or over-hyped by the prospect of winning the clincher?
- It would certainly be a good time for Ryan Howard to join the party, wouldn’t it?
- Does Lee have to pitch all 9 innings for us to have a chance to win as our relievers not named Ryan Madson have allowed 6 runs in 6.2 IP?
I guess I’ll add a disclaimer to this before I write it. Since I’m rooting for, and looking at it from a Phils view, I’ll comment as if this is going 7. It’s not to disrespect the Yanks, or reflect that I think this is destined to go 7. The only thing I think right now is 1 pitch at a time.
That said, obviously, the only important thing is winning tonight. I’m not in the least bit worried about Charlie pulling the plug on Lee 1 pitch too early so he has something for a 7th game appearance. That will take care of itself.
Sam Donnellson of the DN wrote this aternoon that he thinks Lee would start Game 7 and go a couple innings. My Game 7 starter, upon further review is Cole Hamels. With Wholestaff, Johnny being the actual pitcher in that would be game, you have to use your personnel in scenarios they can best handle. I can’t see Hamels coming in as a reliever. Let him start, and if he opens the game with ball one to Jeter, get the whole bullpen up, but at least have him start. I would think Lee would be more suited to relieve.
Here’s hoping it matters.
hasn’t Park been good for us on the mound ? let him finish the game if need be. man I’m so depressed about our chances, go Phillies, Lee is just what we need to stave off elimination, and a win tonight changes our mood. That’s better, GO PHILLIES
Because I’m a stat geek, what are everyone’s thoughts on our chances at this point? I’m at about 5%.
what about Park starts Game 7 and goes 3, followed by Hamels for 3, and Lee for three. Plus I dreamt last night that Shane makes a leaping catch at the wall to win Game 7 and the series.
I think our chances are 20%. Not hard stat, in the WS history 1 in 5 teams have come back from a 3-1 deficit.
Does anyone not think we’ll win this thing with Lee. Just seeing up there on the bump might be the most confidence insipiring sight in baseball. He’s just so solid and level headed. He’s the man. Regardless of what happens this year, really hoping they can make him a Phillie for a long time.
How many times did Lee go 3-0 in 9 IP of game one. Twice in the first inning.
Why does Jeter think he’s a frickin’ pitching coach? Are all their pitchers idiots who constantly need advice from him or something?
I really hope his hand isn’t broken
I’ll put money on Victorino’s hand being broken. That looked, and sounded, terrible.
CHASE MOTHERFUCKING UTLEY!!!!!
3 runs, 0 outs – hopefully this 3-days rest thing completely backfires.
All three guys have taken early, aggressive approaches. Good adjustment from Game Two. Hope this keeps up.
finally a non-solo HR!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Howard lose a bat
Wow, that looked like a gift ball four. Of course, I’ll take it.
Something these guys have not done for Hamels, Pedro or Blanton. Answered the Yankke offense. NY has done it in their three wins, Phills are known for it. They have to pick up their starters when the Yankees score.
I’ve have never seen a team slow a game down more than the Yankees. Between trips to the mound, Girardi coming out and now Burnett cleaning the crap off his shoes (which I have never seen a pitcher do before)
Did Ruiz just catch that pitch with his face?
Anyone see how swollen Vics knuckles looked? It does not look good.
as much as Pedro Feliz has frustrated me, his throw to first base is the straightest damn throw ever
Pete, I think that almost every time I watch him throw to first. It’s what makes his offense even slightly excusable, his D is undeniable.
Lee definitely does not look like he has his A stuff. If he isn’t going to be lights out it sure looks bad that Charlie didn’t try him on short rest. He could have his B or C stuff on short rest.
no, his knuckles do not look good.
How much would you pay to watch him fight A-Rod?
Game 6 lineup against petite without Shane
Rollins
Werth
Utley
Howard
Francisco
Ibanez
Feliz
Stairs (DH)
Ruiz
these guys love Yanks. Utley is having one of great offenses of all-time and they didn’t even mention anything after the homer and are still raving about Burnett every time he strikes someone out. 4 dingers and 6 RBIs in a bit over 4 games.
Shane looks pretty uncomfortable. He keeps flexing the hand and he’s grimacing. It’s broken.
It’s pretty interesting. Cabrera tweaks a hammy and he’s deactivated. Anyone think Victorino won’t stay on this roster for game 6 and 7?
I don’t like the looks of this….
Victorino should not be in there
Wonder if they’ll take Vic out of the game and get that hand X-rayed? He didn’t get much of the ball on that popup and he was in a lot of pain from the contact.
If the hand is not broken, no doubt he remains on the roster, Chris.
Lee doesn’t look comfortable. I don’t know if he’s fighting himself a little bit, can’t find his release point, or what.
anyone know how many infield double plays we have turned this series? I think zero – which is amazing. I am not counting the phantom one on the howard “catch.”
Shane didn’t brace his glove with his right hand. Usually you’ll see him catch that with two hands.
See Vic keep his right hand away from the glove on that catch? You could see him going through his normal routine catching the ball only to pull it away at the last second.
Burnett wants nothing to do with Utley this time around. Stayed away the whole AB.
Howard is beyond due right now
victorino has to be done. Even if it is just a bruise, he won’t be able to grip the bat right for several days.
Need Werth and Ibanez to step up here.
let’s get 3 more here!
Yeah, two men on, no outs. They can put this thing out of reach early.
how about a single guys
There’s one. Now it’s Raul’s turn.
This is what used to happen when you walk the Phillies. You, know, way back last week.
It ain’t over by a damn sight boys!
man Raul, that was a BP pitch. Burnett throwing BP now. Neither CC or Burnett impressive on 3 days rest.
man, did we need this.
this Game is far from over fellas – lets relax. Yankees can score 4 in a blink. Plus Lee will not be going more than 7 tonight with the pitch count.
I called it, huh? Very nice.
Burnett is done. Much different than game 2.
Let’s hope game 6 against Pettitte in much different than game 3.
Would it have been unsportsmanlike for Feliz to just tackle Texiera right there?
victorino’s back and donning his helmet.
A little ugly, but thats a big run. Turns over the lineup also.
I want Victorino out and Francisco in tomorrow it he can’t hit well.
Also, pressure back on Yanks if we go to Game 6.
My goodness, Pedro again. This is nuts.
Jesus, learn how to communicate from 60 feet away.
nice – slow it down on their end also
hope that howard screw up doesn’t cost us.
Anyone thinking about Game 6 at this point ougta relax. This remains a 1 batter at a time proposition. Far as I’m concerned, Cliff stays in as long as necessary. Far as the Phils chances per Drew, the Phils chances are 100 per cent if they are the first to win 4 games.
honestly posada
you can speculate about Game 6 – obviously there is a lot left in Game 5, but despite the popular sports fan opinion, talking as if you won actually has no affect on the actual game
Because Howard has been carrying the Phills since like August….I can’t even remember what usually breaks him out of a slump. Is it like one hit or is it slowly breaking out? Either or? Anyone remember?
pg -
usually one hit…..I think…
Nick Swisher was recruited to play at ND and I didn’t know? How is that possible? Francouer was recruited as a safety, though he probably would have gone to Clemson
we have hit a whole lot of balls hard right at them the last two nights
we gotta put up another run or two before this is all said and done
That last swing included, it appears that Shane’s hand isn’t bothering him nearly as much as it was earlier.
posada is a horrid defensive catcher
God, I hate American Idol. What an atrocity of culture.
don’t forget folks. For all of Howards troubles, if he gets hot for the last two games we are world champs. He is the good. With Utley hot it would be over. And it is not farfetched. The Yankees pitchers may be getting gassed.
a whole mess of stuff would have to happen for us to win this series!
hahaha – that was a very enjoyable Posada strike-out, he’s been incredibly annoying all series
Isn’t the “spiked curveball” actually called a “knuckle curve”? Did McCarver make up that name just to entertain himself?
I am sick and tired of Posada bitching about EVERYTHING. Dude, Lee was in his beginning his windup – what the f do you want?
I’m glad the ump didn’t give Posada time…that was funny seeing him just stand there as it went down the middle
Yeah Pete. Posada has been complaining the entire series on what seems like every pitch. It’s a wonder his pitchers haven’t ended up with a strike zone the size of a postage stamp by now.
Victorino seems to be catching balls fine now. The hand must be feeling better, although he’s still not hitting the ball well (almost beat that last one out though).
Lee better be back out there in the 8th
how on earth can Victorino’s hand be OK???
ChrisMcC -
I’ve only ever heard of it as a knuckle curve before too… McCarver probably made it up and they don’t have the heart to correct him.
Man, Utley has got that grown up stroke working tonight!!
Man, if Howard gets even room-temperature they’ve got a great chance to pull this out.
is Ashburn the most beloved athlete in this city? not saying mccarver is wrong, that is just not who i would have said.
utley and howard just tied very different records in back-to-back at bats
come on Ryan
Werth does not get cheated up there, thats for damn sure
Werth has now been a split second early on what would have been two LF homers in back to back ABs.
RAAAAUUULLLLLLL!!!
WOW – what a swing by Ibanez!
I don’t think we’ll see Coke again in this series. He got hit very hard with the exception of RH. Even Werth’s out was loud and long.
Pete,
Any thoughts on how far Cliff goes now after the Ibanez shot?
I wish we could save some of these runs for Game 6
wow, three pretty good pitches from Hughes. Fastball inside, breaking ball away, and then dropped that curve ball right into the zone.
KB-
I still think it’s it right move to keep him in for this inning with the big boppers in there. I don’t think 10-20 pitches is going to change his chance to pitch an inning or two in a potential game 7.
goodnight guys – early day for me tomorrow and lord knows I don’t want to watch this anyway if the Phils were to lose it.
what kind of route to the ball was that Ibanez?
This is what I was talking about earlier. The Yankees answer big innings. This thing is now a very close game with the bullpen taking over a 4 run lead.
i thought this was going to be an easy one 10 minutes ago….starting to get nervous
Hmmm, I guess this is the right move. I’d have liked to have seen Cliff go 1 more hitter. Alex hit that well, but Raul probably chould have caught it.
Certaintly looks like Shane was right about “putting ben in left.” Oh, well.
I don’t think Feliz could block A-Rod’s view of anything. That’s like me trying to use my body to block Shaq’s view.
uhhhhh…..what school of sacrifice fly school did you go to Francisco?? He caught that flat footed and then crow hopped to the plate. Gotta get behind it man. That was weak.
Does Charlie bring in Madson or Lidge for the 9th?
good work Park – I might just leave him in, his pitches have some good movement.
let’s get another run here…
Couldn’t really have asked for more there from Park. Need to put up a couple here in the 9th before I’m at all comfortable.
That was the worse throw. Even if you take Shane out Werth should be in center. Charlie is not on point with his defense the last two games.
I’d stick with Park, unless his spot in the order comes up. Otherwise I go Lidge but on a short leash
Get the feeling this game’s just starting? And we all know why. Posada leading off negates a Eyre-Brad combo, and the game is far from over, but I think Brad is gonna be okay.
What was the point of the crow hope if the ball was going to roll to the plate from the mound anyway.
Pete, I think you have to go with Madson. He’s pitched well and, in my opinion, deserves an opportunity to close it out. That said, I wouldn’t be upset or second guessing Charlie if he went with Lidge. It’s kind of what he’s done all year.
Noooooo double plays Matt.
Personally, I’d be okay with Bruntlett bunting here, BUT…Stairs Hughes does figure to be a good matchup.
can you imagine our regular season offense if Ruiz always played like this?
Just spilled a beer on my new carpet. Really hoping that’s the most upsetting thing that happens tonight.
I agree KB, Rollins has swung the bat well
I don’t think that is what Matt Stairs said, Tim
guess we were right on that one
Noooooo double plays Matt.>>
should sent a tect o the on deck circle. Man.
well – here we go. get your prozac ready…
Wow. I’m very surprised.
I agree with this move from Charlie, though I would think about bringing in Eyre for Matsui
cmon Madson, trade outs for runs here – NO WALKS
im not sure ill be able to watch this…
oh my…we just cant make things easy
good god – we are going to lose this aren’t we
I hate to say this but I wouldn’t mind seeing Durbin warm up right now
I simply can’t believe that they are even on this position, tying run at the plate.
I have to leave Madson in myself, and at least Dubee is visiting the mound unlike last night.
should have left park in
I am getting sick….
why do I get the feeling yankies have us right where they want us
didn’t Madson used to throw 98? what the hell happened?
hoping no worse than a tie game.
holy shit, that was the biggest double play I’ve ever witnessed.
EAT IT JETER!
Talk about a big double play – first of the series!
Buck seems legitimately disappointed.
Phillyfan – Because you’re a defeatist that has nothing but negative thoughts and energy.
DON’T LET A-ROD GET UP. CMON MADSON
do not screw up an 0-2 count
man is Damon tough to strike out
throw strikes Madson
I am gonna throw up…..
not right down the middle though…
Damon having a heck of a series. Comes down to Texeira. Can’t walk him and let Aron hit a dinger
another 0-2, c’mon man…
DONE!
thank god
Thank you RYAN!
Thank God.
bingo
YES!!!!
I’ve said it before, This shit ain’t over by a damn sight boys.
hopefully the bats can give us a similar performance on Wednesday….
not how I wanted to end it giving the yanks a little hope but a win is a win…now lets hope that 3 day rest catches up to Pettitte too
“My opinion on this – I don’t know whether this is true or not – but I think Ryan Madson is less inclined to walk himself into trouble than Lidge is”
“The one downside of that not issuing a walk is that on a 3-1 pitch, Ryan Madson properly throwing a fastball for a strike and making Posada hit to get on, and Jorge does.”
Tim McCarver, word smith and scholar
I don’t connect with Cliff getting Player of the Game. Co honors with Chase I connect with.
hopefully the bats can give us a similar performance on Wednesday….>>
I believe we’re okay on that front. I’d hate giving up 2 automatic outs with Ryan continuing to slump and Shane unable to swing, but we had some real good swings tonight.
Pettitte is all heart, all the time. But I really think we’re gonna have a lead Wednesday night, and suspect the short rest effects him. The Phils starter is a washed up injury prone guy who couldn’t get a job until July. All I keep hearing is he doesn’t have the stuff he did 5 years ago and he keeps pitching well. In stretches, he will pitch the game of his life. And that has been some life. Petey Martin. Let’s get it on.
McCarver: “My opinion on this – I don’t know whether this is true or not – but I think Ryan Madson is less inclined to walk himself into trouble than Lidge is”
You’re an analyst. Isn’t sort of you job to know whether that’s true “or not.’
Moron.
Pre Game 6 Rambles…
Controversial draws opinions all over the map. Petey Martin is one cotroversial cat. General consensus tonight as was in LA, and Game 2 here is the 6 inning expectation. That’s Charlie’s call, but I don’t see it. My clearest vision of tonight is that the Phils will lead this game toward the end of the Pedro-Pettite portion of the script. Whether that’s the end result, who knows. But I have no doubt he pitches well, and could go deeper in the game than popular opinion anticipates should Charlie choose to use him so. Pedro is re-stretched if you will, as he was when he pitch in late August. The layoff after the pinched neck nerve created a second spring training, but after 2 solid playoff starts, and this being his last game of the year, he could go deep. Course there’s dep and Grady Little deep, but time will tell on that.
I find a large degree of entertainment value in predictions and respect given them. Many predictors do as well, mandated to do so by editors and program directors that perhaps rightfully think they sell papers and draw audience. However, a couple have stuck with me since Series start. David Cone told Steve Serby in the NYPost that this was the best NL squad in years, and said he thought it could go 7 with Mo the difference. Larry Bowa said he’d be shocked if it didn’t go seven, and gave a slight edge to the Yanks based on Mo.
One still has to respect Rivera’s presence. Images of hope from the other night when the Phils had him on the hook may have created a false illusion. The bottom line was the Phils did not score. He’s no Lidge when it comes to creating drama, but its not abnormal for him to tease like that. His one exceptional skill is when he has to, he locks you up more than any reliever in history.
One thing that would help neutralize him, other than hitting him, of course, is to stretch him tonight and somehow win the game and make tomorrow harder. He doesn’t scare me, but he has my attention and respect.
It’s stuck with me for close to a year now, but a comment on a NYPost message board close to a year ago pissed me off calling the Flukies a 1 year wonder. The Phils were a terrific club last year as evidenced by their win, and terrific this year. That said, they did get some looks from the baseball gods last year, drawing the Brewers with CC on 3 days rest 3-4 times up to the LDS. They avoided the Cubs, best in the League during the year, drew the Rays, maybe not as good as the Red Sox. This year, the Rox were missing a 16 game winner, the weather coperated taking Pedro out of a wintry start, and enabling a more logical choice of J Happ, and the Cardinals, certainly a decent club with 2 Cy Young candidates were avoided as the Phils faced an aceless LA club. That history revisited leads to this. If we win tonight, the forecast is not good for tomorrow night. Charlie not pitching Cliff on short rest in Game 4 made sense to me because even then, we trailed 2-1, it wasn’t manage to squelch and kill, but manage a long series. Cliff would still have had to go on short rest in Game 7, and doing it twice might have been asking a lot. But if the game is called tomorrow, and Cliff is asked to do it once on short rest, that’d be a whole different game, and convince me that either Harry Kalas is watching over this, or the baseball gods are Phillies fans giving them karma 2 years in a row.
Go get em Pedro.