I don't wish to convey an air of panic here, and I certainly don't want to take anything away from the Phillies, but all things considered, it will take a miracle to win this series.
Not since 1985 has a team come back from a 3-1 deficit in the WS. Only 10 times has it happened in MLB history (4 WS, and 6 AL/NLCS's). In '85 the Royals won both of games 6 and 7 at home. They also came from a 3-1 deficit in the ALCS that year to get to the World Series against the Jays.
Since 2002 the Yanks have been a colossal disappointment in big spots. So we have that going for us. But the fact remains, we need Pedro to pitch lights out tomorrow night AND have the bats working, and then we need "all hands on deck" going for game 7.
Whether it's Hamels or Happ who gets the start for a possible game 7 remains to be seen. My guess is Charlie will have a short leash on Hamels with Happ backing him up as early as the second inning.
After that I gather you will see every arm on the staff be used. But let's talk about game 6 first. Since game 7 depends on winning game 6.
Pedro is set up here perfectly. He loves NY. He's not sick like he was in game 2. He pitched well in game 2 with a little less velo than he is capable of. This could be his last shot as well at another WS title.
The Yanks pitching Burnett on 3 days rest was a huge mistake last night. It seemed desperate. Why, with a 3-1 lead would you think it necessary to pitch him? Gauder wouldn't have done worse, and you would have Burnett at home for a game 6 on full rest. I understand Burnett is 3-0 at three attempts to pitch on short rest, but I see no reason to waste an arm when you know you can use him in game 6, AT HOME, full rested.
For whatever reason Girardi chose that option, it failed, and now they head back to NY for game 6. I'm liking our chances in game 6. Someone mentioned that whoever's big man gets out of their slump first (Howard or Texiera) will win the series. That's a tough statement to make considering the Phils HAVE to win 2 games on the road. It seems an overly simplified statement.
The bottom line here is that pitching is going to win this series from here on out. Both teams can hit. Who pitches better will be the deciding factor. In short, and again, I think it's going to take a miracle.
All in all, I am still excited for baseball. This series has been all it's been cracked up to be. Awesome pitching, exciting endings, and very evenly matched.
I might be heading up to Foxwoods on Friday for some meetings. I'm hoping I can go up representing the back to back World Champions. Nothing would make me happier. Surprised, but happy!
3 comments:
i on the other hand am pulling my hair out.
I find myself questioning Charlie on loads of things...from pitching decisions to shifts to personnel moves....
Aaahhh!
It is mind-boggling that Girardi would turn around after Charlie Manuel made the pitching decision bungle of the century with Blanton over Lee in Game 4, and go and pitch AJ "Mr. Inconsistency" Burnett on three days rest in a Game 5 on the road that the team did not need to win. Gaudin woudl have lost too most likely, but then they would have Burnett and Pettite to go in games 6 and 7 and every Yankee fan would know it's over.
Now, although as you point out it is likely over, I'm just hoping we can make the Yanks sweat out a Game 7 after the debacle in Philadelphia.
Pettite has been noticeably worse over his career on 3 days rest than on full rest, so hopefully we'll have that working for us too tomorrow night.
In the beginning, i thought this 3-man NY rotation would kill NY chances, but them taking 2 out of 3 here really hurt the Phils chance. Game 4 hurt. I was one who thought that they would take it in 6, meaning putting the NY against the wall to force a game 7. But this "one game at a time" mentality might work.
I read article today, "its an uphill battle, but at least they paved the road" with last night win.
I agree Riggs, pitching will win. and its that closer position/spot is a big + for NY.
I just hope Pedro has the game of his career and forces a game 7. This has been a great series for baseball.
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