Phillies Game 3 Starter Undecided

by BigGreek24

Friday October 9, 2009 

Faced with the question after yesterday’s 5-4 loss to the Rockies that saw the series tied 1-1 as the scene shifted to Colorado, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel would not commit to anyone other than saying it was between Pedro Martinez and Joe Blanton.   That leaves J.A Happ out of the mix after taking a line drive off his knee forcing him to leave yesterday’s game.  Happ faced just one batter and was surprised to hear about Manuel’s comments.

Happ was quoted as saying, “I should probably go in there (to Manuel’s office).  I think we’ll have to talk.”  Happ tried to stay in the game yesterday, even throwing a warm up pitch as Scott Eyre was trotting in from the bullpen.   You have to admire Happ’s toughness and moxy.  I mean really, how many rookie pitchers would have the stones to say he needed to go into the Manager’s office to have a talk about why he’s not in the starter mix for the next game? Especially knowing that this next game really is a must win for the Phillies at this point.

The smart money is on the well rested and playoff tested Pedro Martinez.  Yes, Blanton only threw 19 pitches yesterday while facing five batters and he should be able to rebound and start on a day’s rest.  But isn’t this the exact reason why the Phillies signed Pedro? This kind of situation and stage is something that Pedro thrives on and why he has been a big-time pitcher in the past.  No, the Pedro of 2009 isn’t the Pedro of the early decade physically but he certainly has the mental makeup to go out there and perform in what certainly will be a hostile environment both due to the fans and the weather (there are reports calling for snow and sub-freezing temperatures).  Going for the Rockies will be Jason Hammel who won 10 games for the Rockies this year, but he’s untested in the playoffs so why not play the matchup and put him against Pedro? If nothing else it might just get inside his head and force him to try to be too perfect and perhaps make a few mistakes.  You never know.

In my mind, if Manuel doesn’t want to risk throwing Happ because of the knee bruise, then put Pedro out there.   I’m betting that he comes through for you.

Filed Under Phillies

Comments

One Response to “Phillies Game 3 Starter Undecided”

  1. Doug on October 11th, 2009 9:02 am

    Just heard JA Happ will be starting tonight

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