Manuel won’t commit to Hamels in Game 2

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel confirmed today that Cliff Lee would start Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday, but he would not commit to using Cole Hamels in Game 2 on Thursday.

"I ain't answering that," Manuel said when asked about Hamels. "I'm not trying to be a smart [aleck]. I'm not ready to answer it yet."

The Phillies will start the World Series at the home of the American League champion, either the New York Yankees or Anaheim Angels. Those teams were scheduled to play tonight in Game 6 of their series.

Manuel seemingly was allowing for the possibility that Pedro Martinez will pitch Game 2.

Just to add another twist, Martinez was hit on the lower right shin by a ball of the bat of Pedro Feliz during the first inning of the Phillies' simulated game today at Citizens Bank Park.

Martinez said he was fine and continued pitching without any noticeable problems. Martinez started the simulated game and pitched two innings, facing 12 batters and throwing 50 pitches.

General manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., along with the rest of the Phillies' coaching staff, closely watched the simulated game during today's workout.

Manuel said he had a brief talk with Amaro on Friday about roster decisions. After today's workout, Manuel said he planned to have a more formal meeting with Amaro.

Before Friday's workout, Manuel was supportive of Hamels, who dominated the postseason in 2008, but has been unable to duplicate that this fall.

"I look at Hamels and I still feel like he's got the game in him just because baseball is a funny game," Manuel said Friday. "I say that all the time. He's very capable of throwing a good game."

But today's noncommittal answer suggests the Phillies' brass is considering an alternative to Hamels.

In three playoff starts, Hamels has a 6.75 ERA and has not pitched beyond 5 1/3 innings in any start.

If Martinez were to start Game 2, Hamels could pitch at home - where he had greater success during the regular season - in Game 3. At Citizens Bank Park, Hamels was 7-5 with a 3.76 ERA. On the road, he was 3-6 with a 4.99 ERA.

But during the playoffs, it hasn't mattered where Hamels has pitched. Indeed, his lone win came on the road in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series.

If Martinez were to pitch Game 2, it would be on 12 days rest. His outing in Game 2 of the NLCS was impressive enough for Manuel to say on Friday that he thought Martinez deserved another chance to start.

Martinez allowed no runs and just two hits over seven innings against the Dodgers.

He would be the likely choice should Manuel decide to push Hamels back. The manager said that J.A. Happ and Joe Blanton will probably begin the World Series working out of the bullpen.