Posted: Sunday, October 11, 2009, 8:57 PM | 13 comments |
 
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With Kyle Kendrick, Joe Blanton and Pedro Martinez pitching in relief, the Phillies bullpen is dramatically different than during the regular season. This afternoon, Charlie Manuel offered clues about how he would use the pitchers.  Though still a bit vague, this answer gave us a better idea what he was thinking than we had before.  Don't be totally shocked to see Blanton in a one-run save situation, if one arises.

“I can put Pedro Martinez to face a couple of hitters, but at the same time I also look at him as a guy that can go one or two innings, if we needed some length. As far as Brad Lidge, I don’t foresee putting in Lidge in early. I do foresee putting him in late…and that’s one of the reasons we’ve got Blanton down there, too. 
 
“We want somebody when we get into the seventh inning, we want to be able to go through the seventh, eighth, ninth inning with Blanton, Madson, Lidge. Might not be in that order.”    
 

***

Cole Hamels is long-tossing and working out in Philly while enjoying the first days of fatherhood.  He won't join the team in Denver, which makes sense given that he needs to prepare for a possible Game 5.

***

It is cold.  Nearly as cold as last night, when everyone said it would be crazy to play.  The weather will make this game an interesting and novel event, but I wouldn't want to swing at an inside fastball tonight. Cuz, you know, on a warm night I would.  Canadian Matt Stairs, who is either one tough SOB or insane, is wearing a light windbreaker with short sleeves.  Most of these guys are pretty layered.

Posted by Andy Martino @ 8:57 PM  Permalink | 13 comments
13
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:28 PM, 10/11/2009
    I was away this weekend. When did Andy shave? How can we spot our indie rock Phils' beat writer now?
    frankenslade
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:29 PM, 10/11/2009
    If Lidge blows a save, and of course he will, Charlie should be sent back to the minors.
    fgdavis
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:44 PM, 10/11/2009
    I would not have used Ryan Franklin in the 9th versus the Dodgers and I would not use Brad Lidge versus the Rockies.
    Gnip Gnop
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 12:03 AM, 10/12/2009
    Looks like Andy went from a Subaru to a Vespa.
    mediatedviscera
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 12:51 AM, 10/12/2009
    call the commish and tell him what you think... The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball Allan H. (Bud) Selig, Commissioner Phone: (212) 931-7800
    storourke
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:37 AM, 10/12/2009
    Cholly needs to call Nickadoodoo to review the decisiveness of his late night decisionmaking.
    mick314
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:42 AM, 10/12/2009
    @frankenslade That pics been up for a while. It's weird because the eye on the left is looking over your left shoulder and the eye on the right is looking at you. It's scary and entertaining at the same time.
    BudSelig_isthenext_MrBurns
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:09 AM, 10/12/2009
    Charlie managed a great game last night. AGAIN. What's with you people?
    vafan
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 11:28 AM, 10/12/2009
    Agree with you, vafan. Some very strange people enjoy anonymously attacking others. Commenters should be required to state their real names and email addresses. That would improve the level of dialogue tremendously.
    spinmeister
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 11:47 AM, 10/12/2009
    Why does it matter what a sportswriter looks like? Good thing for a lot of you guys that you don't have to post YOUR pic (including me lol!)! Great Game for Utley and Chooch! Finish it tonight!
    James TL


13 comments
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