The Phillies came out firing early on all cylinders and struggled late to hold on. Although this was a formula for success you have to wonder if it will work in the Yankees favor back at the Stadium. With Pedro Martinez and TBD starting Games 6 and 7 the Phils must replicate last nights game.

Although I have my concerns about Andy Pettitte on short rest the specter of CC Sabathia looms in a winner take all Game 7. Can the Phillies honestly think they will score 6 or more runs against either of those pitchers? I have my doubts. If the Phils are to win they will need to nail down a close one – like what tonight became. It appears that Charlie Manuel has lost confidence again in Brad Lidge, but is Ryan Madson any better? Even during the regular season he had his ups and downs as the closer. Since Pedro, or the Game 7 starter for that matter, won’t be going deep the bullpen becomes a huge key. That is where the advantage goes to the Yankees with a rested Rivera ready to give them two innings. Charlie Manuel better be ready to play a seven inning game on Wednesday.

Hamels and Myers Post Game Confrontation

Reports came out of the Phillies clubhouse that Cole Hamels and Brett Myers had a confrontation after the game. Apparently Myers asked Hamels “why he was still here?”  This was in reference to his comments after the Game 3 loss where Hamels said he couldn’t wait for the season to be over.” Expletives were exchanged before the two were broken apart. Myers becomes an interesting Wild Card out of the bullpen in Game 6.

Phillies Confidence

I received some flak for my column regarding the Phillies being the type of team that can come back against the long odds. Scott Lauber, who joined us on NYBD radio before the series, tweeted this Ryan Madson comment: “It felt like we were up 3-1 in the series. That’s the kind of team we’ve got.” This team believes – be afraid, be very afraid.

Is Short Rest the Problem?

According to both Joe Girardi and A.J Burnett the short rest wasn’t the issue last night, but rather his inability to make pitches. I didn’t expect either to admit the rest was a problem, but I continue to express my concern about the Yankees lack of a fourth starter. I would feel so much better with a full rested A.J. Burnett at Yankee Stadium for Game 6, rather than Pettitte on short rest for the first time in three years.

If the Yankees win the World Series with only three starters Brian Cashman should send a thank you card to the baseball gods. I also continue to wonder, as Bill Madden pointed out, what is the purpose of coddling Joba if he can’t get one start in the playoffs? It’s not like he has stabilized the bullpen because Rivera has been needed for two innings in most games. I keep hearing excuses from some fans (although they are dwindling to a loud minority) about why Joba can’t do this, or hasn’t done that. All I know is that the Yankees need a starter and their “best prospect” can’t be trusted to give them five solid innings in a series they lead 3-1. That is sad.

Will Cliff Lee be available for a Game 7?

Interesting question. Manuel indicated that Thursday would be his day to throw. Could Lee give the Phils an inning or two? If you remember Mike Mussina pitched three outstanding innings against the Red Sox in a 2003 Game 7 on similar rest. That kept the Yankees in the game and setup the great comeback and Aaron Boone homer. A winner take all Game 7 would be a wild way to end the 2009 baseball season which, quite frankly, is dragging on a bit. It almost would be a parting gift for everyone that is still hanging on and watching.

Tags: 2009 World Series, 2009 World Series Game 5, A.J. Burnett, Brett Myers, Brian Cashman, Charlie Manuel, Cole Hamels, Joba Chamberlain, Joba Rules, New York Yankees, Pedro Martinez, Philadelphia Phillies, Ryan Madson