In choosing which pitchers will start in the playoffs, the Phillies have what we in the business like to call a "good problem." Do they go with the Cy Young winner, the other Cy Young winner, or the guy who's probably going to win a Cy Young one of these days?
Charlie Manuel's already made at least one of those decisions, deciding to start Cliff Lee in Game 1. Considering Lee's postseason success, SportsNation came out overwhelmingly in favor of the move. That just leaves the question of who will start Game 2, which is (in the language of baseball's overseas cousin) a much stickier wicket.
On the one hand, you've got young turk Cole Hamels, who was mediocre in the regular season and downright disappointing in the postseason. On the other hand, Pedro Martinez, who at one point may have been the most dominant pitcher ever, has had success in limited time with Philadelphia. Hamels' best years are still ahead of him, while Martinez is on the downslope of his career, but Pedro's career 3.20 ERA against the Bronx Bombers could sway Charlie Manuel's hand. One thing is certain: Pedro wants the challenge. Not that we're implying Hamels doesn't, but no one's asked him. So far as we know.
“Pedro only wants to face the Yankees in Yankee Stadium because if he faced them in Philly he'd have to step into the batter's box. Just sayin'.
” -- Troutlet
“Not a Pedro fan, but much respect. He was "lights out" in his last start against a very respectable LA lineup ... not a Yankee lineup, but who's fooling who? Any great pitcher can pitch a game and beat the Yankees.
” -- sluggerdrums
“Be careful what you wish for, Pedro
” -- dhjetfan17
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