Interesting situation in tonight's game. The Phillies send out Pedro Martinez in this spot instead of Cole Hamels because Charlie Manuel feels that he has been in this spot many times both during the regular season and post season against the Yankees in just this type of situation. Personally, I think a very wise move. Last night, the Phillies showed they can hit anyone and tonight they face A.J. Burnett. Frankly, he has been a money burner IMHO. He is more a thrower then a pitcher. He doesn't appear to think about how to set up the hitters to his advantage but rather fire away thinking he can blow them away. That won't happen against Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard all hitting from the left side, then Wertz, Ibanez and the bottom of the order. He has shown little in the post season to think that he will be able to shutdown this lineup. Meanwhile, Martinez comes off an excellent outing against the Dodgers pitching 7 innings giving up 2 hits, no runs, 3 strikeouts and no walks on 87 pitches. Sure, this isn't the Pedro of old but he is a pitcher and not just a thrower. The Yankees will likely get to him at some point, but the Phillies will also get to Burnett. Then you are looking at the bullpens to finish this game and the Yankees showed their's last night with not good results and the Phillies have questions of their own. As I see it, Martinez will out pitch Burnett before the game goes to the bullpens and the Phillies certainly can win this game and the odds have excellent value just like the series odds did before Game 1. So I think a play is warranted here on both the side and total.
Philadelphia +188 5Dimes
Philadelphia/New York Over 9 (+100) Jazz
Good luck everyone!
Philadelphia +188 5Dimes
Philadelphia/New York Over 9 (+100) Jazz
Good luck everyone!
The regular season is one thing. Post season is different as the teams play much more intensely and true to form. Best of luck tonight Jordy!
