Philadelphia Phillies To Start Pedro Martinez In Game Three

According to MLB.com, Philadelphia Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel has decided that Pedro Martinez will start Game Three of their National League Division Series against the Colorado Rockies.

Anyone who has read my blog on a consistent basis knows how much I love Martinez. However, I think this start is going to end very badly for Martinez.

The Rockies destroy right-handed pitching in Colorado and I am convinced that Martinez’s 130-pitch effort on September 19th against the New York Mets did permanent damage to Martinez.

He made one start since then and he had nothing in that start against the Houston Astros. Allowing Martinez to throw 130 pitches in that game was so inexcusably irresponsible by Manuel and his staff, that I really can’t believe it happened.

If anyone can regroup and give a solid effort with less than his best stuff—it would be Martinez. But I think he is going to have a rough go of it in Colorado.

Also, keep an eye on the weather for this game. If this game gets frozen, snowed, or rained out it would be a massive, series changing break for the Phillies.

If this game gets moved to Sunday, then the Phillies can start Game One winner, Cliff Lee in Game Four on normal rest. I would think that would be a no brainer for Manuel.

I’ll take Lee over Joe Blanton or J.A. Happ any day of the week, twice on Sunday.

 

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