Pedro Martinez and Cole Hamels Can Still Make This a Memorable World Series

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I admit it.

I didn't expect anything from Pedro in game two which saw him go 6+ innings and give up a few runs, two of which came via the home run to Traitor Tex and Hideki Matsui respectively.

Let me rephrase that. I expected one thing out of Pedro—I expected him to get rocked by the experienced Yankee$ lineup. Something along the lines of 10+ runs in three innings wouldn't have surprised me in the least. But to be fair, I also expected A.J. Burnett to get similarly hit hard, but to a bit lesser degree as he got absolutely smashed in his lone interleague matchup against the Phillies where three home runs were hit, if memory serves me right.

I've been listening to the over-hyped, and frankly, lame "Yankees are my daddy" quotes that the ESPN-hype machine is trying to drum up. Hopefully it's Martinez who can claim after the game, "Who's your Daddy, now, Yankee$?"

I honestly don't know what to expect tonight, but something tells me that this Pedro is too good to be true. After all, he pitched brilliantly in game two only to lose to an even better Burnett. It would be wise for the Phillies to 1) finally run in this series on the basepaths and 2) additionally try to create some early scoring opportunities by swinging at the first pitches like they did last game as Baseball Tonight's John Kruk accurately noted.

Don't let Pettitte get into a groove, especially an early one. If the first-pitch thing isn't working, work the count, get into that vulnerable inexperienced bullpen.

Cole Hamels can still play a big role

Earlier this week it was reported by just about every media outlet that Phillies reliever, Brett Myers got into an altercation with former Phillies ace, Cole Hamels after a recent game. Allegedly, Myers asked Hamels "What are you still doing here? I thought you quit" referring to Hamel's reply when pressed by the media how he felt after his last outing, to which he talked about not being able to wait until the season was over.

Much was made and depending on who you believe, Hamels actually said this after reiterating how much he wanted the ball in Game Seven, if and when there indeed is one. A few guests on the "Jim Rome is Burning" show earlier this week also remarked how manager Charlie Manuel is in a bit of a bind since he "risks losing Cole forever " should he decide not to pitch him in a possible game seven, as expected.

I disagree with this analysis as you go with the hot hand and I'd personally go with ace Cliff Lee on three day's rest. The Yankees do it all the time with SOBathia and are prepared to do it tonight with un-tested Andy Pettitte who hasn't done this since his younger days.

Still that's not to suggest I don't expect a good game. In fact, I could see this one being a suspenseful scoreless game into the fifth or so until someone makes a costly mistake. Who will it be?

Pedro drama aside, can you similarly imagine the feel-good response from Hamels should he pitch the Phillies to their second consecutive World Championship after the controversy that ensued? That would be a bigger headline than the 3-1 choke job at the hands of the Yankee$ in their new billion dollar-plus playground.

Not that I'm saying that's going to happen as I expect the high priced hired guns to will their way to their 27th World Title which is easy to do when 2/3 of your rotation isn't really yours as the ink from Burnett's and SOBathia's contract's is hardly dry. Must be nice, Yankee$ fan$, must be nice, but then again, you never really played by the same rules as anyone else anyway, have you?

Damon, Matsui next to go

Much has been said, and will be said about possible MVP Johnny Damon, who at current time is hitting .381 with a particular penchant for getting two out hits and keeping innings alive. However, watch how quickly the greedy Yankee$ abandon one of their own, after the free agent to be is let go this winter in favor of a younger player with a better arm.

Johnny, I hope you keep this in mind when signing your next contract. Too bad neither the Orioles or Jays have any room or use to you, and your simply too expensive as a role player. Also, rationale Yankees fans, and I, know there are a few of you. Play close attention to the Bernie Williams like treatment Damon gets this offseason from his mother team. Just saying.

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