Down two games to one in the World Series, the Phillies are taking a huge chance by not pitching their ace, Cliff Lee, on three days rest. Unless there are rainouts, this means Lee will only be able to pitch in Game Five. Meanwhile, the Yankees’ ace, C.C. Sabathia, will not only pitch tonight against the Phillies fourth best pitcher, but he would pitch in a Game Seven against a struggling Cole Hamels.
I understand that Cliff Lee has never pitched on three-days rest before. And if the Phillies can win tonight, they’ll be ecstatic to have Lee pitching tomorrow on full rest. But, this is crunch time, man. This is no time to be looking at statistics. Tonight is a must win for the Phils, and they’re putting their fourth best pitcher out there against the Yankee ace. That makes no sense to me. If it works out, it will look brilliant. But, for me, if it works out it will be just plain lucky.
