Joe Blanton will start Game 4

By Eric Schwartz
for PhillySportsBlogs.com

Published: October 30, 2009

Joe Blanton will get another chance to crack a home run in the World Series.

More importantly, he will get a chance to pitch the Phillies past the Yankees in Game 4, on Sunday. Manager Charlie Manuel announced today that Blanton will get the call, instead of using Cliff Lee on three days’ rest. Lee will pitch Game 5.

Manuel said that he did not think Lee would be ready on three days’ rest and that he did not want to push him. He also said that he will use J.A. Happ exclusively out of the bullpen the rest of the way.

Blanton started Game 4 against the Rays last year, combining a strong pitching performance with a clutch home run in what became a 10-2 Phillies win. It gave the Phillies a 3-1 series lead. Fans can only hope for some déjà vu.

Cole Hamels will start game 3 on Saturday and will be opposed by veteran Andy Pettitte.

So what do you think: Is Charlie making the right move by going with a rested Joe Blanton over Lee on short rest?

Tell Others: