PHILADELPHIA — Charlie Manuel answered one question about the Phillies yesterday, but raised quite a few more.
While the Philadelphia manager went ahead and named Cliff Lee his starter for Game 1 of the World Series against the Yankees, Manuel left open 2008 Fall Classic hero Cole Hamels being snubbed in favor of Pedro Martinez to pitch in Game 2.
Asked if there was any way he would not start Hamels in the second game Thursday, Manuel quickly turned from folksy to testy.
“I ain’t answering that,” Manuel said at the end of an otherwise extremely long-winded news conference at Citizens Bank Park. “I don’t want to be a smartass, but I’m not answering.”
Manuel then added to the questions by featuring Martinez in a lengthy segment of a simulated game yesterday afternoon that the manager said would only include pitchers appearing in the World Series.
Pedro looked strong in the simulation, retiring NLCS MVP Ryan Howard at one point on a nasty curveball that prompted hoots from their red-clad teammates.
Martinez would seem to be a natural choice for a road start in Game 2 in The Bronx — across the street from where he made three mostly memorable appearances in the postseason.
“I would love to have that opportunity, but it is up to the manager,” Martinez said after yesterday’s workout.
Martinez’s seven innings of two-hit scoreless ball against the Dodgers in Game 2 of the NLCS also would appear to make Manuel’s decision easier, particularly with Hamels struggling this October.
Hamels, who was practically unhittable last year while cruising to the World Series MVP trophy, has been almost the polar opposite in this year’s playoffs.
Hamels, who was not made available for comment following yesterday’s workout, is 1-1 in three starts this postseason, but carries an unsightly 6.75 ERA into the World Series.
Hamels’ command hasn’t been a problem (he has struck out 12 while walking two batters in 14 2/3 innings), but opposing batters have mostly teed off against the left-hander. He has allowed 20 hits, including a whopping six homers.
Hamels is as familiar with World Series pressure as Martinez, but the 37-year-old Martinez is more rested — the NLCS outing was his only appearance so far in the playoffs — and has long thrived in big-game situations.
Manuel hinted the questions about his Game 2 starter could linger for a while, too. The manager did not appear to be in any hurry to reveal his choice and indicated it might not come until after Wednesday night’s opener.
At least Manuel’s players have the comfort of knowing they will have Lee on the mound in Game 1. The lefty is 2-0 with a 0.74 ERA in the playoffs this year, and it’s still not inconceivable that he could make as many as three starts in a seven-game World Series.
“Cliff is a great competitor,” second baseman Chase Utley said. “Every time he takes the mound, he wants to finish the game. That’s hard to find in a starting pitcher. Having Cliff at the top of our rotation is really important.”
