It's official: Philadelphia Phillies will stick with rotation
The Philadelphia Phillies have stated that they will stick with the pitching rotation they used in the National League Division Series against the Cincinnati Reds, when they take on the San Francisco Giants
in the National League Championship Series, which beings on Saturday 16 October. The Phillies defeated the Reds in a three-game sweep, with Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels both pitching shutouts.
The Phillies, as expected, will go with Halladay in game one, to open the series in Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Stadium. Game two duties will fall to Roy Oswalt, who struggled in his only outing of the
2010 play-offs, getting yanked in the first inning against the Reds. Meanwhile, Hamels will remain at the number three spot, pitching the first game on the road in the Giants’ AT&T Park.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel spoke about the decision to leave Oswalt in the number two spot.
“We wanted it set up the way we had it. I like Cole pitching in AT&T Park. I like it because of the size of the park and whatever. I feel very confident with him pitching there.”
The decision to start Hamels on the road is curious considering he is coming off a solid outing against the Reds and has struggled at AT&T Park throughout his career.
Nevertheless, the Phillies are confident in their rotation. Manuel also said that he plans to start Joe Blanton in game four. However, he reserved the right to change his mind and go with Halladay on three
day’s rest, depending on the circumstances.
Manuel spoke about Halladay possibly getting the game four start.
“I’m a day-to-day guy. At the same time, we have a plan and we set it up that Blanton is in the fourth spot.”
Game one of the series will take place in Philadelphia on Saturday 16 October.
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