Philly SportsCast

I don’t agree with Charlie Manuel’s decision to start Cliff Lee in Game 1 of the NL division series against Colorado tomorrow.

While the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner is perfectly capable of taking the ball and winning game one, Cole Hamels, who proved to himself and this city that he can handle the pressure of the postseason by going 4-0 last year would have been the best choice for this team.

The stats show that Lee, while dominant when first coming to the Phillies (5-0 with a 0.68 ERA in his first five games) has been hittable lately – 2-4 with a 6.13 ERA in his last seven starts. And that Hamels has not been consistent all season – 10-11 with a 4.32 ERA.

However, one thing Hamels has proven is that he can bring it in the playoffs – this is a fact. Lee’s never pitched in the playoffs – also a fact.

If you’ve watched this team all season – especially the past two months of it – you’ll know that we’re essentially talking about the same pitcher. An awesome 1-2 punch if they’re on and an earlier tee time for all the Phillies if they are off.

So here’s the reason to start Hamels…

You’re telling the guy with perhaps the most fragile ego in all of baseball, that he’s the man and he’s gonna take this team to the World Series – again. I totally agree that you have to give this team the best chance to win, but we’re talking about essentially the same pitcher here. Why not stroke the one that needs it?

Hamels would be a much better choice as the series starter because it gives him the kind of confidence that Manuel loves to talk about. There are plenty of reasons to start Lee as well, however, all things being equal, it’s Hamels’ very fragile persona that is going to have to be rock solid if the Phillies are going to get back to the Series.

A game one start would have helped solidify that – and the Phillies chances.

Related posts:

1. Hamels And Myers Separated In Clubhouse
2. Joe Blanton Will Deliver For Phils Tonight
3. Cliff Lee Getting Three Starts in Series?
4. Hamels Well On His Way To Greatness
5. Phillies Sign Hamels To Three-Year Pact