Chundles

All I can say about Game 1 of the 2009 World Series is wow. What a performance by Cliff Lee. I think whether we win or lose the Series, the fact that we got here on the back of Lee makes our trade for him one of the best midseason trades ever. In any sport. Not that long ago, it would've been unthinkable that the Phillies would have pulled off such a move, and even if they had, that it would've worked out as well as Lee has. My hats off to the organization for fielding a winner.

Anyway, it's a long Series, so I don't want to get ahead of myself. Here's why I think Pedro makes more sense tonight than Hamels does. Hamels hasn't had a good year--everyone knows that. And, and also pitches better at home than he does on the road. I think Charlie Manuel felt that if he trotted Hamels out in Game 2, it would've been a sure loss. He still might lose when he pitches at home in Game 3, but at least he'll have the home crowd behind him and a track record of pitching better at home.

For Pedro, this is personal. He spent most of his career on the Sox. He's familiar with the Yanks, he's pitched in Yankee stadium many times. And maybe, just maybe, he can summon some of that magic and win a game on the road. It's not a guarantee, as the Yankee lineup will no doubt score some runs, but there's a chance.

So that's what I think the thought process was. It's pretty simple, but that's how Charlie does things.

Let's just hope Pedro keeps us in the game...