Major League Baseball

Yankees have issues as they prepare for Game 6

Published Nov. 4, 2009 7:29 a.m. ET

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Bob Klapisch

Hand on their hearts, the Yankees say they were unscarred by their 8-6 loss to the Phillies in Game 5 of the World Series — no second-guessing, no lingering regrets, no forensic analysis other than having lost to a good team on the road.

Instead, the Bombers are now directing their gaze on the inviting vista before them.

Consider: the Bombers are home, where they won more games than any team in the majors in 2009. They're being propped up by their most experienced pitcher (Andy Pettitte) and most talented pitcher (CC Sabathia), with two chances to win one game. The Bombers don't just like the logistics of Games 6 and 7, they're crazy about them.


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It's hard to argue with the factors that weigh in the Bombers' favor, even if Pedro Martinez says it's a "blessing" to be chosen as the Phillies' last line of defense. So let's look at the six issues the Yankees face on the eve of (another) potential clincher.

How does Andy Pettitte feel about pitching on three days' rest?

He's completely at peace with the assignment, even though it's been six years since he tried it in a postseason game and admits he has "no idea" how his arm will respond.

Typical Pettitte, the least neurotic player in the clubhouse. He's smart enough to know short rest will likely diminish his fastball, but it's been ages since he attached his ego to the radar gun.

"I'm not going to try to throw the ball by anyone," said Pettitte, who'll rely on his cut fastball to contain Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez. Pettitte is the first to admit he felt "terrible" in Game 3 after six days' rest, but believes his fatigue will be negated by an enormous adrenaline rush.

That's one reason why Joe Girardi believes Pettitte can out-pitch Pedro.

"It can help a pitcher knowing this is the last time you're going out (to the mound) in 2009," the manager said. "So (he) can let everything hang out."

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