Flash Points: John Flaherty breaks down the Game 3 pitching match-up
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on Oct 31, 2009 
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Former Yankee and current YES Network analyst John Flaherty has agreed to break down the pitching match-up for every Yankees postseason game exclusively on the LoHud Yankees blog. Be sure to check him out on the pre- and post-game show on YES today. Here’s his take on the Game 3 starters:
YANKEES: LHP Andy Pettitte
WHAT’S HE THROW? “Cut-fastball, sinking fastball, change-up, curveball”
BREAKDOWN: “I expect Andy to do what he’s done throughout this postseason, and that’s perform in a big spot. He has been working both sides of the plate very well, and he needs to continue that. The Phillies have several left-handed hitters and I thought CC showed the way in Game 1 because he threw to the inside part of the plate to them. Those guys – Howard, Utley – they like balls out over the plate that they can go the other way with, and that means you want to come inside. That’s not necessarily Andy’s strength, but he’ll have to focus on it this time. I also look for him to shut down the Phillies running game with his pickoff move. That is an important key.”
——-
PHILLIES: LHP Cole Hamels
WHAT’S HE THROW? “Fastball, curveball, change-up”
BREAKDOWN: “Hamels gets his fastball in the 90-93 mph range, but it’s straight as a string; he doesn’t throw a two-seamer. The curveball was good for him last year, but he’s struggled with it this year and has gone away from it, which has hurt him. I think Pedro pitching in Game 2 in New York says a lot about Hamels’s psyche right now, and it isn’t good. To me, as an outsider, that isn’t a positive sign for the Phillies going in though it can work both ways – I get the feeling the Phillies aren’t expecting much from him, so if he is able to get it together and deliver something, it could be a big lift for them.”
——-
EDGE: “This is the biggest edge I’ve seen because Pettitte is really in his element and Hamels just can’t seem to get going. I know he was great in the World Series last year and the Phillies obviously have their fingers crossed that it’ll happen again, but I don’t see it. I give Pettitte the edge here big time.”
That’s why they play the games because you never know. I don’t see this matchup as a slam dunk like some are saying in the Yankees favor. I hope I’m wrong, but stranger things have happened in previous WS games.
Here’s who is in so far for “Guess the Line Up”
Upstate Kate
Where is everyone??? Come on people, there are so few rounds left!!!!
Remember- think carefully, NO REVISIONS and post players AND POSITIONS!!!
If the Yanks were swinging the bats like they can then I would feel better about tonight. I think Hamels will definitely use his curveball tonight. Especially after seeing the Yanks offer at every Angels curveball. Lee threw a ton more than I ever remember him throwing and Pedro even threw a couple. I hope Girardi considers playing Gardner or Hinske tonight. Lefties have absolutely killed Hamels in the post season so far. Swish will get owned by Hamel’s changeup.
Hi Erica -
Here’s mine:
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jorge Posada C
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Melky Cabrera CF
Andy Pettitte P
what’s he throw? what is he throw? oh boy.
Erica, luckily i hopped on a computer at my aunys house in time for GTLU
Jetes SS
Damon LF
Tex 1B
Alex 3B
Jorge C
Cano 2B
Swish RF
Melky CF
Andrew Eugene Pettitte <3 P
Don’t forget how awesome our Yankees have been this season!
http://www.dailymotion.com/vid.....down_sport
I’ve seen too many WS games come down to capitalizing on a mistake, a little luck or a big play from the most unlikely of people to believe it will be a slam dunk.
GTLU
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Cabrera CF
Pettitte P
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Tex 1B
Alex 3B
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Melky CF
Pettite P
Erica,
Thanks for taking the time to do GTWSLU on a weekend
SS Jeter (let’s win one for the Boss)
LF Damon (Erica’s PBF – playing for a contract)
1B Tex (I’m just getting started)
3B Alex (I’m ready to break out)
C Posada (I can be Andy’s personal catcher)
2B Cano (I’m ready to hit with RISP)
RF Swish (I don’t want to be benched I better start hitting)
CF Melky ( I just keep plugging away)
P Andy (most win’s in WS history goes for another)
You’re welcome KF
NYY626-
How excited are you that you get to see your boy hit tonight?
Nick–
Thanks for the Mark Bingham link. That’s very, very sad.
On a more cheerful note: Go Andy!
Not a lot of variety in GTLU today…great minds think alike?… KF’s wins for most creative!
upstate kate,
I just have to much time on my hands this afternoon.
I like Hairston in the lineup. Swisher is more dangerous individually but Hairston’s game adds to the imbalance of sluggers in the lineup. He’s better defensively and seems to be making good contact.
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jorge Posada C
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Melky Cabrera CF
Andy Pettitte P
upstate kate
October 31st, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Not a lot of variety in GTLU today…great minds think alike?… KF’s wins for most creative!
*****
Yeha, but I like the heart NYY626 put next to Andrew Eugene Pettitte
Erica – always OPPC October 31st, 2009 at 3:14 pm
NYY626-
I’m watching the game at a friends later so I wont be on the blog, but you can just imagine me gushing every time Andy comes to the plate. I’m hoping for a triple 
How excited are you that you get to see your boy hit tonight?
_____________________________________________________________
Ummm there are no words! I can barely contain myself
Blackaccord-
Did you see the new standings on the previous thread. Your lone win Thursday moved you up to a tie for second.
Bret the Hitman
I like Hairston but thought that he was more useful coming off the bench.
kd,
Final word on attending games in Philly as an advertised enemy fan:
I lived to tell it
.
NYY626 – GO ANDY
October 31st, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Erica – always OPPC October 31st, 2009 at 3:14 pm
NYY626-
How excited are you that you get to see your boy hit tonight?
_____________________________________________________________
Ummm there are no words! I can barely contain myself I’m watching the game at a friends later so I wont be on the blog, but you can just imagine me gushing every time Andy comes to the plate. I’m hoping for a triple
*******
I’ll make a deal with you. If Andrew Eugene Pettitte hits a triple, one of these days I buy you a beer
GTLU
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Tex 1B
Alex 3B
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Melky CF
Pettite P
Erica,
Thanks much for running this on a weekend.
“This is the biggest edge I’ve seen because Pettitte is really in his element and Hamels just can’t seem to get going.”
Thanks, Flash! It may be the biggest edge you’ve seen, but the Yanks are favored in this game by narrowest margin yet in the WS.
Cindy G: it is pretty sad, but he did die a hero. Did you notice that he is wearing a Yankee cap in that picture on wikipedia?
The Phillie fans are chanting “Yankees Suck” at the Flyers vs. Hurricans game right now.
I dont know about you guys, but my feelings are hurt.
Dave F-
You are welcome
Zach in Port Jeff
October 31st, 2009 at 3:25 pm
The Phillie fans are chanting “Yankees Suck” at the Flyers vs. Hurricans game right now.
I dont know about you guys, but my feelings are hurt.
******
Man, they are so preoccupied and scared of the Yankees that they are mixing up their sports
Zach in Port Jeff
October 31st, 2009 at 3:25 pm
The Phillie fans are chanting “Yankees Suck” at the Flyers vs. Hurricans game right now.
I dont know about you guys, but my feelings are hurt.
====
Bobby Clarke is such an apt symbol of Philadelphia sports.
Used his stick to eviscerate opponents, running and hiding behind Schultz when it came time to pay up.
Watching Yale vs Columbia on Yes is like watching a 2 high school teams.
Erica,
I didnt see the standings but thanks for mentioning that .. Just logged in to post the lineup so as to take the lead
.. busy day with the kids for trick or treat.. Go yanks..
I’ll make a deal with you. If Andrew Eugene Pettitte hits a triple, one of these days I buy you a beer
________________________________________________________________
LOL! Hey, I know its a long shot, but the yankees have a good track record on Halloween….
Bodhi,
remember this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....eature=fvw
Jeter 6
Damon 7
Alex 5
Tex 3
Jorge 2
Cano 4
Swish 9
Melky 8
Andy 1
Nick: Funny, I didn’t see the Yankees cap the first time around, so I checked the site again. Definitely, a hero.
Andy’s incentive is to put the Yankees in a good position by winning the first game in Philly.
It also can make him the all-time winner in postseason victories for a pitcher.
Unless Hamels has his best stuff, the Yankees will pound him early and get into the Philly bullpen.
I don’t see this as a mismatch either, Craw. Andy is always solid, but I’m not sure the Phillies are a good match for him. As to Hamels, he’s still very capable of being a shut down pitcher. More to the point, the Yankees are struggling big-time offensively – it’s been enough games to where I think it’s sort of silly to think they are going to all of a sudden break out. They’re capable, but they’re also having lousy at bats.
Oh, gosh, Zach, memories are rushing back.
Priceless. But in that case, at least the fan had cause.
If you’re a Ranger fan, & old enough, you probably remember the night Clarke sent Mike Allison to the hospital with contusions of the neck, courtesy of – what else? – his carving instrument.
— Erica —
Jeter, SS
PBF, LF
Tex, 1B
ARod, 3B
Posada, C
Cano, 2B
Swisher, RF
Cabrera, CF
Pettitte, P
Thanks.
I don’t think the Yankees are struggling so much as they have encountered good pitching…hopefully that changes tonight. For that matter, the Phillies haven’t hit very well either, for the same reason.
Bodhi,
A few weeks back MSG was showing about 2hrs straight of hockey fights. I’m not sure why, BUT I WATCHED ALL OF IT!
I’ve never thrown a punch in my life, but there’s something about hockey fights which turns me into a raging lunatic.
I was yelling at the television like a drunken sailor on shore leave.
“KICK HIS ____!!!”
It wasn’t pretty.
Unfortunately, all the best hockey fights happened before my time.
17 minutes left to get in on today’s “Guess the Line Up”
Here’s who is in:
Upstate Kate, Doreen, NYY626, Steveoh, Woland, KF, Blackaccord, Dave F, Frank from Chatham (the same)
Tarheelyank (dares to be different)
Hi Erica,
In my best Bob Shephard voice let me give you tonight’s lineup:
“And for the Yankees:
Shortstop, Number 2, Derek Jeter, Number 2
In Left Field, Number 18, Johnny Damon, Number 18
At First Base,Number 25, Mark Teixeira, Number 25
At Third Base, Number 13, Alex Rodriguez, Number 13
Catching, Number 20, Jorge Posada, Number 20
Second Base, Number 24, Robinson Cano, Number 24
In Right Field, Number 33, Nick Swisher, Number 33
In Center Field, Number 33, Melky Cabrera
And Pitching, Number 46, Andy Pettitte, Number 46″
Drive 4-5
You sounded just like him
Thanks:)
Don’t want to forget to get my lineup in…
Jeter ss
Damon lf
Tex 1b
Alex 3b
Posada c
Cano 2b
Swisher rf
Melky cf
Pettitte p
Not sure if Girardi will switch Swish and Melky. Could be an interesting lineup.
Zach,
Did they show Steve Vickers beating up Schultz?
Classic.
Erica, put me down for Andy Pettitte! I’ve been in his corner from the get-go!
Nick in SF
October 31st, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Erica, put me down for Andy Pettitte! I’ve been in his corner from the get-go!
*****
You got it Nick. Is Andy playing by himself or should I stick that Derek Jeter guy in too???
Nick or any other bettors out there: Could you give me some help with odds on tonights game? I think the Yankees are favoured. Is that right?
Thanks,
C
Did anyone hear the Andy interview on ESPN radio w/Michael Kaye before ALCS Game 6?
If not, you must hear Joey Salvia’s version of “Mandy”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC02oYM-Du4
vin-
If he makes that switch this would be the most disasterous GTLU of the postseason.
Oh yeah, Jeter for sure, and something tells me Tex is going to get things done. He’s one of my three picks for series MVP (along with Jeter and Arod).
We realllllly need Cano to start hitting tonight. BIG TIME!
“Would anybody feel confident about Gaudin pitching a potential clinching game?
Or, (gulp) a potential elimination game?”
Asked several threads ago.
I wouldn’t feel confident in either of those scenarios. I would feel confident having him start in the world series in NOT those two scenarios, if you know what I mean.
If appears that everyone who wanted to join up has joined up. If there are any stragglers who want to add before the start of tonight’s game, feel free. Please put my name in the post so I can find your prediction.
http://members.cox.net/lsdorga.....%20MVP.pdf
Catch you all later.
Comet, the Yanks are at -118 at my book, and +135 on the run line. The # is 9.
We realllllly need Cano to start hitting tonight. BIG TIME!
**************
Cano, Swisher, Melky etc!
Drive 4-5
October 31st, 2009 at 3:53 pm
We realllllly need Cano to start hitting tonight. BIG TIME!
====
Ibanez stole a double from Cano on Thursday, and he did get a hit through the right side later in the game. Cano’s having decent ABs.
Nick in SF
October 31st, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Oh yeah, Jeter for sure, and something tells me Tex is going to get things done. He’s one of my three picks for series MVP (along with Jeter and Arod).
*****
Good luck with that! I think Damon is a Demon tonight
Betsy
If history is any indicator, Andy’s been a pretty good match for them but anything is possible.
http://www.baseball-reference......as=pitcher
Nick thanks! What does that mean exactly?
TIA,
C
Guess the Line Up is now over.
I will award the winner(s) shortly. Thank you to all who participated.
Erica,
Haven’t played in a while, but I can’t resist.
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Tex 1B
Arod 3B
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Thanks!
Cabrera CF
Andrew P
I have that we don’t have a way to edit : (
3 hours and 59 minutes until Game 3!!!!!!
Its okay, William. You got in under the nick of time!
“C’mon Cooole, ya keep poundin’ the corner. Get him to chase one outsiiide.”
I know I’m late for GTLU – but I don’t want Nick to jump ahead of me in the standings – Jeter, Arod, Tex and um… Pettitte.
bodhi -
That play on Cano by Ibanez the other night was the story of Cano’s season, as far as I’m concerned.
For some reason, if they go with Gaudin, I wouldn’t feel one way or the other about it. The only thing that would concern me is you know going in you need 4 innings at least from the bullpen. So it would have to be a game before CC or a game after CC. And you know you’re going to be using Aceves and probably Joba, so you have to have some confidence in those guys, as well.
I’m thinking that one of the things that got the Yankees to this point has been their bullpen. So in the end, I think the bullpen is going to pull it together and come through. (I’m hoping.)
new thread
Melky is hitting. Cano, and Swisher are the worst guys in the lineup right now.
But like I said before good pitching will always stop good hitting. Pitching will determine who wins this series not the hitters.
NYY626 is lucky that I’m a sharing kind of girl when it comes to Pettitte.
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Cabrera CF
Pettitte P
Comet, my reply got stuck in the filter… I will try again in the new thread.