The Sound of Philadelphia

Well, we are just hours away from the start of Game 3 of the World Series between the Phillies and Yankees. Cole Hamels is slated to toe the rubber for the Fightin' Phils against Andy Pettitte, who is pretty used to starting games in the World Series. Even though this is Pettitte's first start in a World Series game since 2005, he is 3-4 all-time in World Series starts (he's made 11 of them) with a pretty solid 3.82 ERA in 66 innings pitched. I think it is ridiculous that he has had the opportunity to have 66 innings pitched in the World Series, but I digress. Pettitte should not be fazed about starting today since he's pretty used to this kind of thing. What about Hamels, though?

Hamels had an absolutely fantastic postseason last year, which culminated with him taking home the World Series MVP for his performance against Tampa Bay. However, Hamels has been anything but fantastic this postseason. His ERA in the play-offs so far has risen nearly six full runs up to 6.75 this year. Hamels' regular season statistics have not been much better, as he finished with a pedestrian 10-11 record with a 4.32 ERA. Is his arm simply fatigued from last year, when he threw for the most innings in his professional career to date? Could Hamels just be a shooting star, who shines bright for just a short period of time, only to burn out quickly? We will have to see how he does for the next couple of seasons to be certain.

Nonetheless, there is one thing that I am certain of: Hamels needs to come through big for the Phillies tonight. Either that, or the offense just needs to come big for him. Ahhh, I've talked too much at this point. I'll just let the game do the talking. See you tomorrow!

Oh yes, and the title of my thread would be inappropriate if I did not include the actual song (and former "Soul Train" theme), "The Sound of Philadelphia." Have fun, and happy Halloween!



Oh yes, and since this is Halloween, please treat yourself to at least one more rendition of "Thriller."