FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ AL MVP: Minnesota Twins' Joe Mauer http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/23/al-mvp-minnesota-twins-joe-mauer/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/23/al-mvp-minnesota-twins-joe-mauer/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/23/al-mvp-minnesota-twins-joe-mauer/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Joe MauerTwins catcher Joe Mauer was a nearly unanimous selection for 2009 American League MVP by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, receiving 27 of 28 first-place votes to win the award in a landslide Monday.

He beat out Yankee teammates Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter, who finished second and third, respectively, to win the award for the first time in his career. Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera, who finished fourth in the voting, was the only other player to receive a first-place vote.

Mauer hit .365 to win the batting title for the second straight season and third time in his career, matching the total number of batting titles won by all other catchers in major league history. Babe Phelps is the only backstop in major league history to qualify for a batting title and hit for a higher average, hitting .367 for the 1936 Brooklyn Dodgers.

But Mauer's triumph is complete. In addition to winning the batting title, he also led the American League in on-base percentage, slugging and OPS, a feat never accomplished by a catcher before.

 

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]]> Joe Mauer Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-23T14:01:00 00:00 BaseCast: Top 50 Leftovers http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/23/basecast-top-50-leftovers/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/23/basecast-top-50-leftovers/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/23/basecast-top-50-leftovers/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Rich HardenIt's a baseball podcast. The math is easy, right? BaseCast. Let's rock.

It's been a whole weekend since FanHouse's Frank Piliere released his Top 50 Free Agents list to the world. After taking some time to digest the list in all its glory, we decided to go to our in-house expert for some more details on his thinking.

Why did John Lackey beat out Matt Holliday and Jason Bay for the top spot? Why did he see Rich Harden and Marlon Byrd in such a positive light and guys like Adrian Beltre and Mark DeRosa less so?

Listen in after the jump as Piliere and I dive deep on his Top 50.

 

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]]> BaseCastJohn LackeyRich Harden Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-23T08:00:00 00:00 Footprints in the Snow: Diamondbacks http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/21/footprints-in-the-snow-diamondbacks/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/21/footprints-in-the-snow-diamondbacks/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/21/footprints-in-the-snow-diamondbacks/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Justin UptonFootprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.

Since the moment they were swept out of the 2007 NLCS, the Diamondbacks have been waiting. Waiting on their impressive collection of young talent. Waiting on their dynamic rotation duo of Dan Haren and Brandon Webb to deliver a playoff spot. Waiting for everything to come together.

It hasn't happened yet. Arizona was passed by the Dodgers in late 2008 after holding the NL West lead for much of the season. Then, this past year -- one filled with calamity, including a major shoulder injury to Webb that limited him to one start -- saw the Diamondbacks dip all the way to last place.

Arizona is still waiting. There is still promising young talent on hand, including the terrific Justin Upton. There is still hope. It's just tempered by all the work that needs to be done to get the Diamondbacks back in contention.
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]]> Chris SnyderConor JacksonDan HarenEric ByrnesFootprints in the Snowjosh byrnesJustin UptonStephen Drew Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-21T06:00:00 00:00 Footprints in the Snow: Nationals http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/19/footprints-in-the-snow-nationals/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/19/footprints-in-the-snow-nationals/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/19/footprints-in-the-snow-nationals/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Stephen Strasburg and Ryan ZimmermanFootprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.

The Nationals bottomed out in 2009. Their season began with the ouster of general manager Jim Bowden in the beginning of March after he was implicated in a bonus-skimming scandal in the Dominican Republic that drew the attention of the FBI. And it ended with 103 losses, giving them 205 losses in the last two seasons.

In between, they fired manager Manny Acta and watched attendance fall by more than 6,000 fans a night in the second year of Nationals Park.

So no, it's not all sunshine and roses on the banks of the Anacostia River, but, then, it's not all doom and gloom either. After all, the Nats managed to lock up phenom Stephen Strasburg in August, and with a stable front office and a permanent manager now in place, they can get to the task of building around him.
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]]> Adam DunnCristian GuzmanFootprints in the Snowian desmondJohn LannanJosh Willinghammike rizzostephen strasburg Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-19T09:00:00 00:00 Chamberlain Doesn't Know '10 Role Yet http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/18/chamberlain-doesnt-know-10-role-yet/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/18/chamberlain-doesnt-know-10-role-yet/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/18/chamberlain-doesnt-know-10-role-yet/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Joba ChamberlainThe Yankees haven't told Joba Chamberlain whether he'll be a starter or reliever next year, but the right-hander says he'll be ready to do anything to help his team repeat as World Series champions when he reports to spring training in February.

"We haven't talked about [my role for next year]," Chamberlain told FanHouse this week, in an interview promoting his charity work with New York foster children."It's not going to affect my preparation [for the season] at all. ... I'm gonna go out and work hard and get in the best shape I can to help us win again."

Chamberlain, who burst onto the scene in 2007 as an electrifying setup man, has shuffled back and forth between the bullpen and rotation as the Yankees have tried to manage his innings and find the best role for him. All but one of his 32 regular season appearances in 2009 came as a starter, but once October rolled around, he was converted to relief, both because he struggled some down the stretch and because the schedule allowed the Yankees to use just three starters throughout the postseason.

 

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]]> Joba Chamberlain Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-18T20:24:00 00:00 BaseCast: Heavy on the Cys http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/18/basecast-heavy-on-the-cys/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/18/basecast-heavy-on-the-cys/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/18/basecast-heavy-on-the-cys/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Adam Wainwright / Zack GreinkeIt's a baseball podcast. The math is easy, right? BaseCast. Let's rock.

The American League Cy Young Award winner, Zack Greinke, was announced Tuesday and the National League Cy Young winner will be announced Thursday, so what better time for the MLB FanHouse crew to discuss both pieces of hardware.

In this edition of BaseCast, Jeff Fletcher, Ed Price and I discuss the implications of Greinke capturing the award, both for the voting body and for the team he plays for, before trying to wrap our head around the intriguing NL race, which features three excellent pitchers (Adam Wainwright, Chris Carpenter, Tim Lincecum), but no clear favorite.

Listen in after the jump.

 

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]]> Adam WainwrightBaseCastChris CarpenterTim LincecumZack Greinke Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-18T18:00:00 00:00 Footprints in the Snow: Red Sox http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/16/footprints-in-the-snow-red-sox/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/16/footprints-in-the-snow-red-sox/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/16/footprints-in-the-snow-red-sox/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Dustin Pedroia and Jason BayFootprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.

It's been quite a decade for the Red Sox, who flipped an 86-year-old script in 2004 by winning a World Series and a second in 2007, but they enter this offseason behind a very familiar eight ball.

Yes, Boston made the playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons in 2009, but after getting swept by the Angels in the American League Division Series and watching the Yankees win their 27th World Series just weeks later, it is once again the chaser.

The Red Sox have redefined success at Fenway Park over the last few years. Now the trick is to keep duplicating it, a task that's harder than ever with their more monied rivals to the south apparently rejuvenated.
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]]> Alex GonzalezFootprints in the SnowJason BayJonathan PapelbonJosh Becketttheo epstein Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-16T09:00:00 00:00 Footprints in the Snow: Orioles http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/16/footprints-in-the-snow-orioles/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/16/footprints-in-the-snow-orioles/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/16/footprints-in-the-snow-orioles/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Adam JonesFootprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.

Thanks to an infusion of young talent, there are some good vibes floating around Camden Yards -- no small feat considering the fact that the local nine hasn't had a winning record since 1997.

Of course, an infusion of young talent won't be enough on its own in the enormously challenging AL East. The Orioles need immense improvements on the corners of their infield and especially in their pitching staff -- which ranked last in the American League in ERA in 2009. That can't all come from the maturation of a select group of youngsters groomed on the Baltimore farm, though, so there will be plenty on general manager Andy MacPhail's plate as he tries to take the next step in turning the O's into legitimate challengers.
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]]> Adam JonesAndy MacPhailFootprints in the SnowMelvin Mora Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-16T07:00:00 00:00 Gold Gloves in Need of More Polish http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/11/gold-gloves-in-need-of-more-polish/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/11/gold-gloves-in-need-of-more-polish/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/11/gold-gloves-in-need-of-more-polish/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Ichiro Suzuki's Gold Glove AwardThis isn't about Derek Jeter. Repeat that three times to yourselves, Yankee fans, and then continue reading.

Rawlings has been awarding its Gold Gloves to nine players in each league since 1957. It has become as much a part of the baseball lexicon as Cy Young and Cooperstown, and far exceeds the gravitas of something like the Silver Slugger, the hitting equivalent of the award.

When announcers go through a team's defensive alignment before every game, they highlight the Gold Glovers around the diamond, and if a prospect is known for his glove and he's not described as a plus defender, he's called a future Gold Glover.

So, other than tradition and alliteration, why do we give so much credence to them?

 

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]]> Derek Jeter Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-11T17:00:00 00:00 Four First-Time Gold Glovers in NL Class http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/11/four-first-time-gold-glovers-in-nl-class/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/11/four-first-time-gold-glovers-in-nl-class/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/11/four-first-time-gold-glovers-in-nl-class/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Yadier Molina and Adam WainwrightFour of the nine Gold Glove winners in the National League were recognized for the first time when Rawlings announced the 2009 awards Wednesday afternoon.

Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, Astros outfielder Michael Bourn, Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright were the first-time honorees.

Two members of the NL champion Phillies -- center fielder Shane Victorino and shortstop Jimmy Rollins -- were recognized for their defensive excellence. Victorino was a Gold Glover for the second straight year, while Rollins won it for a third consecutive time.

 

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]]> Adam WainwrightAdrian GonzalezJimmy Rollinsmatt kempMichael BournOrlando HudsonRyan ZimmermanShane VictorinoYadier Molina Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-11T15:54:00 00:00 Jeter Headlines AL Gold Glove Winners http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/10/jeter-headlines-al-gold-glove-winners/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/10/jeter-headlines-al-gold-glove-winners/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/10/jeter-headlines-al-gold-glove-winners/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Derek JeterLong considered one of the worst defensive shortstops in baseball by those in sabermetric circles, Derek Jeter won the fourth Gold Glove of his career on Tuesday, proving that no matter what statistically-oriented folks think of Jeter's glovework, he enjoys a good defensive reputation among those within the game.

Joining Jeter on the AL Gold Glove team is Yankees teammate Mark Teixeira, who was recognized for the third time, as well as outfielders Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners) and Torii Hunter (Angels), who both won the award for the ninth time.

 

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]]> Adam JonesDerek JeterEvan LongoriaIchiro SuzukiJoe MauerMark BuehrleMark TeixeiraPlacido PolancoTorii Hunter Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-10T16:04:00 00:00 Red Sox Make Decisions on Martinez, Wakefield, Varitek http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/09/red-sox-make-decisions-on-martinez-wakefield-varitek/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/09/red-sox-make-decisions-on-martinez-wakefield-varitek/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/09/red-sox-make-decisions-on-martinez-wakefield-varitek/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Jason Varitek / Victor Martinez / Tim WakefieldThe Red Sox made a flurry of contract decisions on Monday as they hurtle headlong into the Hot Stove season. Boston picked up its 2010 option on Victor Martinez, and declined options on longtime catcher and captain Jason Varitek and knuckleball pitcher Tim Wakefield, renegotiating a two-year extension with Wakefield at a low average annual value.

There's little surprise about Martinez or Varitek.

The former, a catcher/first baseman who will make $7 million next year, was acquired at great cost in talent from the Indians at the trading deadline this year, and he excelled in the Boston pressure cooker, hitting .336 with 41 RBI in 56 games. The latter, a New England fixture and the heart and soul of two championship teams, has seen his production dip over the last few seasons.

The Red Sox declined a $5 million team option on Varitek, but he can still return in 2010 if he picks up his $3 million player option, and there are indications that he will.

 

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]]> Jason Varitektim wakefieldVictor Martinez Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-09T23:43:00 00:00 Rays Pick Up Crawford's Pricey Option http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/09/rays-pick-up-crawfords-pricey-option/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/09/rays-pick-up-crawfords-pricey-option/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/09/rays-pick-up-crawfords-pricey-option/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Carl CrawfordCarl Crawford will be in a Rays uniform next season, his last before he is eligible to be a free agent.

Tampa Bay made it official Monday by picking up its $10 million option on the speedy left fielder, who is the longest tenured player in franchise history and holds a number of all-time clubs records, including for hits, stolen bases, RBI and games played.

Crawford bounced back from an injury-marred 2008 to hit .305 with 15 home runs and 60 stolen bases this season. He also won MVP of the All-Star Game this year.

 

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]]> Carl Crawford Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-09T17:33:00 00:00 Red Sox Decline Gonzalez's 2010 Option http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/08/red-sox-decline-gonzalezs-2010-option/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/08/red-sox-decline-gonzalezs-2010-option/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/08/red-sox-decline-gonzalezs-2010-option/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Alex GonzalezThe Boston Red Sox have declined their $6 million option on shortstop Alex Gonzalez for next season, according to the Boston Globe, once again leaving the team without a reliable everyday player at the position heading into offseason.

It's been a revolving door at shortstop in Boston since the team dealt Nomar Garciaparra at the trading deadline in 2004, with general manager Theo Epstein unable to find a suitable long-term replacement.

Four different players -- Gonzalez, Nick Green, Julio Lugo and Jed Lowrie -- played at least 21 games at the position this season. Between Garciaparra's departure and this season, Orlando Cabrera, Edgar Renteria, Gonzalez (in 2006), Lugo and Lowrie have manned the position, with the Red Sox doling out $76 million in contracts to Renteria and Lugo alone.

 

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]]> Alex Gonzalez Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-08T21:01:00 00:00 Options Aplenty: Lee, Webb Stay Put, Dye Bought Out by White Sox http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/06/options-aplenty-lee-webb-stay-put-dye-bought-out-by-white-sox/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/06/options-aplenty-lee-webb-stay-put-dye-bought-out-by-white-sox/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/06/options-aplenty-lee-webb-stay-put-dye-bought-out-by-white-sox/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Jermaine Dye / Brandon Webb / Cliff LeeThe champagne is barely dry in the Yankees clubhouse, but the business of 2010 is already well under way. Three trades are in the books, a number of players have already filed for free agency and Bobby Abreu has a new deal with the Angels.

In that vein, three clubs made decisions on contract options Friday as they held on to star players for next year. The Phillies and Diamondbacks both picked up the options they held on ace pitchers Cliff Lee and Brandon Webb, respectively, while the White Sox bought out right fielder Jermaine Dye.

Chicago's World Series MVP in 2005, Dye, who will turn 36 in January, was due to make $12 million in 2010. He'll instead receive $950,000 from the White Sox and hit the open market.

 

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]]> Brandon WebbCliff LeeJermaine Dye Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-06T13:27:00 00:00 Hideki Matsui Named World Series MVP http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/05/hideki-matsui-named-world-series-mvp/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/05/hideki-matsui-named-world-series-mvp/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/05/hideki-matsui-named-world-series-mvp/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Hideki MatsuiHideki Matsui was named the Most Valuable Player in the 2009 World Series after a record-setting performance in the decisive Game 6.

Matsui drove in six of the Yankees' seven runs in their World Series-clinching victory, staking New York to an early lead with a two-run homer off of Pedro Martinez in the second inning and falling a triple short of the cycle. His six RBI were the most by any player in a World Series clincher. Five others -- including Reggie Jackson -- held the record of five RBI previously.

"It's awesome," Matsui said through a translator of his achievement. "Unbelievable. I'm surprised myself.

 

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]]> Hideki Matsui Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-05T00:13:00 00:00 World Series Game 6 Live Chat http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/04/world-series-game-6-live-chat/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/04/world-series-game-6-live-chat/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/04/world-series-game-6-live-chat/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Shane VictorinoAs if the first Game 6 in the World Series in six years wasn't enough to whet your appetite, it's Pedro Martinez in the Bronx, Round 2, on Thursday night. Oh, there's a championship on the line as well as the Yankees try for the second time to win their 27th championship.

Yes, there will be no shortage of drama as the Fall Classic returns to Yankee Stadium, and the MLB FanHouse crew will be here to take you from the first pitch to the final out and beyond.

Will the Yankees celebrate or will the Phillies deliver the best thing all of sports -- a Game 7? Join us after the jump, starting at 7:45 PM ET for a LIVE chat as we find out.

 

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]]> Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-04T18:30:00 00:00 Playoff Pulse: It's in the Manuel http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/03/playoff-pulse-its-in-the-manuel/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/03/playoff-pulse-its-in-the-manuel/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/03/playoff-pulse-its-in-the-manuel/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Ryan MadsonPlayoff Pulse is our morning rundown of the night that was and the night that will be during the MLB postseason.

Looking Forward ...

Much will be made in the lead-up to Game 6 of another Yankees starter -- Andy Pettitte -- going on three days' rest, assuming of course that that is officially announced Tuesday. Of course, there wasn't much of a choice for Joe Girardi.

The Phillies do have some interesting options as they head back to New York. Game 6 starter Pedro Martinez was the easy part, but you can't expect him to go all nine innings, so, especially if the Phillies have a lead, what happens then?

 

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]]> Charlie ManuelDave Eilandplayoff pulseRyan Madson Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-03T06:00:00 00:00 World Series Game 5 Live Chat http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/world-series-game-5-live-chat/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/world-series-game-5-live-chat/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/world-series-game-5-live-chat/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Phillies FansIt's now or never for the Philadelphia Phillies, who, for the first time in the last two postseasons, face elimination in Game 5 of the World Series Monday night at Citizens Bank Ballpark.

The defending champs will have the raucous Philadelphia crowd on their side as well as ace Cliff Lee, who has been virtually unhittable so far in the playoffs, but they'll have to tangle with A.J. Burnett, who shut them down in Game 2, and the rest of a Yankees team that can smell its first title since 2000.

Join the MLB FanHouse crew after the jump for a LIVE chat throughout Game 5. The festivities start at 7:45 PM ET.

 

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]]> Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-02T18:30:00 00:00 Playoff Pulse: Coming Up Short http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/playoff-pulse-coming-up-short/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/playoff-pulse-coming-up-short/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/playoff-pulse-coming-up-short/#comments Andrew Johnsonby Andrew Johnson

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Chase UtleyPlayoff Pulse is our morning rundown of the night that was and the night that will be during the MLB postseason.

Looking Forward ...

Not this again. The World Series hasn't gone past five games since 2003, and that streak could be extended for a sixth straight year if the Yankees take care of business Monday night in Philadelphia.

There's a good chance that it won't and the Yankees will return to New York for Game 6 instead of a parade. The reason for that, of course, is Cliff Lee. But if Lee's form slips, A.J. Burnett could very easily put away the defending champs.

And that would be baseball's loss.

 

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]]> Chase Utley Andrew Johnson andrew-johnson 2009-11-02T06:00:00 00:00