Game 6: Matsuied

Hard to write about a World Series when you like one of the teams and have a lifelong hatred of the other. Add to that the narcissist twins, one on each team: Cole Hamels (the only one on the planet who thought he should start another series game) and A.J. (me, me, me) Burnett). Both melodramatics in search of their curve balls. So I took a break and let the inevitable happen.

Now let’s face the facts. The Yankees deserved to win this Series. They played almost flawlessly, and had such depth that the disappearance of Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano and Nick Swisher from their offense was of little consequence. Derek Jeter batted higher than those three combined. Hideki Matsui had more RBIs in Game 6 (six) than the threesome did in the entire Series. And Andy Pettitte’s grit and determination were fiercesome.

The Phillies offense took the Series off. Shane Victorino and Ryan Howard, the cornerstone of last years’ offense did virtually nothing. Cliff Lee, lefty extraordinaire, had a higher average than they did. The starters weren’t bad but when they needed help, it wasn’t there. The bullpen turned out to be Six Pitchers in Search of a Save. And who, exactly, was going to start a Game 7?

So the Yankees win, the fans are either elated or relieved to be rid of it and we are done with baseball for a while. At least they didn’t wave those silly towels.