PHILADELPHIA — Joe Blanton was picked to start Game 4 of the World Series for the defending champion Philadelphia Phillies.
Manager Charlie Manuel said Friday he will go with Blanton against the New York Yankees rather than ace Cliff Lee on short rest. Lee, who has never pitched on three days’ rest, is slated to start Game 5.
“I don’t think he’s ready for it on three days’ rest,” Manuel said. “I think you’re taking a chance on really pushing him.”
The World Series was tied 1-all as it shifted to Philadelphia for Game 3 tonight. Manuel said if the Series goes seven games, Lee could be available for the finale.
“That would be on his bullpen day, and he might be able to pitch,” the manager said.
Manuel also could have turned to left-hander J.A. Happ in Game 4, but the rookie will stay in the bullpen.
“I think Blanton fits for us because I think we want to keep Happ right now in the bullpen, especially kind of in the middle where he could do some innings,” Manuel said. “And also, Joe pitched last year in the World Series, and he’s got a little bit more experience.”
Series TV ratings up
NEW YORK — Television ratings for the World Series are rebounding from last year’s record lows. The Yankees’ 3-1 win over the Phillies on Thursday night on Fox earned an 11.7 fast national rating and 19 share. That’s up 44 percent from the 8.1/13 for last year’s Phillies-Rays Game 2. The network said on Friday it’s the highest-rated Game 2 since the Red Sox-Cardinals in 2004. Ratings represent the percentage of all households with televisions tuned into a program and shares represent the percentage of all homes with TVs in use at the time.
Mariners hire third base coach
SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners have hired Mike Brumley as their new third base coach, completing the team’s 2010 staff. He replaces Bruce Hines. General manager Jack Zduriencik announced the hiring of the former big league utility player on Friday. The 45-year-old Brumley spent the 2009 season overseeing all aspects of instruction in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ minor league system. Brumley joins six returning coaches: bench coach Ty Van Burkleo, pitching coach Rick Adair, hitting coach Alan Cockrell, first base coach Lee Tinsley, bullpen coach John Wetteland and performance coach Steve Hecht.
Cubs owner promises Series win
CHICAGO — The new owner of the Chicago Cubs knows what fans want to hear and he didn’t wait long to deliver. Tom Ricketts was only a few moments into his first news conference as owner of the storied franchise Friday when he said the Cubs will win the World Series and end an infamous drought that dates to 1908. Ricketts said there are plans to improve Wrigley Field but also preserve the feel of the venerable ballpark on Chicago’s North Side. The family of billionaire Joe Ricketts, the founder of Omaha, Neb.-based TD Ameritrade, this week closed a deal to buy a 95 percent controlling interest in the Cubs, the ballpark and 25 percent of Comcast Sportsnet, which broadcasts a number of Cubs game. The Tribune Co. retains a 5 percent stake. The price tag was $845 million.
Associated Press
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