joe-blanton-phillies-nick-swisher-yankeesJoe Blanton, seen here at left, presumably in 2004, when he was teammates with Nick Swisher, is being called upon to try and save the World Series for the Phillies tonight.

Joe Blanton’s career record vs. the Yankees: 0-3, 8.18 ERA. Where’s Cliff Lee?

Lee has never pitched on three days’ rest (but was ready to go, he claims). So Charlie Manuel has opted for Blanton tonight, Lee tomorrow, presumably Pedro if there is a game six, and Cole Hamels – the guy who, according to the FOX pregame show, said last night, “I can’t wait for the season to be over” – in a deciding game seven. (Or perhaps they just shut Hamels down for the season and go with a hodgepodge of pitchers in the final game.)

joe-blanton-rookie-hazing-oaklandA Phillies loss tonight almost certainly gives the Yankees their 27th World Series crown. Assuming game five goes to Philly, having Andy Pettitte and CC Sabathia at home going back-to-back with a chance to close it out gives a massive advantage to the Yankees. Philadelphia’s best hope is tonight. They’re blowing it with Blanton.

But who knows, maybe Blanton channels Cliff Lee, and the New York bats go silent like they did in the first two games of the series. Perhaps Swisher and Damon revert to swing-at-anything form; Tex and A-Rod continue their slumps (combined: 2-for-20); and Utley/Victorino/Howard snap out of their funk (6-for-35 in the series with Utley and Howard not getting a hit in the last two games) and the Phillies wrest control of the series.

Not bloody likely. Guess: Yankees 6, Phillies 3.