chaseutleyjennifercooperCliff Lee put on a memorable World Series performance in Game 1 and was certainly up to the task last night in Game 5, but his moment on the moon was short-lived compared to what Chase Utley has been doing. The All-Star second baseman with bomb-resistant hair has already hit five home runs in this series, including two that set the tone early on in both of Philly’s wins.

His inevitable three-run shot in the first inning last night had most Yankee fans feeling like they were meeting Ned Ryerson for the 10th time in the same day. It can be a rather unfortunate experience.

The only Yankee starter Utley has yet to touch up is Andy Pettitte. He’ll get another whack at the Yankee veteran on Wednesday night, thanks to A.J. Burnett’s dreadful outing of four hits, four walks and six runs in two innings of pretending to work. He was basically useless, although a meltdown on the road against a lineup like Philly’s was hardly surprising.

As for Game 6, Pettitte will be the latest Yankee starter to go on short rest. He’s not exactly known for having a rubber arm, but when Chad Gaudin is the other option, you go with Andy.

joe-buckAlso making his way to the hill on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium? Pedro Martinez. Even the most euphoric Phillies fan would be hard-pressed to match the excitement of Fox executives right now. That baritone yelp you just heard was Joe Buck’s scorching woody tearing through his pleated pants. Should be fun.

My Choice to Throw Out the First Pitch? Karim Garcia. Not for any reason other than the fact that Pedro would really appreciate it if someone finally introduced him to the legendary Yankee.

Surprising, Make-Homer-Go-Crazy Stat: The starting first basemen in this series are a combined 5-for-36 with 19 Ks and 3 RBIs. Robinson Canó still trumps both of them though, as the only thing he’s hit solidly is Melky’s ass.

daily-news-teixeiraToday’s New York Daily News … Brutal. After taking two of three in Philly, where they hadn’t lost a postseason game since last October, it’s touching to see Mark Teixeira and the Yanks receive such a warm welcome home. How quickly the Daily News has forgotten what it was like to have Jason Giambi standing next first base drinking a Bud Light pounder.