AP News
(2009-11-05 08:47:43)
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has yet to name a potential World Series Game Seven starter, but was quick to defuse speculation he would seek an alternative to leading candidate Cole Hamels because of an attitude problem.
The New York Yankees named CC Sabathia as their starter should Philadelphia extend the best-of-seven Fall Classic to the distance with a win on Wednesday. The Phillies were keeping options open though it would be Hamels's turn in the rotation.
Last year's World Series MVP for victorious a Philadelphia, Hamels endured a storm of criticism from local media and fans after telling reporters following his 8-5 Game Three loss on Saturday he could not wait for his frustrating season to end.
"I'm not going to say who's going to pitch," Manuel told reporters at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday. "Cole Hamels can pitch for me any time. We're just not ready to say. We've got to play tomorrow."
The Philadelphia manager added he was not sure whether his team would be at full strength for Wednesday's game as center fielder Shane Victorino, hit in the right hand by an A.J. Burnett pitch on Monday, was still considered "day-to-day."
Manuel said he and Hamels talked after the Phillies' 8-6 Game Five win in Philadelphia that trimmed the Yanks' advantage to 3-2 in the series.
job" There's definitely no quit in him, and I know he shows emotions at times, and he's had like a freakish year and he's going through a bad time, but at the same time he'll get through it and he'll be the pitcher that you saw last year.
"He is a gamer and he's a fighter."
Manuel downplayed reports of a testy exchange between Hamels and fellow-pitcher Brett Myers, who was overheard remarking to Hamels in the clubhouse, "What are you doing here? I thought you quit."
"First of all, they're friends," explained Manuel. "Brett was being Brett. Brett likes to throw that jab at you, and sometimes it doesn't matter who's around. I think people when they hear that sometimes, they don't know how to take it."
Hamels made it clear he wanted to take the mound and end the season in triumph.
"Who wouldn't want the ball in Game Seven?" Hamels told reporters.
"This is the ultimate dream to be able to pitch in the most competitive situation anybody could ever be in -- Game Seven of the World Series. Even though I might not have the best results leading up to it, I've always wanted it."
(Editing by John O'Brien)
