I read/heard somewhere that MLB would consider keeping an off-day between Philly and Tampa (if the Series goes to Game 6). If they resume Game 5 tomorrow, that would push Game 6 to Friday and Game 7 to Saturday. If it’s Saturday, Cole definitely starts.

I think if Game Seven is Friday, Cole probably doesn’t start, but he’s available for long relief—60 pitches, maybe more.

But if that’s less comfortable for him than starting, he starts, and Blanton is the long man. In that scenario, it’s the deciding game of the World Series. I don’t care if Cole’s arm might come off, so long as he’s effective before it does.

That said, I believe it’s not going to come to that. I believe we’ll be celebrating by Friday, unless the rain doesn’t stop by then.

It’s obviously an unlikely scenario, but let’s think about this. On a regular (4-day rest) schedule, Hamels would throw a bullpen on either the 2nd or 3rd day — say, 30 or 40 pitches — after his previous start. Well, what if Cole usually throws his bullpen on the 2nd off day? Tomorrow would be the 2nd off day after yesterday’s start… so what if Hamels threw another inning or two to lead off Game 5 part deux?

If you’ll recall, Halladay did something similar against the Phils back on May 18. It was the 4th day after his previous start in that case, but it was also a regular season game.

I realize there’s almost no chance that this happens — in large part because it’s Hamels, and the Phils have been cautious with him all year — but it’s another thing to take into account.

he didnt throw alot, in no definition of the word alot, and he could easily come in on 2 days rest and come in fully rested for a 3 game rest situation

He’s the best pitcher the Phils have, he’s a fastball / changeup guy, he didn’t throw that many pitches Monday.

Start with Hamels, Blanton gets the ball if he has problems early, we run the bullpen as usual late.