World Series 2009 Game 6 Pits Two Legends Together

The World Series 2009 Game 6 is the biggest game of the year so far. So for the World Series 2009 Game 6, two big game legends are leading the way. World Series 2009 Game 6 pits Pedro Martinez and Andy Pettitte together, as they near the end of their careers. Even though Martinez and Pettitte may not be at their very best tonight, the World Series 2009 Game 6 will add to their legend in some way.

Pedro Martinez needs no motivation for the World Series Game 6, since he's at Yankee Stadium and the Phillies need him to save their season. Andy Pettitte is motivated to give the Yankees another championship, though he may have to fight himself as much as the Phillies.

Though the World Series 2009 Game 6 has the Yankees trying to clinch, the Phillies are regarded as having a little edge, due to Martinez and Pettitte's situations. Martinez is on regular rest, and is coming off a solid effort in Game 2, which was only marred by two home runs. But the big question in the World Series 2009 Game 6 is about Andy Pettitte, and his abilities on three days rest.

Charlie Manuel was bashed for not putting in Cliff Lee on three days rest in Game 4. But because he didn't, he has Martinez set on regular rest for Game 6. Joe Girardi, on the other hand, decided to use C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte all on three days rest, and it could haunt the Yankees now.

After a gem in Game 2, Burnett collapsed on three days rest in Game 5. There have been reports that Pettitte is worn out, yet there are no other options for the World Series 2009 Game 6. The Phillies know they can get to Pettitte, as he gave up three runs in the second for Game 3.

However, Pettitte somehow settled down while Cole Hamels imploded, and got the Yankees the win. If the Phillies can stop Pettitte from settling down tonight, and make him even more tired, their chances of forcing a Game 7 improve.

But this is the World Series 2009 Game 6, the kind of big game that has defined Andy Pettitte for over a decade. Pettitte clinched the ALCS on Game 6 with a gutty gem, and he hopes to repeat that formula tonight. If he doesn't, C.C. Sabathia will have to go on three days rest again for Game 7 - assuming there's no snow Thursday.

The Phillies are hoping that Girardi's short rotation will give them the opening they need to make their comeback. Yet if Pedro Martinez doesn't deliver one more time in New York, and gives way to the Phillies shaky bullpen early, it almost doesn't matter what Pettitte does.

Sources

MLB Examiner- "Pedro, Pettitte prepared for Game 6 duel"

SI.com- "Pettitte has mixed history while pitching on short rest"