Does it surprise anyone that the forecast tonight calls for rain in Philadelphia?

Here’s the thing, though:  a rainout–not a rain delay, but a proper rainout, would actually help the Yankees.  It would help the Yankees more if was a Game Four rainout instead of Game Three, but here’s how it helps:

A rainout means an extra day of rest for the pitchers.  Let’s say the Yankees are using a three-man rotation.  If it’s today’s game that gets rained out, then CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett get an extra day off so they can pitch on four days’ rest instead of three.  Alas, Andy Pettitte would still have to make a second start on short rest (assuming the series gets to a game six), but if tomorrow’s game got rained out (and it won’t, the forecast is for sun), then all three pitchers could make their second starts on normal rest.

Currently, the situation looks like Chad Gaudin will be getting the Game Four start, which doesn’t thrill many, but Charlie Manuel has perhaps helped make the decision easier by stating that he will start Joe Blanton–who does not have good career numbers against the Yankees–in Game Four.

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As you may have noticed, the blog’s undergone a layout revision.  Or two.

Please check out the “From Blogger to WordPress” link above for details and acknowledgements, and bear with me as I continue to sort out the details.