Pitching Preview: Champs vs. Phillies Game 3 will be looking at a pair of veterans on Thursday’s match-up, in this 2009 World Series revival between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees .

Game 3:

Southpaws Andy Pettitte vs. Jamie Moyer , is a battle of the veterans. They are two of only three active pitchers to throw for 3,000 innings (the third is Tim Wakefield of the Red Sox ). That is a combined 6,000+ innings between the two.

Considering Moyer has been in the majors for 24 seasons, and is 47 years young is incredible to begin with. Moyer allows Yankee fans to dream that their ace Pettitte could be around for 10 more seasons. Hey, you can always dream and you never know

Jamie Moyer is a risk. At times he looks 47 years old, but he still has thrown a few electric games this season that make him look brilliant. Moyer’s ERA is 5.03, but to be fair the Phillies bats have been dead lately, so he gets no help.

For the oldest starter in the majors, Moyer has defied odds already. He has already thrown two complete games and one shutout in 2010. Against, the Red Sox he got killed last week and I predict the Yankees will do the same.

Moyer pitches better in day games and in Citizens Bank Park , so that is two strikes against his odds already.

The third is the Yankees hitters are the most patient in baseball, and don’t swing for strikes from off-speed pitches.

Unfortunately, Moyer’s biggest strength this season is his off-speed pitches, but he won’t be confusing the Yankees to swing.

Andy Pettitte is not just having a lucky few games, but a career year in 2010. Maybe it’s his sons who always longed for Pettitte to be home, who now think he is the coolest thing ever. Who knows, but whatever it is it is magnificent for Yankees fans to watch.

Pettitte has a 2.46 ERA, with a record of 8-1 over 12 starts. He has 55 strikeouts on the season, but that number has gradually been slipping.

Pettitte is still an ace at home and killed the Phillies in the 2009 World Series. That Phillies team was much different, much better and played with swagger.

Maybe by Thursday night, the NL Champs will get their groove back again. Either way, Pettitte will be great.

 

Winner/Loser:

Andy Pettitte without question should win Thursday night. My score prediction is 7-2 in a Yankees win.

 

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