October 24, 200322 yr Friday, October 24, 2003 Associated Press NEW YORK -- Florida's Josh Beckett will start Game 6 of the World Series on three days' rest against the New York Yankees, a bit of a gamble by Marlins manager Jack McKeon. "We're going to go with the guys who are pitching the best for us," McKeon said Friday. "You talk two days, three days, it's in the mind." Carl Pavano will pitch a seventh game on short rest for the Marlins if the Series goes the full length. Andy Pettitte, who beat Mark Redman in Game 2, starts Game 6 Saturday night for New York. If the Yankees win, Mike Mussina will pitch the seventh game for New York on Sunday. By moving up Beckett and Pavano, McKeon bypassed Redman. Beckett allowed just three hits Tuesday in Game 3 -- all to Derek Jeter -- but gave up two runs and took the loss, throwing 108 pitches in the Florida's 6-1 defeat. "They asked me if I was all right. I said, yeah, I'm fine,' " Beckett said. "I'm looking forward to it. A day's less rest, it's easier to stay sharp." Pavano threw 115 pitches Wednesday and left with a 3-1 lead, but he didn't get a decision in Florida's 4-3, 12-inning win in Game 4. Brad Penny beat the Yankees in Games 1 and 5. After Penny lost the opener, he was followed in Game 2 by Redman, who pitched poorly, allowing four runs and five hits in 2 1/3 innings. Beckett pitched four innings of relief in Game 7 of the NL championship series on two days' rest following a two-hit shutout and he allowed one hit -- a home run by Troy O'Leary. McKeon said he didn't look at past Series results before making his decision. "Historically doesn't mean a thing when you're playing the Yankees," he said. Redman had said Thursday he wouldn't mind getting Saturday night's start. "I'd love to get the ball," Redman said. "However I can help, I'll do it. You always want a second chance to redeem yourself." Two years ago, Arizona pitched Curt Schilling on three days' rest against the Yankees, and he started Games 1, 4 and 7. He won the opener and didn't get a decision in the other two starts.
October 25, 200322 yr One of things this move does that I haven't heard an awful lot about is that it adds another quality lefthander out of the bullpen. Which could be a very important factor. Now you have Redman to use as a situational leftie too, and he is pretty dependable to come in and throw strikes.
October 25, 200322 yr I do not like this move. But who am I to second guess grampa Jack? I'll pray and pray and pray for our Florida Marlins. Hoping we can take that WS trophi home!
October 25, 200322 yr We need him to start this game. One more win and the Yankees are history. Now this is were Beckett needs to step up and pitch good. Good move by Mckeon, i didnt want to see Redman pitching tonight.
October 25, 200322 yr Um.... In game 2..pettite started on 3 days rest. no whining was heard. josh will be fine.
October 25, 200322 yr Agreed Das. Beckett is one of those guys who can throw a lot - because that is all he does (fitting real nice into my theory...). He will be fine, and will be live. We all saw what he did against the Cubs after pitching in game 5. He basically was a starter that game. The key for tonight is the Marlins' offense - and I think we are going to see some explosions from our boys tonight. Watch for Lowell... Got to get this done now. I feel whoever wins game 6 takes the series - I felt the same way about the Cubs series.
October 25, 200322 yr the problem isn't whether JOSH will be fine.. he should be pretty good despite throwing well over 100 pitches last time. the problem is whether CARL will be fine. he pitched the 2nd-longest game of his career (1 shot of his longest), and he's being asked to start on 3 days. he's not known for having the most endurance for a SP. i don't like this one bit
October 26, 200322 yr We need him to start this game. One more win and the Yankees are history. Now this is were Beckett needs to step up and pitch good. Good move by Mckeon, i didnt want to see Redman pitching tonight. Where's PAVANO's picture...he should be number 2 starter!!
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