Game 5 observations

PHILADELPHIA -- I'll be on Amtrak's Northeast Regional headed back for New York Tuesday morning because the Yankees couldn't figure out Cliff Lee enough and Chase Utley at all in the Phillies' 8-6 win Monday night. There's a reason why these guys are defending champs. They're a pretty resilient group. Lesser teams would have crumbled after what happened in the ninth inning Sunday.

Here's what's cluttering my mind after Game Five:

Chase Utley: Let's see. He's channeling his inner Chuck Howley, Ron Hextall, J.S. Giguere as in guys from losing teams to win playoff MVP. I still think the Yankees are going to win this thing but you wonder if Utley gets the MVP over Derek Jeter or Mariano Rivera even in defeat. If he hits another home run to break Reggie Jackson's Series record, he'll almost have to get it, right?

Cliff Lee: If the Phillies win it in seven and Lee pitches in relief, it will be Lee and Utley just like it was Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling in 2001 for Arizona.

Andy Pettitte: Lot of pressure on him in Game 6 on short rest. Remember 2001? He lost Game Six at Arizona, 15-2. Sorry, Yankee fans. Just saying.

A-Rod: He's been clutch and he's heating up. Two hits and three RBIs in Game Five. He's got 16 RBIs for the postseason, setting the franchise record

Mark Teixeira: Not clutch. He's 2 for 19. He hasn't hit all postseason. Good thing he's got a gold glove at first or you might Nick Swisher him and pull him for a game.

A.J. Burnett: Ouch. I know he was great in Game Two but he's failed to close the last two postseason series. Boo to him.

Ryan Howard: Tied Willie Wilson's series record with 12 Ks. He's killing the Phils. Will he do anything before this thing ends?

FOX: Buck and McCarver not driving you folks crazy? Not getting the number of gripe emails I normally do in October. The domos have to be thrilled to finally get a Game Six. First time since 2003.

Cheesesteak heads: Philly fans made sure the Bank was way-way-way louder than the new House for the Rich. Give it up to the red-clad towel wavers. And the best memory of this entire series so far was seeing everyone in the house singing along with the late Harry Kalas' campy version of "High Hopes" after the final out, as a montage of the beloved announcer's career played on the scoreboard. This place has seen a lot of losing teams over the years but it's a great baseball town.

Talk to you tomorrow -- later today actually -- from workout day in the Bronx.

---Mike Harrington

(www.twitter.com/bnharrington)

Photo: Associated Press

Comments

[Mr. Kevin H. Hodge]

Mike, Good Morning Sir, and Hope a Relaxing and Smooth Amtrack Shuttle to The Big Apple. Let Me Tip My Cap to Mr. Lee and Mr. Utley, What Premier Players for Phillies Who Really Have Been Putting On Splendid Showing..As I Have Stated All Autumn..Mr. Maueal Phillies..Will Not Go Away in Dark of Night..But Having Last at Bat In Gotham Has to Help..Let us Get a Few Hours of Rest and You Enjoy Work-out Day...In Currently, Cloudy and Low 40:s in New York State..Be It Every Hotel In New York City...On Service Counter I am Sure..Plenty of Daily News and Post...Nothing Like a Feel of Tucking That Under Your Arm..Door-Man Opens Lobby Door..and Walk to Work-out Day..or Enterprise Rent-A-Car..in City of Champions..Enjoy Your Tuesday Mike..In Old New York. In Closing Mike..Had The Honor In Buffalo News Naigara Edtions..in Small Wee Hours...Great Photo (Keep-Sake)...and Column...Mr. Joba Chamberlein..Excellent Work Mike..Mr. Kevin H. Hodge

[Greg]

As Harry the K once said, "Chase Utley, you are the man!"

Pedro vs. Pettitte in Game 6. If the Phils force a Game 7, Charlie will have a decision to make -- start a rookie (J.A. Happ) or go with a struggling Hamels. If it goes 7, I expect Lee will play a role if it's close late.

I don't know what's wrong with Howard and Teixeira, they are struggling mightily.