The strike zone is slightly amorphous tonight.

/Joe Maddon’d

There you go, take it easy CC. You got this.

After last night’s convincing Game Three win that featured gutty pitching by Andy Pettitte, offensive breakouts from Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher (among others), and rock solid bullpen work, the Yanks turn to their undisputed ace tonight as they try to put a stranglehold on the Fall Classic. CC Sabathia gets the ball on three day’s rest for the second time this postseason, and as you know he was stellar against the Halos on short rest. He’ll be opposed not by former teammate Cliff Lee, but by fourth starter Joe Blanton.

Blanton, Swisher’s former roommate in Oakland (Chad Gaudin’s too), started Game Four of the World Series last year, holding the Rays to just two solo homers (one by current Yank Eric Hinske) over six innings in a win. He even chipped in a solo jack of his own. Of course the Phillies were able to pile on five runs in four innings against Andy Sonnanstine, something that shouldn’t happen to tonight’s Yankee starter.

Unlike yesterday, the weather in The City of Brother Love and Cheese Steaks and Rocky should be dry, so this one should start on time. Here’s the lineups:

Yankees
Derek Jeter, SS
Johnny Damon, LF
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Jorge Posada, C
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nick Swisher, RF
Melky Cabrera, CF
CC Sabathia, SP (19-8, 3.37)

Philadelphia
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Shane Victorino, CF
Chase Utley, 2B
Ryan Howard, 1B
Jayson Werth, RF
Raul Ibanez, LF
Pedro Feliz, 3B
Carlos Ruiz, C
Joe Blanton, SP (12-8, 4.05)

Oh, in case you missed it, this was the cover the Philly Daily News on Friday (morning after Game Two). And they say Yankee fans have a sense of entitlement.

What ever will the Yankees do with their shaky bullpen?

Can the bullpen get six outs in front of Mo? What about just five?

Great shutdown inning, Andy. Tack on some more.

Start pilin’ on, boys.

Settle down, Andy. Hold it there.

This game has four-and-a-half hours written all over it.

It wouldn’t be a Yankee playoff game without crappy weather, so of course the forecast tonight calls for a chance of rain. Eh, whatever, it’ll be fine.

As for the game, the Yanks will get their second crack at 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels this year, after he held them to just two runs in six innings. Hamels has gotten rocked so far this postseason, who has put 20 runners in base in just 14.2 IP over three starts, including 6 (!!!) homers allowed. The Bombers have hit just .222-.258-.349 in the World Series so far, so hopefully they can get back on track tonight.

Andy Pettitte will get the ball on five day’s rest, working for the first time since he sent the Angels back to SoCal will their halos between their legs. Charlie Manuel says Pettitte’s stuff is dwindling, so I’m really hoping lefty makes Manuel eat his words tonight.

Here’s the starting nine(s):

Yankees
Derek Jeter, SS
Johnny Damon, LF
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Jorge Posada, C
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nick Swisher, RF
Melky Cabrera, CF
Andy Pettitte, SP (14-8, 4.16)

Philadelphia
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Shane Victorino, CF
Chase Utley, 2B
Ryan Howard, 1B
Jayson Werth, RF
Raul Ibanez, LF
Pedro Feliz, 3B
Carlos Ruiz, C
Cole Hamels, SP (10-11, 4.32)