Charlie Manuel didn’t exactly shock the baseball world by announcing Joe Blanton would start Game 4 of the Fall Classic on Sunday night. His opponent has yet to be determined.

Sure, the Phillies could have opted to go with JA Happ or Cliff Lee, but Blanton was the best choice. The guy has World Series experience as he started Game 4 last year.

Happ is a rookie and hasn’t exactly been lights out this postseason. Should the Phils lose on Saturday, do you really want Happy on the mound in a must-win game?

Lee would have gone on three days rest, something he’s never done in his career. This is not the time to experiment. Game 7? Yes. Now? Not unless the Phils were facing elimination, which they won’t be.

Blanton is the safe choice, and the right choice. Besides, rumor has it he’s been in the batting cages with Brett Myers this week learning tricks on how to earn a walk from CC Sabathia.

While the Yanks haven’t named a starter yet, we’d be shocked if it wasn’t CC. Over the last two postseason’s, the Fightins have proven they are CC’s Daddy!