Phillies' postseason remedy for relief uncertain

Happ, who went 2-0 with a 2.49 ERA in 12 relief appearances before moving into the rotation and going 10-4 with a 2.99 ERA, would provide another lefthanded arm in the bullpen in Games 1 and 2 while providing Manuel with what he feels is a good option for the eighth or ninth innings of a tight game. Blanton, who went 12-8 with a 4.05 ERA in 31 starts this season, could be an option in both multiple-inning situations and in the eighth or ninth innings.

At least one of the two will be needed as a starter during this series. In fact, Manuel said, there is a "big chance" both would start. Veteran righthander Pedro Martinez, whose role Manuel did not clearly define yesterday, is also available to start.

But, Manuel said, the exact rotation will depend on how he uses Blanton and Happ in relief, "Because they're going to get in the game, and more likely I'm talking about later on in the game."

Both Blanton and Happ have pitched postseason relief before. Blanton threw two scoreless innings in the 2006 ALCS for Oakland. Happ allowed one run in three innings against the Dodgers in the NLCS last season.

Neither man, of course, has seen action as both a reliever and a starter in the same playoff series. But it would not be the first time that happened.

In 2001, Diamondbacks righthander Miguel Batista appeared as a reliever in the ninth inning of Game 2 of the NLDS against the Cardinals, throwing 12 pitches to three batters. Two days later, he started Game 3, allowing two runs on three hits in six innings and picking up the win. He also made one relief appearance and one start in the NLCS, and again in the World Series. Lefty Brian Anderson, meanwhile, made three relief appearances for the Diamondbacks in the '01 NLDS and NLCS and then started a game in the World Series.

The Diamondbacks beat the Yankees in the World Series that season, thanks in large part to the contributions of ace starters Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling.

Will the Phillies, who have used 22 pitchers this season, encounter the same success? Or will their attempt backfire?

"This is the playoffs," said Happ, who pitched a shutout against the Rockies in August. "We're going to do whatever we have to do."

"Whatever happens, I'll be ready," Blanton said. "It doesn't matter."

The Phillies' fate could hang in the balance.

For more Phillies coverage and opinion, read David Murphy's blog, High Cheese, at http://go.philly.com/highcheese