Kyle Drabek could be pitching in the biggest game of his life on Wednesday. No, it's not a World Series Game 7. It's not a Major League game. But in the steps of his career ladder, he's about to have his first playoffs experience. But it could turn out to be more than being the guy with the ball for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats in Game One of the Eastern League playoffs.
He could be pitching against Andy Pettitte.(NOTE: LoHud Yankees Blog confirms Pettitte's start at Trenton will take place Wednesday http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2010/09/06/pettitte-to-rehab-on-trenton-on-wednesday/)
The Trenton Thunder await word regarding where Pettitte will make his first rehab start. Trenton is an option. If he does, the stars could align for him to make his start on Wednesday, which is when the playoffs begin at Trenton. George King writes that the decision is almost certain to come tomorrow http://t.co/GuYFhGM.
The arguments and grumbling that Pettitte pitching for Trenton would give an unfair advantage to the Baby Bombers have already made the rounds. True enough, it's a big advantage for them. But how exciting a moment is this in young Kyle Drabek's career? That is a challenge the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year would likely find exciting and, because he's a competitor, wants to rise to it. Think about how big-time it would feel if the kid beat one of the best pitchers in baseball, one of the Yankees. All before he's even pitched an inning in the majors.
This would go into Drabek's book as probably his most exciting in a Minor League uniform.
Think about this too. People are asking why Drabek is still pitching in Double-A, believing he's Major League ready. With that in mind, if the Yankees decide to give Pettitte the ball for Trenton against Drabek on Wednesday, you'll be seeing big league baseball in little Waterfront Park down on Thunder Road.
