A World Series open letter to the Phillies

Dear Phillies,

It's been a while since I felt the need to address you, but now is the time.

I'm not going to rehash the mistakes, miscues and misplays of the past three games. I'm looking to the future.

I'm not ready for the season to end tonight.

Tonight is Cliff Lee's turn to do what Cliff Lee does best - work quickly, use both sides of the plate and shut down the other team's offense. Tonight, the Phillies offense needs to remember that it is elite, a formidable foe that can strike fear in any pitcher. And tonight, the fans need to make that New York pitcher remember that he's facing a world-class offense. A.J. Burnett is a head case. Get in his head, early and often.

Wednesday night, I want to see Pedro Martinez pitch until his arm falls off against a tired Andy Pettitte. Offense: Take advantage of that tiredness and the fact that you just faced him. Make that steroid-taking cheater work. Beat him.

And on Thursday night, I want to see a dead-tired CC Sabathia pitching his third game in only nine days and Cole Hamels remember that he's Cole Freakin' Hamels.

It won't be easy, but it can be done. If any team is going to come back from 3-1, it's the Phillies. Shut down the Yankees. Shut up their fans and all of the critics. Defend what is yours. Beat the Yankees. Win the World Series. I won't give up on you as long as you don't give up on yourselves.

See you on Wednesday in New York.

Love,
Christine