All the talk of Cliff Lee coming back on short rest was just that - talk.

Charlie Manuel poured a cold bucket of water on the idea Friday when he named Joe Blanton is starter for Game 4.

Manuel listed more than a couple reasons to not ask Lee to come back early: Lee has racked up more innings than just about every other major league pitcher in the last two years; Blanton pitched last year in the World Series and has the experience; he wants a fully-rested, 100 % Cliff Lee, who has never pitched on short rest; when Lee goes in Game 5, he would be available to pitch some in a possible Game 7 since it would be his normal, bullpen session day.

He also wants to keep Happ in the bullpen for potential lefty-lefty matchups.

If the series goes seven games, here's how it's almost guaranteed to be set up:

GAME 3: Hamels
GAME 4: Blanton
GAME 5: Lee
GAME 6: Pedro
GAME 7: Hamels

Yup, Kid Cole, reigning World Series MVP and current mystery, goes in Game 7. More on Hamels in Saturday's Daily Times.

That's all from the ballpark for now...