When I signed on the Internet the morning after Game One of the World Series, I saw this picture and realized that Cliff Lee finished what he started.  Pitchers finishing what they started has become an increasingly rare occurrence.

This week's Sports Illustrated previewed the World Series with a cover story with the following headline: "Welcome to the Big Bash," and this subhead, "Ryan Howard + A-Rod = World Series Home Run Derby."

Or maybe not. After two games Rodriguez and Howard have combined to go 2-for-17 with 12 strikeouts and zero home runs. Howard has both of the hits, and both players have six Ks. Good call SI.

For those who were hoping there might be some new blood in the Blue Jays manager's office next year, you're going to have to hold your breath for yet another season.

According to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart, the Houston Astros have named Brad Arnsberg as their new pitching coach.

Arnsberg, who served as Toronto’s pitching coach the last five seasons, is the final piece to the coaching puzzle, as Houston hired Bobby Meacham as the first-base coach and Al Pedrique as the bench coach earlier today.

In addition, McTaggart is reporting that the Astros have reached an agreement with infielder Geoff Blum (one year, $1.5 million contract for 2010, with mutual option for 2011 worth $1.65 million).

In case you’re wondering, “Who’s Your Daddy!” chants rained down in a hurry on a villain still wearing Jheri curls and bearing frightening fastballs. His return to New York wasn’t too lenient, including an unbearable crowd that had waited to avenge cruel remarks that dated back to the days when Pedro Martinez faced the New York Yankees as a member of the archrival Red Sox.

In his press conference today, Philadelphia Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel announced that RHP Joe Blanton will start Game Four of the World Series. Cliff Lee will start Game Five.

When asked why he will go with Blanton in Game Four, Manuel said, "I think Blanton fits for us because I think we want to keep [J.A.] Happ right now in the bullpen, especially kind of in the middle where he could do some innings, and also Joe pitched last year in the World Series, and he’s got a little bit more experience."

An in-his-prime Cy Young Award winning pitcher was making the start in Game One of the World Series on the hill at Yankee Stadium (one of the few stadiums left that does not receive money for naming rights). He completely dominates the Bronx Bombers power laden lineup, and out dueled the Yankees ace left handed pitcher.

This Column Originally Published at GetOutofMyBallpark.com