With backs against the wall, Yankees desperate for a spark

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Cliff Lee was just outstanding last night, so tip your cap and move on.

The Yankees better turn the page real quick or this World Series will be over in a blink of an eye.

Yes, Game 2 tonight against the defending champion Phillies is a must-win game for New York.

While Lee scattered six hits in a complete-game performance with 10 strikeouts, it's hard to imagine that Pedro Martinez can do the same tonight.

It's been well documented that Pedro knows the Yankees, but remember the Yankees know him, too. And this isn't vintage Pedro of old, this is a guy nearing the end of his career that happened to pitch well against the Dodgers in the NLCS so everyone from Red Sox Nation to Philly thinks he's a staff ace again.

But I'm not buying how Pedro will dominate the Yanks tonight.

But I'm also not banking on New York starter A.J. Burnett dominating, either. Burnett is so hit or miss. He's got great stuff, but lack of control always hurts this guy. He walks too many and then gives up a hit that drives in runs. Burnett needs to stay in the zone, use his fastball inside and outside and get that breaking ball over on a consistent basis.

I think the offenses deliver tonight and then it's up to the bullpens to do the job.

The Yankees stunk with their bullpen in Game 1, but someone needs to step up to bridge the gap to future Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera. Watch, manager Joe Girardi will try to use Mo for three innings (joking)!

We all know it's must-win time for the Yankees. If they lose tonight, there's not way -- yes, I said no way -- that they can win this series.

But they've also got to swing the bats. Mark Teixeira where are you? Time to hit in the clutch and drive in some runs, no more excuses. Is he the new postseason A-Rod dud?

Everyone that takes a bat to the plate is being called out.

The Yankees have a lot of heart and pride. They won't go down quietly, they just need a spark from someone.

Who will it be?

In a perfect world (only Yankee fans allowed), Burnett provides that lift and the offense rallies around the right-hander.

Or will Pedro steal the spotlight?