Lincecum-Halladay Billed As "Matchup For The Ages," A "Pitching Classic"

Elsewhere, A.J. Burnett hits two batters in a Yankees' simulation game. Here's your evening update on the NLCS/ALCS pitching rotations.

• Assuming that Halladay starts on Saturday, and assuming that he wins the Cy Young this season, it will be the first time since 1991 "that a Game 1 in a League Championship Series has featured the reigning Cy Young winner against the soon-to-be Cy Young winner." This is too much specific speculation for me. Let's get general! This game will be "a matchup for the Ages," a NLCS classic, and also a pitching classic. Now that's a billing. No pressure, boys.

• Since it is the Year of the Pitcher, it is by association the Postseason of the Pitcher, and the remaining four teams are finalizing their pitching rotations: • Jonathan Sanchez will start Game 2 for San Francisco; Matt Cain will pitch Game 3.

• Charlie Manuel hasn't yet released his rotation, but yes, Roy Halladay will probably pitch Game 1.

• The Rangers have tabbed C.J. Wilson, Colby Lewis, Cliff Lee, and Tommy Hunter.

• The Yankees are going with CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes, Andy Petitte, and…

• A.J. Burnett. A.J. Burnett doesn't have to watch Game 4 of the ALCS from his couch anymore. Joe Girardi named him the starter, and Burnett "took a big step forward" by hitting two batters and throwing some wild pitches in a Yankees' simulation game on Wednesday.