If it’s going to be CC on three in the World Series, manager Joe Girardi and pitching coach Dave Eiland face some tough decisions.
When the Yankees convene at the Stadium today for their workout leading into tomorrow night’s Game 1 of the World Series against the Phillies, expect Girardi to name CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte as his starters for the first three games. Beyond that, there are multiple variables at work.
“I’ll leave Joe and Dave to discuss that publicly,” GM Brian Cashman said yesterday when asked about the rotation.
Sabathia going on three days’ rest to pitch Games 4 and 7 makes the most sense, given the manner in which the left-hander responded to short rest last week against the Angels. But the object is to avoid using both Burnett and Pettitte on short rest. So make Chad Gaudin the favorite to pitch Game 5.
However, that would leave the Yankees in a situation where either Burnett or Pettitte would be skipped for a second start, because the whole idea is to have Sabathia for a potential Game 7.
Slam dunk, pitch Pettitte, right? Except what happens if Burnett dominates in his first start and Pettitte struggles? Pettitte has also pitched better on the road than at home this season — the opposite of Burnett — and Game 6 would be in The Bronx.
Of course, if Burnett ever went to the mound a second time and floundered, costing the Yankees the series, Girardi probably wouldn’t sleep all winter knowing he kept Pettitte — a proven big-game performer — from making a second start.
What could make it all a moot point is how the series unfolds. If the Yankees sweep, Girardi won’t even have to announce a Game 5 starter. Or if the Yankees are down 3-1 in the series, there is no way Gaudin gets the ball with the season on the line.
The best thing that happened to the Yankees was finishing the ALCS in six games, keeping Sabathia in line for Game 1 of the World Series. The last time the Yankees reached the Series, in 2003 when they lost to the Marlins, they needed seven games against Boston in the ALCS and couldn’t align their rotation.
Sabathia would welcome three shots at the Phillies, but the Yankees also would love to finish the Series early.
“Whenever they tell me to pitch,” Sabathia said, “I’m ready.”
