Yesterday, Chad Jennings, who replaced Peter Abraham as the Yankees beat writer at the Journal News, posted a list of questions that the Yankees need to answer before the series with the Angels. We at the RJG have answered those questions. Here they are:
1. Should the Yankees change their roster?
Yes, as Chad suggests, Damaso Marte should be dropped. I would think that Brian Bruney would be the best addition they can make. He did better in the last few appearances of the season, and he'll certainly be in greater demand than Marte. Besides, will Marte really pitch any better than Bruney? Doubtful. The other option is pinch runner Freddy Guzman, but I think the extra arm could be more valuable.
2. How many starting pitchers do they need?
According to Chad, with the way the series plays, the Yankees could once again rely on a 3 man rotation with Sabathia pitching on short rest once. As Chad mentions, its something he's done in the past succesfully. Though the Yankees can skate by with a 3 man rotation, I suggest sticking with 4. The main reason being that we may need that 4th starter in the World Series, and they would be extremely rusty having not pitched since the end of September. The only reason I would not choose a 4 man rotation is if we're down in the series, or facing elimination.
3. If there is a fourth starter, who should it be?
Chad Gaudin.
4. Will Jose Molina once again catch A.J. Burnett?
Eh, why not? These games against the Angels are going to be a lot more about pitching than offense. Besides, having a bat like Posada's on the bench leaves Girardi with some major options late in the game. Its not ideal, but we should give Burnett every chance to succeed and even though he says he doesn't care who catches him the numbers simply don't lie, and since I don't really care to look the numbers up to back my statement, I will fabricate them:
AJ Burnett with Molina Catching - 2.06 ERA, 18 wins, 204 strikeouts, 4 walks.
AJ Burnett with Posada Catching - 8.96 ERA, 18 losses, 15 strikeouts, 2 trillion walks.
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4 comments:
Seeing Posada come through again makes me hope that now that babycakes has done okay in a postseason game for the Yankees he can man up and face that situation without his nanny next time.
I know, grown-up toddlers don't necessarily man up just because we need them to, so like RJG I'm trying to look on the bright side. And there's another facet to it -- after all, Jorge did have mega-major surgery prior to the season, and maybe having the babysitter fill in will help keep that aging and repaired body fresh through what we all hope will be a long post-season.
There is good pitching in the next series, but the two best offenses in the league are also coming to play. I think that if the Yankees can keep it close through the game they have a good chance for come backs against the Angels bullpen. The only bullpen that worries me is the Dodgers and that's a ways away. This series is hard to predict. The Yankees just look good right now. The pitching is on point and the big time players are producing (except Damon).
I still don't like Molina starting.
I would prefer Posada starting, but if Burnett does poorly, or even if he pitches okay but the Yankees lose, I don't want to hear about how it was because Posada was catching. I'd rather Molina catch for the 6 or 7 innings, and then bring in Posada as soon as Burnett is out of the game.
AJ can concentrate on delivering quality pitches with Molina behind the plate holding Angels baserunners at bay.
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