With the 2011 MLB Playoffs right around the corner and the Yankees clinching the American League East title, Manager Joe Girardi, General Manager Brian Cashman and company will need to selected a 25-man Playoff roster. Here is one man’s take:
Regulars (14)
Lineup (in batting order)
SS- Derek Jeter
CF- Curtis Granderson
1B- Mark Teixeira
3B- Alex Rodriguez
2B- Robinson Cano
RF- Nick Swisher
DH- Eric Chavez
C- Russell Martin
LF- Brett Gardner
Bench
3B- Eduardo Nunez
DH- Jesus Montero
DH- Jorge Posada
OF- Andruw Jones
OF- Chris Dickerson
Eric Chavez playing third base instead of A-Rod may be a wise move considering A-Rod’s spate of injuries this season. It’s wise to consider having Jesus Montero hit as the designated hitter against a left-handed pitcher at this point. Andruw Jones becomes a pinch hitter. Dickerson a pinch runner and late inning defensive replacement for Swisher and Nunez a pinch runner and good right-handed bat off the bench. Posada makes the roster since he’s been there, done that. But he’s only getting in the game, in my view, if they absolutely have to play him at catcher or as a pinch hitter. He could be Joe Girardi’s top choice in a big spot in late innings, as he was against Tampa on Wednesday night.
Pitchers (11)
Division Series Rotation (in order)
SP- CC Sabathia
SP- Ivan Nova
SP- Freddy Garcia
note: I think Sabathia starts Game 4, if need be, on short rest regardless.
Bullpen (in order)
Closer- Mariano Rivera
Set-up Man (8th)- Dave Robertson
Set-up Man (7th)- Rafael Soriano
Set-up Man (6th)- Cory Wade
Reliever- Luis Ayala
Lefty Specialist- Boone Logan
Long Man- Phil Hughes
Starter if need be- AJ Burnett
It’s reasonable to think that whoever starts Game 3 for the Yankees will be on a short leash-with Phil Hughes and AJ Burnett ready to replace him if necessary. Garcia may be given enough slack until he runs into trouble. It’s easy to imagine the prospects of a Yankees pitcher starting a game for about 4 innings and then turning it over to a long-man for about 3 innings. I think this idea could make sense because starters such as Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia have tired a bit as the season has worn.
For those fans hoping for Phil Hughes to start Game 3 of the Division series, like he did last season, this is not as likely. Hughes has been fighting back spasms as of late. Also, in many of his games Hughes has seemed very solid for about 4 innings and then he’s run out of steam. Burnett at times can look terrific and of course most of the time he looks awful. Too much risk there, I suppose.
The problem is that Garcia (who looked great for virtually the whole season) has suddenly sputtered in his last several starts. Joe Girardi must not feel very comfortable with Colon starting a game at this point but it’s possible he’ll take his chances with him on the road, in a tough atmosphere, since Colon has big game experience. Ivan Nova starting Game 2 at home is a good choice; he has to be considered their #2 starter right now.
The Yankees are moving ahead strong into the Playoffs and are likely to lock up home field advantage. This may not be the Yankees strongest starting pitching unit but the relieving corps is as strong as it’s maybe ever been. And with a lineup once again leading the major leagues in runs scored, the Bronx Bombers have an outstanding chance at winning a 28thWorld Series championship.