#15, I’d rather get to the World Series before worrying about what rotation to use there. If CC throwing 3 times in the ALCS gives us the best shot to get to the Series- and I think it does- then let’s do it. The chance of being up 3-0 is pretty remote (but man, it would be awesome), but presuming the Yanks are, then I still think CC is the choice.

Note that if there’s a rainout in Games 1 or 2 in the Bronx, the 3-man plan gets scratched because the teams lose the off day…

Unless your #1 is only 80% on three days rest (i.e, plenty of desire, but just not strong) and 100% on 4 days rest. Like I said, CC can almost certainly pull off 3 starts in at least one of the series. I’d prefer it to be in the WS.

#15 wrote:

spin Gaudin out there for game 4 and give the other guys the extra rest.

I’ve read this before, and it makes no sense to me. The playoffs are about full throttle, wouldn’t it make more sense to finish it in 4 and let your regulars get the extra rest? Why risk it going to game 5 when you have their mouth on the curb?

Not a bad plan.

Might consider this…. If the Yankees get a blow out lead in game 1, then have a seat after 6 Big Guy and we’ll see ya in game 4. Or, if, by chance, we are up 3-0 in either series, spin Gaudin out there for game 4 and give the other guys the extra rest. He’ll either have the other teams #1 against him, on short rest, or their #4. And, if we lose game 4, the opponent will still have to beat CC, AJ and Andy in a row. Tough road for them.

CC hasn’t been taxed this year. Chewed up a lot of innings for sure, but never really leaned on him because the bullpen was in a shambles, etc…… He’s got an extra start in him if they need it, but I’d love to save it for the WS.

Keep an eye on Joba the rest of the way. Got that fire-breathing look about him right now. Probably a bit overamped, but if he settles down just a little, he’ll be a big factor out of the pen.

Hate to say it, but we need a second lefty on the roster out of the pen, if only for games at YS. Going to be that way for a long time given the realities of the ballpark. Marte is not good, but we need to be able to match up in late situations against lefties with any pop. That double Howard hit last night is in the seats at Yankee Stadium.

@ Jason@IIATMS:
I mentioned the same thing the other day. I wonder what 9 full days off for CC will do. Obviously he’s probably thrown at least 2 bullpen sessions since he faced the Twins last Wednesday but that’s not the same.

Steve:

The concern shouldn’t be CC on 3 days rest, it’s the concern about 6+ days off between starts. I posted the data here:

http://www.itsaboutthemoney.net/2009-articles/october/a-three-man-rotation-makes-sense.html

Corey wrote:

The only one that would go on short rest would be Sabathia, in game 4. He would be back on normal rest for game 7.
And if you want CC’s numbers on 3 days rest to refresh you:
3-1 with a 1.01 ERA in in 26 2/3 innings. He allowed 16 hits, while surrendering 6 walks with 26 punch outs.

Yep, that’s why I like this move. It doesn’t disturb the balance of the rest of the staff and only asks a little more of Sabathia who, if he pitches the way he’s capable of, gives you a good chance to win all three of his starts (or two, if only two are necessary).

I wonder if the Angels will respond in kind with Lackey on short rest for Game 4 or if they’ll give Ervin Santana/Joe Saunders that game?

straylightrise wrote:

What are the numbers on shortened days rest for these guys? Does this feel like the CWS rotation for anyone else? Remember those guys? Jeeeeez

The only one that would go on short rest would be Sabathia, in game 4. He would be back on normal rest for game 7. We all are aware how well CC pitched down the stretch for the Brew-Crew last year, where he was consistantly pitching on short rest.

And if you want CC’s numbers on 3 days rest to refresh you:
3-1 with a 1.01 ERA in in 26 2/3 innings. He allowed 16 hits, while surrendering 6 walks with 26 punch outs.