I’m fine with it. You have to go for the jugular in this situation. Let’s not go “Ok, we have a 2-1 lead, so let’s pitch Jeff Weaver in the 10th inning” sort of thing, because we all know how that turned out.

Also, remember, the Yanks have only played 12 games the last 27 days, so tiring at this point shouldn’t be as much a problem as say, in July against the Orioles after playing 19 days in a row.

On a related note, I went to get a carton of milk this afternoon, and I saw one with Chad Gaudin and Alfredo Aceves head shots on it.

Corey wrote:

Why give Gaudin the ball at all? This is the last start they will make this year, they can go on short rest.

It’s not so much about worrying for the future health of their arms as much as it’s about not putting them in situations that are unfamiliar to them and thus not conducive to success.

For the same reason Philly isn’t pitching Lee on short rest — he’s never done it — the Yanks probably shouldn’t be doing it with both Burnett and Pettitte. It basically makes tonight’s game a must-win so that you can then have three chances to fall back in case the AJ/Pettitte plan fails.

Lose tonight and you’re suddenly asking a lot more from guys that you don’t know what to expect.

I would have started AJ only if it’s tied 2-2. Otherwise, throw Gaudin to the wolves in game 5, maybe you get lucky, if not then go with well rested and reliable AJ and Andy in games 6 and 7 at home. And neither of those games would be against Lee.

Why give Gaudin the ball at all? This is the last start they will make this year, they can go on short rest.

I think this is not necessarily a bad idea, I just don’t think the decision had to be announced today.

If the Yanks win Game 4, they’re up 3-1 so no need to risk blowing your 2nd (Burnett) and 3rd best (Pettitte) starters in roles they’re not accustomed to. The Yanks would have the leeway they’d need to pitch Gaudin on a short leash and hope for the best but then know that any Game 6/7 scenario would include Burnett, Pettitte and Sabathia.

If the Yanks lose Game 4, then they could consider moving Burnett (and Pettitte) up. But why spill the beans on the decision now? Why lock themselves into a course of action before seeing how the Game 4 situation plays itself out.