Decisions, decisions, decisions
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Oct 04, 2012 
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The Yankees will workout at Yankee Stadium tomorrow night at 7 p.m. Joe Girardi will address the media before the workout, which should be our first opportunity to ask about his plans for the playoff roster and rotation. These are the decisions he has to make.
Who starts Game 2?
Girardi’s made it clear that he intends to give Phil Hughes a start, which means the four starters are set. The only question is the order.
It stands to reason that CC Sabathia will start the opener. Hiroki Kuroda has earned the right to start Game 2, but his numbers are also much better at home than on the road. It might make more sense to have Andy Pettitte pitch Game 2 in Texas or Baltimore and leave Kuroda and Hughes to start Games 3 and 4 at home. Either way, the Yankees will surely want Pettitte to throw some sort of simulated game either today or tomorrow to stay sharp.
Where should Mark Teixeira bat?
Girardi admitted on Tuesday night that his idea of batting Teixeira cleanup ahead of Robinson Cano didn’t work, and last night he dropped Teixeira to sixth behind surging Nick Swisher. It was the first time that Teixeira hit sixth this season, but it might be the best spot for him in the playoffs because of the time off and because of the way Swisher and Cano have been hitting.
Who fills the seventh spot in the bullpen?
It’s clear that Rafael Soriano, Dave Robertson and Boone Logan will be in the postseason bullpen, and Joba Chamberlain, Clay Rapada and David Phelps seem like safe bets as well. Assuming a seven-man bullpen, that leaves one spot for four candidates.
Freddy Garcia is really a candidate in name only. He’s clearly fallen to the bottom of the pecking order and seems like a safe bet to be left off. The choice really comes down to Derek Lowe, Cody Eppley and Ivan Nova. Lately, it seems that Lowe has pitched his way to the top of the list. He can get groundballs like Eppley, and he can pitch multiple innings like Nova (which would let the Yankees use Phelps as more of a middle man rather than saving him for long relief).
Is Brett Gardner healthy enough to play?
After a handful of at-bats during this home stand, the answer seems to be, yes. And if the answer is yes, then Gardner probably has a spot on the playoff roster. Chris Dickerson brings some of the same tools — a left-handed bat, good defense, good speed — but Gardner is more proven and probably more dangerous.
Who gets the final spot on the bench?
Assuming Gardner can play, and assuming the Yankees are going to carry an 11-man pitching staff, the Yankees have one more roster spot open. Count on these 13 players making the team: Russell Martin, Chris Stewart, Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Eric Chavez, Eduardo Nunez, Nick Swisher, Curtis Granderson, Ichiro Suzuki, Raul Ibanez and Gardner.
That leaves one more spot for Dickerson, Andruw Jones, Casey McGehee or Francisco Cervelli. It’s pretty easy to dismiss the idea of a third catcher considering how little the Yankees used Cervelli down the stretch, and McGehee and Dickerson rarely played despite the Teixeira injury and the Jones struggles. Could Jones make the postseason roster despite his numbers? Sure. Dickerson is fairly redundant in this outfield and McGehee’s numbers are awful too. If Jayson Nix were healthy it might be a different story, but without him, Jones might as good as any final bench option.
Does it make more sense to carry an extra pitcher?
It’s generally expected that a team will carry an extra position player in the postseason — drop a starting pitcher and add a pinch runner, something like that — but if the Yankees don’t like any of their final bench options, this might be a year when it makes more sense to use that roster spot on an eighth reliever.
Girardi mixes and matches a lot, and carrying eight pitchers would let him continue to use Eppley and Rapada as situational relievers, while also having Phelps available for middle relief and either Lowe or Nova waiting as an emergency long man. Most years, I don’t think it makes much sense to carry eight relievers — plenty of days off to rest guys, more valuable to have an extra guy on the bench — but this might be an exception because of the situational relievers involved and the lack of a standout option for the bench.
Associated Press photos
Pettitte start Game 2 in Texas? What does Chad know that we do Not???
maybe the heat will help him better warm up his achy old legs and back?
texas hasnt won yet…
It was either Orel or Tito that was raising the point during last night’s broadcast that it might make sense to start CC and Andy back to back, if it meant that it gets the opposing team having to play guys who they normally would have on the bench. Personally, I like Andy in Game 2. He’s nails in the playoffs especially, and a Texan to boot.
Starting Andy in Game 2 does put him in line for a Game 5 start, if there is one. Kuroda has been nails all season, but give me Andy w/the season on the line.
If it’s me, I start whatever Chucker I feel is Best for MY Team. I could care less about who the other team is gonna put in their lineup. You gotta concentrate on what you do best.
*Andy starts Game 5 if they start CC on short rest in Game 4, worst case scenario.
Other than what Chad posted, Pettitte would already be on 8 days rest for game 2, 10 days if he started game 3. I think 8 days is more than enough, 10 is too much. Kuroda would be on 4 days (normal) rest for game 2, 6 days for game 3. I’d rather he got a little extra rest, and Pettitte did not get too much. This is my main reason for wanting CC – Pettitte – Kuroda. Kuroda having a better ERA at YS is another reason. Also Pettitte pitching game 2 would line him up for game 1 of the ALCS if CC has to pitch game 5 of the ALDS.
You never miss a chance to miss a point, Donnybrook. Amazing.
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Hilarious.
Pettitte should always make road starts in the playoffs. He is the man.
You never miss a chance to miss a point, Donnybrook. Amazing.
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I could have said that – if I’d thought of it – Damn!
will Dusty get booed during pitching changes at Pac Bell/AT&T?
did he during the past few regular seasons? Or at Wrigley for that matter?
DONNYBROOK October 4th, 2012 at 3:37 pm e
Pettitte start Game 2 in Texas? What does Chad know that we do Not???
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Woops. Guess I’m still adjusting to this new wild card play-in game too. But seriously, all the writers have already been told who wins tomorrow night, we’re just not allowed to report it yet.
Britt_Ghiroli
#Orioles starter for Friday is Saunders
Pettite came back from like 2 months off and had a good start …..I dont think extra rest is a big deal for him and I want him in game 3 as a lefty…..Game 3 is always a big swing game and thats where Torre liked to throw Andy. We go to Texas or Baltimore and split then have Andy throwing game 3 and we are in good shape.
Either way…..this is the first time in awhile that the Yanks have 4 starters I feel good about going in to the playoffs…..so however they stack them I feel pretty good.
#Orioles starter for Friday is Saunders
Yikes…hes pitched well but thats a mismatch with Darvish
@JeffWilson_FWST
Orioles to start lefty Joe Saunders on Friday. He’s 0-6 with a 9.38 ERA in his career at #Rangers Ballpark.
I don’t think Jones makes it. There is already a better RH pinch hitting/DH option in Nunez. Gardner is in, I believe, because the Yanks consider him the best pinch running option. Eppley will be there because of Joe’s pechant for mixing and matching. Both he and Lowe will be there.
Given that… for some reason I feel like the O’s are going to win this thing….
Buck is sneaky good…
I still don’t feel good about Hughes throwing in a warm weather city against a good FB hitting team. If he had 100 Abs vs. Beltre, does Beltre hit .375 with 10 walks?
Even if the time off does not hurt Pettitte, I’d rather Kuroda had the extra rest. His last start was good, but it was against a depleted Red Sox team, and he otherwise looked like he was tiring in September, which would not be a surprise since he was reaching career highs at an advanced age. And you don’t necessarily need a lefty in YS, see Kuroda’s home ERA.
The decision to carry that 8th pitcher or another bench player is not an easy choice to make
I personally like the way Dickerson swings the bat, but Granderson, Suzuki. Gardner & Ibanez all hit from the left side. One would think a right handed hitter would be needed, no?
A. Jones has been awful and appears to be over matched. I have no faith in the guy to hit the ball with any authority.
If Nix were healthy, I could see both he and Nunez on the roster.
Rotation Games 1-5: Sabathia/Kuroda/Pettitte/Hughes/Sabathia-All hands on deck esp.Kuroda
Bullpen: Soriano/Robertson/Logan/Chamberlain/Rapada/Phelps/Lowe
Starting Nine: Martin/Teixiera/Cano/Rodriguez/Jeter/Suzuki/Granderson/Swisher/Ibanez
Bench: Stewart/Chavez/Nunez/Gardner
If the Yanks carry just eleven pitchers to have a five-man bench, replace Lowe with Jones because as bad as Jones has been in recent times, he is still a veteran with ten Gold Gloves and over 400 career homeruns. Also, what does Dickerson do better than any of the other bench players including Jones? Everyone save Nunez can play defense. Chavez and Jones provide the power. Nunez and Gardner provide the pinch-running. You can say Dickerson can hit better than Jones, but let’s the crap: Jones is still a guy with 434 career homeruns so he is much more likely to slam a pinch-hit homerun than Dickerson and that’s what you need out of your fourth outfielder in the postseason, or you need that more than a great defensive play.
jacksquat October 4th, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Other than what Chad posted, Pettitte would already be on 8 days rest for game 2, 10 days if he started game 3. I think 8 days is more than enough, 10 is too much. Kuroda would be on 4 days (normal) rest for game 2, 6 days for game 3. I’d rather he got a little extra rest, and Pettitte did not get too much. This is my main reason for wanting CC – Pettitte – Kuroda. Kuroda having a better ERA at YS is another reason. Also Pettitte pitching game 2 would line him up for game 1 of the ALCS if CC has to pitch game 5 of the ALDS.
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Completely agree with this thinking. Pettitte should start game 2. Pitch Kuroda at home where he seems to be more comfortable.
Shame Spencer October 4th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Pop’s – Thanks!
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Sure thing.
It’s a small sample size, but Pettitte hasnt pitched well on the road this yr. And he’s never pitched will in TX. My guess is he goes game 3. But I won’t complain either way.
There is no way Eppley gets left off.
If Texas wins tomorrow then Yu would only be able to pitch one game in the ALDS unless they threw him short rest in Game 2. Hed likely pitch Game 3 vs Pettite at the stadium.
if texas wins u cant have hughes face them at all, the O’s maybe
I posted this in the AM, but it’s worth posting again. The Rangers are 43-40 over the 2nd half of the season. They’ve been avg for a long time.
I’m not saying I’d rather see the Yanks play them over Baltimore, but also I don’t think it matters. Both teams are very beatable.
Game 3 is always a big swing game and thats where Torre liked to throw Andy.
*****
But is this true – leaving aside the absolute “always” comment – let’s see.
2007 ALDS – Andy threw in game two, Clemens started game three
2003 WS – games 2 and 6
2002 ALDS – Mussina started game 3
2001 WS – Andy started games 2 and 6
2000 WS – Andy started games 1 and 5
1999 WS – Andy did start game 3
1998 WS – Andy pitched the clincher in game four
1997 ALDS – Wells started game 3
1996 WS – Andy pitched games 2 and 6
So Torre did not always start Andy in game 3. If anything, Girardi is the one who has started Andy more in game 3s – with Andy starting in the 2010 ALCS in game 3 against Lee and then game 3 in 2009 WS, and finally game 3 of the 2009 ALDS.
Girardi is the one who has used Andy in game 3s instead of Torre it appears – - – -
Doesn’t it make sense to use Andy on the road given his experience? Kuroda has been much better at home, especially in day games. I think CC-Andy-Hiro-Hughsie is a no brainer.
Ok game 3 is usually a big swing game then…..still like Andy there at home
I don’t think it would hurt for Kuroda to get an extra day of rest and be able to pitch at home vs the road but I like Pettitte pitching at home and in game 3. It is a difficult decision so not an easy choice for Joe G but I will be sure to criticize him regardless of what he does….
I bet Jones does make the PS roster as he had at least one good AB over the last month and as a veteran with his resume that will be good enough cover for Joe G to suit him up for the division series.
I’d carry 11 pitchers so aside from CC, Kuro, Andy and Phil, it would be So, Ro, Joba, Phelps, Logan, Rapada, and Lowe.
After reading Chad, I’m thinking Jones.
bruceb October 4th, 2012 at 4:50 pm
Doesn’t it make sense to use Andy on the road given his experience? Kuroda has been much better at home, especially in day games. I think CC-Andy-Hiro-Hughsie is a no brainer.
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That logic speak volumes.
I’m convinced now!
Off top of head, Kuroda and Hughes safe at home…
CC if necc., could go on 3 days …
There is no way Eppley gets left off.
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Why not?
Joe on with Mike..maybe we get some hints.
Mick
Share some notes of Joe on Michael Kay’s show please
I think I would prefer Eppley to be on the postseason roster over Jones. With how bad Jones has been lately I think he’s not only not going to help the team, he’s going to hurt it if he gets any playing time. At least Eppley you can get a right handed batter out here and there.
I’d rather have an extra stick available than a 12th pitcher.
Jones is still dangerous with a bat in his hands- at least 19.5% of the time anyways as judged by his BA.
Jones hit .143 in August. .133 in September ..
I think he hurts the team more than he helps at this point.
If he DOES make the team I hope he proves me wrong but I don’t think it’s likely.
“CC if necc., could go on 3 days …”
Definitely
The best 3 out of 5 format is usually more fluid when it comes to a pitching rotation … you can be facing elimination seemingly before you blink and if you had your rotation lined up where your ace pitched Game 1, it is very hard not to go back to him down 2-1 and facing elimination.
I dont see any purpose in Jonesy being on the roster
Patrick, so I’m clear in no way shape or form do I want Jones on the PS roster but my guess is Joe G will take him. That’s just the way he operates.
However, I want another stick vs. another arm. In fact I would almost rather take Mesa as an unknown quantity than bring Jones along for the ride.
yank21,
It’s possible that Joe takes Jones but I think he will take Eppley. As we know he really loves playing matchups and using lots of relievers.
Blake-
What about that smile.
MTU
He can use it to cheer
Joe on with Mike..maybe we get some hints.
===========================
Ok…so now we know as Joe hints:
He’s taking 11 pitchers.
Gardner, Nunez and Chavez/Ibanez are real weapons off the bench.
Having Ichiro on the team and with Cano clobbering the ball could make a huge difference.
Arod, Tex and Swisher need to not disappear on us.
I’m more confident in the pitching than anything. CC is throwing well – Kuroda – Pettitte. I worry about a Hughes implosion but the bullpen is deep with Phelps. Joba is the wild card in the playoffs. I’m confident in Soriano and Robertson. These guys were worked hard all year but they’ll have off 4 days counting last night’s game.
Ok…so now we know as Joe hints:
He’s taking 11 pitchers.
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Guess that means Jones will be on the team..
If Jones gets 1 AB and helps win a game, it’s worth it.
They have no righty on the bench.
Swish is looking good, he looks focused and is still in his walk year.
If Jones gets 1 AB and helps win a game, it’s worth it.
They have no righty on the bench.
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You are right. But I think it’s more likely he will get 1 AB and strike out
You are right. But I think it’s more likely he will get 1 AB and strike out
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don’t be a hater
don’t be a hater
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I like Jones but come on man! He’s hitting <.150 for the last two months
I really really hope I'm proven wrong..
in theory a gardy, chavy ibanez, stewart, nunez jones bench is diverse and what brought us here
I like Jones but come on man! He’s hitting <.150 for the last two months
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but 1 ab could change it all, sss…
in theory a gardy, chavy ibanez, stewart, nunez jones bench is diverse and what brought us here
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It’s definitely a good bench. But I don’t think it’s any worse if you remove Jones.. I just can’t think of any situation I would ever want Jones at the plate.
Honestly it’s not really a big deal either way, this is the 25th guy on the roster we are talking about. I just feel Eppley would be more helpful.
i preached for jones to be dropped too but with 11 pitchers who do you bring?
mcgehee? dickerson?
joe will be loyal and go with who brung him…
I just feel Eppley would be more helpful.
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Lowe will get his inning(s)
Its not really a small sample….jonesy hasnt hit all year. I think Joe DHing Nunez down the stretch and allowing Ibanez to hit vs the lefty the other night was very telling….
If Joe is set on 11 pitchers, Jones is the guy I take. I just don’t think 11 pitchers is necessarily the best roster you could have
Lowe and Phelps negate Eppley.
Nunez will be the righty dh unless Joe goes crazy again.
Is Nix definitely nixed ?
Its not really a small sample….jonesy hasnt hit all year.
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what will be the sss is the 1-2 abs jones gets now
he is a vet and should only be used in an emergency
hopefully he’s not needed.
nix could be back for the alcs, then they will drop jones
Theoretically Phelps and Lowe would pitch any innings Eppley used to pitch. But what if you get into a crazy extra innings game? Or your starter bombs out and you have to use Lowe and Phelps to eat some innings? I could see situations where Eppley would be useful.
On the other hand I can’t see any situation where Jones would be helpful.
Joe says he loves his speed..
still would keep ichiro up top behind jete
nuney 9th with gardy hanging around.
The only reason youd take Jones is if maybe you wanted to have him to pinch hit late in games or something…..like maybe if youre behind ans you want to see if he can hit one out…..I dont see taking up a spot for that really….Id rarher have the extra pitcher.
how do we know there isn’t a pitcher that jones has great #’s against.
he’s got to be better than mcgehee or dickerson.
we have no rh pinch hitters.
we have no rh pinch hitters.”
Not good ones no….
Teams are gonna try and LOOGY the Yanks a lot late in games because Joe doesnt have any decent RH pinch hitters unless Nunez doesnt start…..so in games where Nunez is on the bench Joe needs to choose carefully when to use him
i see andy pitching a sim game tmw and then back out game 3 on his normal 4 days
hiroki and hughes are better at home but hiroki in game 2 on road on reg rest after a great outing should happen.
dont think kuroda and hughes back to back , even at home is a good idea.
andy in the swing game is always sound…
ya gotta bet on cc in game 1.
we are going into the PS healthier and more whole as a team than any other time this year.
if it weren’t for the sense of entitlement by some yankee fans this should be a much appreciated team for the injuries they have overcome this season.
i pictured them never giving up the lead to a feisty oriole team and that indeed happened.
just imagine the misery fans of the mets, jets and knicks have endured and consider yourselves lucky to be Yankee fans.
Joe Saunders was the best the O’s could do against the Rangers ?
mick October 4th, 2012 at 5:39 pm
I like Jones but come on man! He’s hitting <.150 for the last two months
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but 1 ab could change it all, sss…
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Thank the lord we did not bench bucky dent with his what,lifetime 20 hr???
Anybody can hit a hr.
would have liked to see a game tonight…not the yanks, of course.
I may have missed the discussion but did they say who was gonna replace Booby V. next season yet ?
They’re thinking about making Pedroia the player/manager. He’s the only one who stepped up to change the culture. Of course he has to step up no matter what he does.
He’s short but he’s bald.
Recent history suggests that’s a prime qualifier.
I heard they’re trying to get Farrell back.
Maybe, just maybe, over the next few weeks we can knock off the telling people “how to be a fan” in here? Ya think?
Everyone roots for the Yankees differently.
This garbage really need to stop. The gloating and the pointed accusations that went on in here the past few days was disgusting.
Hate to break it to some of you, but even people who criticize the Yankees were thrilled and smiling last night.
But stay up on your pedestals and tell us how to be fans. Especially, those of us who have been Yankee fans since birth and lived and died with this team before 1994.
Obviously, those of you who know how to tell everyone how to be a fan must be right about everything. All the time.
Bully for you.
NEXT…
How about Hughes for game 2? Save Petitte for the short porch, and Hiroki can use the rest. Even if we come home 1 -1, Andy and Hiro seem strong, with CC ready to defend game 5.
So, What do we do about facing a lefty? I know Joe has had ichiro hit second, but then most recently he went with swish. Now.. I did like having Ichiro, and Nunez batting together at the bottom of the lineup. But…With Tex not being all the way back yet, and the way swisher is hitting… Don’t you have to keep swish in the 5th hole?
If Girardi were hell bent on not having 3 of his first four hitters be lefties vs a lefty… Couldn’t he goes with something like this?
Jeter
Nunez
Arod
Cano
Swish
Tex
Granderson
Martin
Ichiro
I would prefer to have Ichiro hit second.. But i would much rather goes with this lineup If it meant getting swisher in that 5 hole over Tex. I know Swish has sucked in the playoffs… But the guy is red hot. He gives us much more value in the middle of the lineup right now.