TwitterStep One
27 Sep 2009
You have to feel great about this team right now. They beat the two most dangerous teams (at least in the AL) five-of-six this week and clinched the AL East and best record. It’s a long way from 13-15 and 0-8.
None of that matters now. The Yankees have a week to fine tune a couple of things and most importantly, stay healthy. You have to figure there are three questions heading into the final week.
1- Is Joba fixed? If he has a good start this week you nod yes and cross your fingers
2- What will the postseason bullpen look like? I would bet they take 10 pitchers. CC, AJ, Pettitte, Mariano, Hughes, Aceves, Joba and Coke would be my locks right now. I think Robertson and Marte are probably the favorites for the final two spots, but Gaudin could make a case as could Bruney.
3- Which ALDS format will the Yankees pick? This one won’t be answered until we know for certain who they are going to play and how Joba pitches next week.
For now just enjoy this. The 2009 Yankees are a fun team to root for.
Sep 27, 2009 @ 17:51:45
I honestly can’t see Bruney making it onto that roster Peter. He’s got too much trust to rebuild for Girardi to take that risk.
Also, I wouldnt be surprised to see them take 11 arms …
Sep 27, 2009 @ 19:39:38
Mitchell- I agree if Robertson is healthy, Bruney doesn’t make it. But if they take 11, who do you think the final few are?
Sep 27, 2009 @ 21:25:17
I think you nailed it with the first 8 Peter- they are locked in.
The thing about today’s game was that Bruney finally made it somewhat reasonable to even consider him. He looked good but I still wouldn’t bring the guy – unless he shows something remarkable in the remaining games. So the last 3 that I would bring – if I had to make the call today – would be Marte, Robertson (assuming he’s fully recovered) and Gaudin. If no Robertson, then a long hard look again at Bruney cause I think Melancion isn’t quite ready for the pressure just yet.
Next few games will be “interesting” in a very dispassionate way – they are exercises in injury avoidance and bullpen tryouts. I am curious to see what Ike shows us …
And I think Girardi picks the longer schedule. That seems like a lock also.
Sep 27, 2009 @ 23:54:26
Mitchell- Good point about Ike. I would love to see Girardi throw him out there in a late game that’s close and see what happens.
Sep 28, 2009 @ 11:57:25
If Ike can throw “mechanical strikes” under pressure and get Ks, then Girardi and Eiland might have a tough decision on their hands – nice problem for them to have though …