Somewhat Shocking
Jon Heyman reports that the Yankees are leaning towards using a rotation of CC-AJ-Andy-CC-AJ-Andy-CC in the World Seires meaning Sabathia would make 3 starts (two on three-days rest) and Andy and Burnett would make two (the second on three-days rest)
I find it interesting that the Yankees would be this aggressive. Starting AJ in Game 5 and having Molina catch him would leave the Yankees with two holes in the lineup. And you are also assuming that AJ could handle getting the ball on three-days rest. (I am not worried about Pettitte in that regard)
Furthermore, this will put a lot of strain on the bullpen. You would assume Girardi will keep the starters on tight pitch counts (well maybe not Sabathia) if he goes this route. Couple that with his reluctance to use relievers three-straight days and you could have a very dicey pitching situation. For example, if you assume you get six innings out of AJ and Andy and seven out of CC you would have eight innings to cover over Games 3,4 and 5 and Joe would be reluctant to use any of the pitchers all three days.
But, the Yankees might also have to do this. Chad Gaudin has pitched 2-1/3 innings in the past month. I assume the Yankees have been keeping his arm strength up, but remember that Girardi said he could use him for "75 pitches" as one of the justifications for all of his bullpen moves in Game 2. It makes me think that Gaudin is a limited starter at best at this point.
If they go this route, I think the Yankees probably add Bruney to the roster for the pitching depth and drop Cervelli. I think that puts Molina back on the bench, but after AJ's first inning implosion Thursday, you can make the case that Molina doesn't help him very much.
We know the Phillies plan on using Cliff Lee for Games 1,4 and 7 and they are leaning towards Pedro in Game 2. It could be a fascinating week of pitching moves by both teams.
UPDATE (2pm) In a radio interview on WFAN, Joe Girardi said that "You should not assume the Yankees will use three starters" It sounds like he is going to base it on how the games go. He also sounded as if he would add Hinske for Guzman and could add Bruney to the roster, but the 11 pitchers currently on the roster are safe. He said that he was likely to have Molina catch AJ, but it was not definite. Even if they don't carry Cervelli, they would still consider using Molina to catch AJ.
