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The Turnpike Series

So they did it, they won Game 6 and I can't stop watching the highlights.  Game six wasn't a classic, it was a sloppy game by the Angels, but it certainly had some moments.  One of the strange things last night was the Yankees didn't hit a home run, in fact that they didn't even have an extra base hit.

But, they used a formula they have used a lot this year, pitching, defense and Mariano.  Nice to see Girardi not overthink it and just go to Rivera in the 8th.  Things are going to get very interesting in the Series with pitchers hitting and double-switches.  Joe could get very twitchy.  

The Yankees need to set their roster for the Series.  Unless you commit to pitching Sabathia and A.J. both on three-days rest you will need four starters.  My guess is you see Gaudin get the ball in Game 5 because unless they are up 3-0, I think Sabathia goes in Game 4 on short rest.  That would also keep A.J. out of the lineup, something the Yankees should do because having him and Molina in the lineup would be a real drag on the offense.  

With Gaudin needed to start, I think the Yankees carry 11 pitchers and could possibly add a 12th.  If they go that route, I think Bruney gets added to the roster.   If not, I think the pitchers stay exactly the same.  

The obvious swap is Hinske for Guzman.  You need to pinch hit for those pitchers and Hinske's bat becomes valuable in that role.  One guy who is probably not an option, but should be is Shelley Duncan.  I mentioned this at the start of the playoffs, Duncan would have been a very useful bat to have on the bench in the World Series.  But, the Yankees didn't send him to Tampa, so I assume he isn't in playing shape. 

I don't see much point in adding Ramiro Pena, Hairston does everything he does and more.  Sergio Mitre is the only other guy in Tampa and I can't imagine adding him.  

The Phillies are going to be one tough club to beat.  Their lineup is scary.  Lots of power and good speed.  They played the Yankees in May and took two-of-three at the Stadium.  But, the one game the Yankees won was a comeback against the Phillies' bullpen.  I think that is the key to the series, will Lidge pitch like he did last year or like he did in 2009?  If it's like last year, the Yankees are in trouble.  If not, this series could be over quickly.

But, I will preview all of it later.  For now let's just enjoy winning the pennant.  

 

Comments

I'll lose all respect for Girardi if he puts Guzman in over Hinske. Just thinking about doing something so stupid would be grounds for firing.

We should consider starting Gardner over Swisher against righties. Unless Swisher hits for power, Gardner has all the advantages -- better speed, better average, better defense.

We can't afford Molina in the lineup in an NL park. That creates two dead spots in the order.

Corey

Hard to see how they could justify keeping Guzman.

And I think we will see Gardner in Game 2 if Swisher doesn't hit in Game 1. Just a feeling.


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