Today's question deals with CC Sabathia, Friday's Game 1 ALCS starter. Would you pitch him on three days rest in Game 4, leaving him available to pitch on full rest in Game 7?
Or would you pitch Chad Gaudin in Game 4 (assuming that Joba stays in the bullpen, as all signs indicate), and use CC for Game 5?
It would appear that the Yanks are leaning toward using CC on short rest in Game 4, to max out his potential use. Also, to avoid using a fourth starter who is a step down from the CC-A.J.-Andy trio; even with Aceves' ability to pitch long, a Gaudin (or Joba) start could tax the bullpen.
What makes this all possible is the extra off date between Games 4 and 5 at Anaheim.
You'd anticipate that Joe Girardi would not name his Game 4 starter until absolutely necessary. But if the Yanks somehow take a 3-0 lead, there's no need to use CC short in Game 4.
Either way, I'd expect that unless the Yankees have a 3-0 lead (and who can really see that happening?) that Sabathia would be your Game 4 starter at Anaheim, putting him on full rest for Game 7. And you'd anticipate this being a long series.
It's snowing here in Minneapolis (yup, still here), and the Yankees arrived home around 4 p.m., after flying out around noon. Girardi will give the club tomorrow off, and they'll work out at the Stadium on Thursday and Friday.
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