But if the Yankees win game 3 he argues that starting Gaudin wouldn't be a bad idea. He mentions that "since 1999, teams using a starter on three days' rest against a fully rested counterpart in the postseason are 8-27". Although he did also point out that Sabathia proved to be an exception to that in Game 4 of the ALCS.
Another point he brings up is that if they were to start CC in game 4 that would mean that both A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte would have to pitch on short rest in games 5 and 6, meaning that the Yankees would go with a starter on short rest for five straight games.
If Gaudin started, it would be in Game 4, enabling Girardi to start Sabathia, Burnett and Pettitte on normal rest in the final three games. Sabathia then would be available in relief for Game 7, the way Lee will be for the Phillies.My biggest problem with this is losing CC for game 7, which would become a much bigger worry if the Yanks were to lose game 4 and then have to face Cliff Lee in game 5.
Not so awful, is it?
If the Yankees win tonight, having a pitching matchup of CC vs. Joe Blanton strongly favors the Yanks and puts them in a great spot to go up 3-1 on Sunday. Cliff Lee could throw a perfect game in game 5 and it wouldn't matter because the Yanks would still have two shots at home to close it out. With that said, the time you'd want to throw a guy like Guadin would be against Blanton, so I'll give Rosenthal that.
As far as the short rest thing goes, this is the World Series; these guys should be able to pitch with one less day of rest. CC and Burnett have each had success in their careers on short rest, and while I do worry a little about Pettitte on short rest, he'd probably be fine. Once again, this is the World Series.
If it were up to me I'd probably do my best to avoid starting Gaudin. What about you?
