When Joe Girardi and the Yankees announced that they were going to use a 3 man rotation my mind ran wild for a few seconds. The Yankees by going with a 3 man rotation were admitting they don't have a 4th or 5th starter and that CC would be the horse going on short rest. After my case of "wild mind" I was able to think rationally and understand why it was done. Ultimately this was the best move, Joba Chamberlain had become unpredictable and unreliable and Chad Gaudin is perhaps just lightning in a bottle, who knows how he'd do when the stakes are upped.
Now that each starter has started 2 games we are starting to get the sense of what they are made of and so far, its been great.
CC Sabathia has quickly put his post-season demons behind him. In the ALDS Sabathia made 1 start, he got the Win on 6.2 innings of 8 hit, 2 run ball. He had great command and spotted his slider very well, walking none and leading him to 8 strike-outs on the night. Then CC followed up that great performance Friday night in the ALCS against the Angels with another gem. Through 8 innings CC gave up only 4 hits and 1 run. His command seemed to get better as the night went and it lead him to 7 strikeouts. In 14.2 innings CC has only given up 3 runs on 12 hits while striking out 15. This is the turn around we hoped for and that CC desperately needed.
Next up, AJ Burnett. Burnett was the wild card coming into the post-season. Not really knowing what to expect people just sat back and hoped he'd pay off. AJ made his first ever post-season start against the Twins in the ALDS. Perhaps AJ had a case of post-season jitters in his first appearance because his command was spotty. In 6 innings he walked 5, struck out 6, allowed 1 run and got a ND. Then on Saturday AJ took on the Angels and proved he has the guts to pitch in October. Another W for the Yanks and another ND for AJ. AJ threw 6.1 innings of yet again 3 hit ball. He allowed 1 more run this time(2 runs), walked 2 and struck out 4. The start against LA was by far the more impressive start because they are a better team then the Twins and are a pesky bunch at the plate and on the paths. Lets see what he's really made of moving forward through the playoffs now.
Now Andy Pettitte. What can be said about Andy that already hasn't? The guy is just a machine when it comes to post season starts. Against the Twins Andy was just dominant, 6.1 innings, 3 hits, 1 run and 7 strikeouts(1BB). Another win for Andy in the post-season another clincher for the Yankees. Last night Andy battled. He gave up 2 big homers, Kendrick hit him for a solo job and Vlad for a 2 run shot. He went 6.1 innings of 7 hit 3 run ball with 1 walk and 2 strikeouts picking up the no decision.
So far the Yankees starting rotation is putting up some great numbers. as a Staff they are 3-0 in 6 games, with a 2.07era, they have hurled 42.1 innings of a possible 54 total innings (based on 9 innings/game, have not added the extra innings played )and they've struck out 34, while only walking 10.
It's not only the rotation that is leading to success but contributions from all areas. The offense has been a juggernaut and Arod has come into October a new man, mashing homers and driving in runs. Derek Jeter has performed to his normal Jeterarion standards and Teixeria has been slick with the mitt. The bullpen, more specifically guys like, Dave Robertson, Phil Hughes and Mariano Rivera have performed well while getting some minor assistance from Coke, Marte and Joba.
The post-season is not over yet and there's plenty to be played, but this team looks good. The starting rotation is the backbone to success and it was something lacking from 2003 until now. Lets hope the trends continue and that this team accomplishes what they are built to do, win the World Series.
