Please bring your “A” game tonight. Thank you.
If you ask V, she’ll tell you that I am an unbelievable “Couch Coach”. She’s often encouraged me to send my resume to the Yankees, but as I wake up this morning I am glad I never did and that they never came knocking. The fate of the Yankees winning the World Series rest on Girardi’s decision to start Mr. Carasten Charles Sabathia in tonight’s game. This could go either really well or REALLY bad. This is how I see it from the couch in my dugout.
Scenario 1
Being the horse that he is, CC on short days rest takes his best stuff to the mound (as he did in the ALCD). The Yankees win Game 4 and go up 3-1. Since they are now playing with “house money” Girardi should start Chad Gaudin in Game 5 see what the Yankees get out of him. Who knows, maybe he’ll pitch the game of his life? Maybe the Yankees actually get to Lee this time? Either way somehow they get the win. They’ll be celebrating #27 and Girardi will look like a genius. If they lose, they’re still up 3-2 heading back to New York with Burnett for Game 6 on full rest and if need be Pettitte on full rest for Game 7. It’s a lock any way you look at it.
Scenario 2
CC labors though innings, makes a few mistakes and the Yankees lose Game 4. Series tied 2 games a piece. Now there is extra pressure and the decision will have to be to put Burnett on the mound on short rest for Game 5 opposed by Cliff Lee on full rest. Who knows which AJ will show up to pitch that night?! Worst case, Burnett gives up a few bombs, Lee brings his “A” game again and the Yankees come back to New York down 3-2. It’s now do or die time in Game 6, so there is no choice except to put Pettitte on the mound on short rest. At 37, will he still have his stuff? I don’t think Andy has ever been asked to pitch on short rest in this type of pressure situation. But being the pitcher with the most Post Season wins, the Yankees come away with the win and it all comes down to Game 7. Again in all likelihood Girardi will turn to CC, again with only 3 days rest. Everyone knows that CC was in this same situation last year and the results were not in his favor. There are just too many variables and “what ifs” in this scenario and it has me worried as hell!
Staring down the barrel of Post Season pressure, he may have made some inept decisions with the bullpen but remember he’s the one that raised that bullpen to the high level that it is capable of performing at. I don’t want to see Girardi leave at the end of the season. I want to see him high atop a float going down Broadway in the Canyon of Heroes with the biggest smile on his face knowing that the #27 on his back needs to be changed to #28 next season. The decision to start CC tonight is a huge one that rests on Girardi’s shoulders. One that, either can have him celebrated like no other for bringing the Championship back home or come December, have him on the unemployment line like the rest of America. So dear Mr. Sabathia, please bring your “A” game tonight. Thank you.
UPDATE
It's the 5th inning and the Yankees just took the lead again 4-2. CC is looking very shaking and is laboring through the first 4 innings. Let's just hope the offense can keep him afloat. Also Girardi has made the announcement that Burnett will start Game 5 vs Lee tomorrow night. Let's just hope that the right AJ decides to show up.
http://www.1010wins.com/A-J--Burnett-to-Start-Game-5-on-Three-Days-Rest/5571458
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