Decisions, Decisions

The Yankees don't even know which team they're playing tomorrow, but Joe Girardi's already announced his plans for the series. Not surprisingly, the Yankees picked the longer Series A, which allows them to go with only three pitchers, Sabathia, Burnett and Pettitte. Girardi also announced that Sabathia will take the ball in Game 1, again no surprises there. Burnett, however, will pitch in Game 2, followed by Pettitte for Game 3, which will be on the road, in either Detroit or Minnesota, depending on which team wins tonight's playoff. I support Girardi's decision to pitch Burnett at home and Pettitte on the road. The numbers back him up, although I'm too lazy to cite them here. You're just going to have to trust me that Pettitte is much more susceptible to the home run at Yankee Stadium, while Burnett, a strike-out pitcher, is more effective at home than on the road. I'm totally fine with this decision. 

More surprising, though, is Giradi's decision to let Jose Molina catch Burnett instead of Jorge Posada. Granted, Burnett pitches better with Molina as his batterymate, but removing Posada's bat, which is far, far, far superior to Molina's, from the lineup is a risk, to say the least. (Matsui will reportedly be the designated hitter in Game 2, while Posada will only be available to pinch hit). Girardi's call puts even more pressure on Burnett to pitch well, and pretty much makes Burnett's first playoff appearance a must-win game. Girardi also runs the very real possibility of alienating Posada, who can be, according to many, a petulant little bitch when he doesn't get what he wants. (See Burnett, A.J.) This could get interesting. Then again, the Yankees could very well sweep their first-round opponent, which would make the whole matter moot. 

BEN:

The verdict is in--it's the Twins. This is very likely to make the whole thing irrelevant, since Minnesota is a thoroughly mediocre team that whose ace won't be ready to pitch until Game 3. For Game 1, the Twins have the unenviable choice of tabbing rookie Brian Duensing or Nick Blackburn on three days' rest.

Uninspiring though he is, it's hard to fault Girardi for trotting out Jose Molina. He's actually a pretty fair matchup when compared to the likes of Brendan Harris and Nick Punto. The only real risk the Yankees are facing is a self-generated meltdown, and Burnett, with his attitude problems and lack of playoff experience, is the prime candidate. (Except for A-Rod, I mean.)

MILES:

Orlando Carbrera still makes me nervous, but I think the Yankees will win this series pretty easily. It won't go longer than 4. My bold prediction: Carl Pavano will win one for the Twinkies.