Hey Joe--
First of all, I've got to tell you I'm a lifelong Yankees fan. I also feel you've done a hell of a job managing the team and the different personalities this year. Hell, A-Rod alone must've caused more than a few gray hairs!
Now that the pleasantries are out of the way, I've got to tell you that I feel you're making a B-I-G mistake tonight by starting A.J. Burnett on three days of rest. Burnett isn't the most consistent pitcher on your team; you never know what you're going to get when he takes the mound. I have three big concerns concerning tonight's game:
- Burnett is pitching on three days of rest. Is he capable of doing that? I have my doubts.
- He is pitching away from Yankee Stadium. He has a 3.51 ERA at home this year and a 4.54 ERA away from Yankee Stadium. In the World Series, where every run is important, do you think you really need to give up an extra run?
- He'll be going against a fully-rested Cliff Lee, the guy with a microscopic 0.54 ERA this postseason.
But I'm fully expecting the Yankees to lose tonight given Burnett's away performance this year and Lee's lights-out postseason record. You're planning on pitching Andy Pettitte in Game 6, also on three days of rest. Dude is 37 years old and has never pitched on three days notice. This will not end well. Then you'll have Sabitha on the mound for the make-or-break Game 7. Is this really how you want things to go down?
I hope I'm wrong. I hope Burnett goes out there tonight and pitches a perfect game. But I wouldn't be too surprised if my scenario comes to fruition.
Good luck!
Hugs & Kisses,
Chag
