Yankees’ Pitching Staff the Team’s Major Concern Heading into Game Six
November 4, 2009 · Alex Calles · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Monday night in Philly, Yankees starting pitcher A.J. Burnett started Game Five of the World Series on three days’ rest, which he hadn’t done since last season while in a Blue Jays uniform.
There was skepticism by many commentators and Yankee fans on how he’d perform on short rest, and to Yankee fans’ dismay, those doubts were validated.
In the bottom of the first inning of Game Five, Burnett surrendered a three-run home run to Phillies second basemen Chase Utley after walking shortstop Jimmy Rollins and hitting center fielder Shane Victorino on an attempted bunt.
Burnett later gave up two more runs to Phillies hitting and was then pulled by Yankees manager Joe Girardi. Burnett ended his night relinquishing six walks and six runs.
Andy Pettitte will also pitch on three days’ rest, along with CC Sabathia if the series expands to seven games. This could be devastating for the Bronx Bombers because Pettitte hasn’t pitched on three days’ rest in 10 years, and Burnett proved how much of a struggle short rest can hamper your performance.
In Sabathia’s case, however, he did pitch on short rest during the ALCS against Anaheim and completely dominated the Halos.
If the Yankees wind up losing the World Series, then fans will want Girardi’s head on a platter, and I wouldn’t blame them one bit.
Pedro “Who’s your daddy” Martinez will be on the mound tonight for Philly, and if he pitches like he did in Game Two, then it will be a very long night in the “Big Apple.”
I’ve been rooting for a classic seven-game World Series since it began, and there’s a high probability that I’ll get my wish. Yankees in seven.
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