Over the last few weeks, one of the questions often bandied about by Yankees fans is, “Who will start Game 4?” With the Yankees selecting the longer first round series, this question only becomes relevant starting in the ALCS. While the options most bandied about have been Joba Chamberlain and Chad Gaudin, the Yankees do have another option. If they choose to use CC Sabathia on 3 days rest, they could avoid using either pitcher and use their best 3 guys until the World Series. Let’s take a look at the schedule. I will assume that Burnett gets the #2 role, but you can flip him and Pettitte if you would like. Everyone is on full rest unless noted.
ALDS
Gm 1 Wed Oct. 7 Sabathia
Gm 2 Fri Oct. 9 Burnett
Gm 3 Sun Oct. 11 Pettitte
Gm 4* Mon Oct. 12 Sabathia
Gm 5* Wed Oct. 14 Burnett
If the Yankees sweep, CC would start Game 1 of the next series on regular rest. If they win in 4 or 5, he would start on 3 days rest. Either way, this is how the next series would play out.
ALCS
Gm 1 Fri Oct. 16 Sabathia (on 3 days)
Gm 2 Sat Oct. 17 Pettitte (unless they won previous series in 4, then Burnett and Pettitte flip)
Gm 3 Mon Oct. 19 Burnett
Gm 4 Tue Oct. 20 Sabathia (on 3 days)
Gm 5* Thu Oct. 22 Pettitte
Gm 6* Sat Oct. 24 Burnett
Gm 7* Sun Oct. 25 Sabathia (on full rest)
If the ALCS does not go to 7, CC could go 1, 4, 7 in the World Series, with the last two being on short rest. However, that might be overextending him, so I would likely use a 4th starter at some point, with CC going 1 and 5. If it does go 7, this is how the World Series would shake out.
World Series
Gm 1 Wed Oct. 28 Pettitte
Gm 2 Thu Oct. 29 Burnett
Gm 3 Sat Oct. 31 Sabathia
Gm 4 Sun Nov. 1 Chamberlain/Gaudin
Gm 5* Mon Nov. 2 Pettitte
Gm 6* Wed Nov. 4 Burnett
Gm 7* Thu Nov. 5 Sabathia
CC is the Yankees’ best pitcher, and he has pitched well in his 4 previous starts on short rest. I would like to get him into the ALCS three times and then make due with a 4th starter in the World Series. What would you do?
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3 Responses to Using CC On Three Days Rest
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TIQ IQ
THAT WOULD BE A HUGE MISTAKE.
He was shot last season and stunk in the post season.Big guys, when they get cooked, they’re totally cooked.
Regular rest and have confidence in your other guys.
Except that the Yankees have given him plenty of rest this month. Two starts on short rest are not going to “cook” him.
I agree if the situation calls for it an ace has to pitch on short rest, the guy did it 4 straight times to get into the playoffs last year and at least one was a CG so I really doubt he wouldn’t want to or be able to go once or twice on short rest.