Now that the Yankees have clinched a spot in the postseason, it is once again safe to discuss the postseason roster. I last did so at the , and provided the following list of players I believe to be locks:
Position Players (12)
Jorge Posada
Francisco Cervelli
Mark Teixeira
Lance Berkman
Robinson Cano
Derek Jeter
Alex Rodriguez
Brett Gardner
Curtis Granderson
Nick Swisher
Marcus Thames
Austin Kearns
Pitchers (8)
CC Sabathia
Andy Pettitte
Phil Hughes
Mariano Rivera
Joba Chamberlain
David Robertson
Boone Logan
Kerry Wood
I think Austin Kearns has lost his lock status due to some poor play and better performance from Lance Berkman, but I would still be surprised if he was not on the roster, as he would provide some pop off the bench that could be useful in a long game.
My final 5 looked like this:
Ramiro Pena
Chad Moeller
AJ Burnett
Ivan Nova
Damaso Marte
I think Burnett is a lock at this point due to a decent September and Joe Girardi’s faith in him, so that leaves 4 spots, with Eduardo Nunez, Javier Vazquez, Chad Gaudin, Sergio Mitre, Dustin Moseley, Greg Golson, and Royce Ring joining the players listed above as options. Marte is obviously out due to injury, so that leaves 10 players for 4 slots.
To complete the bullpen, I think the Yankees will take Ivan Nova and Javier Vazquez. Nova has performed well his first time through the batting order in most starts, and has the kind of stuff that should translate well to short relief. Vazquez wins the last spot by default, although I would not be shocked if Gaudin, Moseley, or Mitre stole that long relief role if Javy gets smacked around tonight. Additionally, with the Twins being susceptible to lefties, I think Royce Ring will at least get some fleeting consideration from Joe Girardi.
For the final two position players, I think Eduardo Nunez and Greg Golson will be the choices. Moeller is out because I do not think AJ Burnett will get an ALDS start, thereby leaving Frankie Cervelli on the bench and obviating the need for a third catcher. As for Nunez, he seems to have surpassed Pena as the Yankees primary utility guy over the last few weeks. While they may favor Pena’s defense, they seem to prefer Nunez’ bat and baserunning, which should result in Nunez making the roster. Golson’s ability to play the outfield makes him the final choice, with his speed on the bases being an additional factor in his favor.
This makes the final 5:
AJ Burnett
Javier Vazquez
Ivan Nova
Eduardo Nunez
Greg Golson
What would your roster look like?
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As one of Javy V’s biggest supporters, I see no reason to have him on the postseason roster. He just can’t get anybody out.
Javy blew his last chance last night in Toronto, such a disappointing season for him.
Decent September? That $16.5 million pile of garbage has been just that for the last two months. His ERA is over 6 and teams are hitting .294 off of him in September. The only good thing you can say about AJ’s September is that it’s been better than August, and that’s not saying much.
I have no doubt the Yanks will take him into the ALDS, but I pray to god he doesn’t even sniff any playing time, unless it’s mop up duty in the 7th inning of a blowout.
Andrew, you can add another good thing that happened to AJ…the black eye..at least someone got satisfaction.. i really thought this guy had what it took on the big stage..he has always been unbeatable vs yanks and boston.. maybe too big a play ground for him here. ship him to the dodgers and he will have a great career..we can do an even up trade with them..AJ for two buckets of batting practice balls..