Predicting The Postseason Roster, Take 3

By On September 28, 2011 · 4 Comments · In Roster Decisions

This was my last stab at the postseason roster, compiled about a week ago:

Everyday Players

C Russell Martin
1B Mark Teixeira
2B Robinson Cano
3B Alex Rodriguez
SS Derek Jeter
RF Nick Swisher
CF Curtis Granderson
LF Brett Gardner
DH v. LHP: Andruw Jones

Bench

Eduardo Nunez
Jesus Montero
Eric Chavez
Chris Dickerson
Jorge Posada

Starters

CC Sabathia
Ivan Nova
Freddy Garcia
Bartolo Colon

Relievers

Mariano Rivera
David Robertson
Rafael Soriano
Boone Logan
Corey Wade
Phil Hughes
Luis Ayala

Nothing has changed over the last week in terms of the offense. In fact, Joe Girardi all but confirmed that Posada and Montero were going to make the roster, meaning that Francisco Cervelli and Austin Romine are staying home unless the club carries 15 position players. Additionally, while it is possible that Greg Golson make it over Dickerson as the pinch runner, Dickerson’s extensive playing time over the last week suggests that he is the choice.

On the pitching side of things, I expect the Yankees to take just 3 starters, leaving Bartolo Colon and AJ Burnett home to await a possible ALCS Game 4 start. That opens up another bullpen spot, which may be filled by lefty Raul Valdes or Hector Noesi. Of course, Phil Hughes is no lock for a roster spot, but the fact that they moved him into the bullpen and plan to pitch him tonight suggests that he is a frontrunner for a postseason role. I think he makes the team as the long man, obviating the need to carry Burnett, Colon, or Noesi, while Valdes makes it as the second lefty. Basically, I think the above roster is correct once Colon is removed and Valdes is inserted.

What would your postseason roster look like?

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4 Responses to Predicting The Postseason Roster, Take 3

  1. Cris Pengiucci says:
    September 28, 2011 at 3:22 pm

    Agree with your roster, but I think Montero gets to DH against lefties, leaving Jones as a bench bat.

    Reply
  2. Jensen says:
    September 28, 2011 at 3:32 pm

    I think Colon will make it, he has been a big part of the Yankees’ success this season, and his drop-off in the second half of the season hasn’t been precipitous enough to leave him off the roster entirely.

    Reply
  3. bg90027 says:
    September 28, 2011 at 4:23 pm

    I think Montero might get the RH DH start leaving either Jones or Gardner on the bench against a Lefty starter. Otherwise, I think you’ve nailed the roster if Texas is the matchup. I doubt they’d take Valdes if the matchup is against Detroit. I don’t think you need a 2nd lefty if the best lefty bat is Aviles. I don’t think Noesi will make the team. My guess is that it would be Burnett or Colon if Valdes isn’t taken. I think Detroit has fared well historically against Garcia too so you might see Colon or Burnett get the 3rd start if it’s against Detroit.

    If Montero/Posada is going to start at DH, you really probably don’t need Dickerson either. You’d have one bench OFer if Jones isn’t DHing and the only guy you’d really need to pinch run for is Posada and Nunez could do that. They could take an extra pitcher and leave Dickerson off the roster. I doubt they’ll do that but I might if it were up to me.

    Reply
  4. Larry Koestler says:
    September 28, 2011 at 5:06 pm

    I’m certainly not advocating for him, but it’s probably worth noting that A.J. actually had a 2.76 xFIP in September. Of course, on the flip side he also carried a 30% HR/FB rate.

    Still, I don’t know that I’d be shocked to see A.J. make the DS roster.

    Reply

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