Yankees’ Bullpen and Girardi

The Yankees would like to avoid a game seven by all means and close out the ALCS in game six behind their southpaw Andy Pettitte. That’s because, if the series goes to a game seven, and the Yankees win, CC Sabathia would not be available to start game one of the World Series. AJ Burnett would be the game one starter.

An argument can be made that Yankees manager Joe Girardi shouldn’t have let Burnett go out to the mound to start the 7th inning. The top of the 7th was long and Burnett didn’t have his best stuff, although he hadn’t given up a run since the first inning. With a two run lead and nine outs to go, Girardi should have mixed and matched pitchers in the 7th, went to Hughes in the 8th and Mariano in the 9th. Mariano could have even came in during the 8th inning.

Girardi went with Burnett to start the 7th and Burnett put the first two batters on base before Girardi pulled him for Damaso Marte. Marte was able to get two outs without giving up a run and Phil Hughes came on to get the last out. Hughes couldn’t hold the lead. He gave up two hits and three runs. Two of the runs were charged to Burnett and the other run was charged to Hughes. The Angels took a 7-6 lead and Hughes ended up getting the loss. Burnett put those first two runners on base but Hughes needed just one out and the Yankees would have preserved the 6-4 lead.

Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain have been getting hit hard this postseason. Hughes has given up nine hits in 4.2 innings with a 5.79 ERA. Joba has given up seven hits in 2.2 innings with a 3.38 ERA. These guys haven’t pitched up to their ability lately, especially Hughes. He was lights out during the regular season but has had his struggles here in October.

Mariano Rivera is always lights out. Mo got some big outs in the ninth inning after two men were able to get aboard off of Joba with only one out. Mo got the final two outs and kept the Yankees within one run of the Angels. After seeing the way Hughes and Joba have been getting hit, Girardi might think about bringing Rivera in for two inning saves.

I can’t fault Girardi for the way the game turned out. If Hughes gets that last out this discussion doesn’t happen. Hughes has been reliabl,e but his reliability is diminishing with the way he’s been pitching this postseason.

The series heads back to the Bronx and the Yankees need to win game six to preserve Sabathia for game one of the World Series. A small lead late by the Yankees may force Girardi to put in Rivera for the final six outs.