Yankee Postseason Roster

Ready, Set, Go! The Yankees finish off the regular season with a big win against the Rays and a monster game for ARod. While the Yankees haven't yet "officially" decided upon the playoff format of their choice, it appears as if they will go for the longer series, allowing them to feature only three starting pitchers.

More so than in recent Yankee playoff appearances, the Yankees have some important decisions to make regarding their postseason roster (which probably speaks to their tremendous depth). Here are the players who are a lock to make the roster:

Starting Lineup:
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui DH
Jorge Posada C
Nick Swisher RF
Robinson Cano 2B
Melky Cabrera CF

Bench:
Jose Molina C
Brett Gardner OF
Jerry Hairston, Jr. INF-OF

Starting Pitchers:
Game 1 - CC Sabathia
Game 2 - AJ Burnett
Game 3 - Andy Pettitte
Game 4 (if necessary) - CC Sabathia
Game 5 (if necessary) - AJ Burnett

Bullpen:
Mariano Rivera
Phil Hughes
Alfredo Aceves
David Robertson
Phil Coke

That leaves us with five spots left. Seeing how this is a short series and the Yankees are choosing to go with three starters, I only see them taking ten pitchers on their roster. Joe Girardi will pick two of the following pitchers: Chad Gaudin, Joba Chamberalin, and Damaso Marte. Keep in mind that his decision may be affected by the outcome of Tuesday's game between the Tigers and the Twins, as the Tigers are a heavy right-handed hitting lineup. However, ultimately, I think Girardi will go with Gaudin and Chamberlain. Marte has been effective against lefties since returning from his shoulder injury but I do not think that he has done enough to earn a place on the roster. However, he could make the roster if the Yankees procede to the ALCS. Gaudin has pitched very well lately and he can pitch in both long and short relief. As for Chamberlain, his stuff is too good to disregard. What is especially interesting is the fact that the Yankees sent him out for one inning today and he looked incredibly comfortable. Could the Yankees find themselves using him as a short reliever in the first round or would they rather have him available as another long reliever? (Note - Let's not turn this into a Joba role debate, as I can assure you that should the Yankees make it to the ALCS, he will probably be the game four starter, although one has to wonder if short inning stints will hamper his ability to start a game. However, I have to admit Joba looked like a different pitcher today).

As for the rest of the roster, I see Girardi taking Freddy Guzman as a secondary pinch runner. The Yankees have been plagued in recent postseason appearances by a lack of an ability to make a lot of damage on the basepaths. Having both Guzman and Gardner will allow Girardi to run for both Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada should the situation arise. Girardi will probably take two of the following three players to round out the roster: Eric Hinske (Corner INF/Corner OF), Ramiro Pena (INF/OF (Minors Only)), and Francisco Cervelli (C). This could be an interesting decision, as all three players could contribute. If it were my pick, I would take Hinske and Cervelli. Hinske has postseason experience and could pinch-hit for either of their pinch runners should they remain in the game. Girardi has stated that Molina may start a game during the series, which means that Posada would either be used as a DH or as a pinch hitter later in the game. The Yankees would therefore need to carry a third catcher should Molina or Posada be pinch hit/pinch run for. However, I think Girardi will take Pena instead of Hinske. Hinske contributes nothing defensively and Girardi likes Pena's athleticism. Plus, Pena has a nice, short stroke and did not embarass himself in his rookie season.

So, what are everyone else's thoughts?