Yankees general manager Brian Cashman acknowledged on Monday that erratic starting pitcher A.J. Burnett would likely join the rotation in the upcoming ALCS. Cashman did so by warning the Yankees' fanbase.
Cashman announced in a conference call with Yankees beat writers on Monday that the team is likely going to use a four-man rotation for the upcoming ALCS, and that fourth starter would be Burnett.
"Our fans need to be prepared for a four-man rotation and that probably includes A.J. Burnett, and we will be confident when he takes that mound with our team if that's the case," Cashman said during the conference call.
The Yankees were prepared to go the entire ALDS with three starters — CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte and Phil Hughes — a decision that became irrelevant when the Yanks swept the Twins.
"We have to prove that we're deeper than that," Cashman said in reference to the three-man rotation. "It is not a secret. The best road to go is a four-man rotation."
Burnett started five games for the Yankees in the 2009 playoffs going 1-1 with a 5.27 ERA.
The Yankees may be playing the odds with this decision, too. They've already got quite an advantage as the Rays and Rangers will meet in a deciding Game 5 on Tuesday to determine who will advance to face the Yankees in the ALCS. David Price and Cliff Lee will take the mound for the Rays and Rangers respectively and likely won't be ready to start an ALCS game until Game 3.
