Actually, I forgot about Duncan. If they leave him off they can still keep Giambi as Duncan was also up before the expansion. I just can't imagine how much ink would be wasted in the NY tabloids if their 23 million dollar first baseman doesn't make the post season roster. Unless they can invent an injury for him. The other question is the rotation. I read yesterday they would probably hold Wang until game 3 if we open on the road because his home ERA is miniscule compared to his road ERA. That would probably mean it would be Pettitte, Clemens, Wang and Mussina. Unless, of course, we overtake Boston and start at home in which case I guess it would be Wang, Pettitte, Clemens and Mussina or maybe Pettitte, Wang, Clemens and Mussina. In any case everybody in the AL should be scared to death to play the Yankees in round 1.
Actually, we wouldn't need to lose anyone. Kennedy would be the only odd man out, and he really shouldn't be there this year anyway. Here's how it should shake out: Pitchers Chamberlain Clemens Farnsworth Hughes Mussina Pettitte Ramirez Rivera Villone Vizcaino Wang Catchers Molina Posada Infielders Betemit Cano Jeter Rodriguez Mientkiewicz Outfielders Abreu Cabrera Damon Duncan Matsui DH/PH Giambi What I think we're not considering is that Phillips won't be able to play. Had he been able to compete, then we'd have to worry about a spot for him. Kennedy could still make the postseason roster if Villone doesn't have a vote of confidence, but I can't see Joe entering the playoffs with absolutely no lefty in the pen, and Henn is just garbage. Maybe Igawa, rather than Villone, arrrr?
Just noticed your list only adds up to 24 so we still have an opening. So maybe they carry Kennedy because of how well he did when we needed him. They are also going to have to relax the Chamberlain rules for the playoffs or carry another reliever too, probably Bruney. Yeah, we need a leftie. Still not sure why since we usually only use them for one batter but I guess we need one anyway.
The last spot will come down to Bruney/Henn/Kennedy. Does Kennedy get rewarded for what he has done? Does Joe go with the extra lefty in the BP? or does he stick with Bruney who was one of his guys earlier in the season?
Yeah, I thought I had 25 when I counted. So that's even more leeway. Maybe that gets Igawa in instead of Villone, and Kennedy gets a shot (though I don't know, is he eligible?) And I'm pretty sure the Joba rules are out the door come the postseason. Given that there is extra rest more often, and there are only a limited number of games left, I wouldn't be surprised if he pitches 2 innings in one game, and another one the next game. It won't be a lot different, but I'm pretty sure they are going to do what they need to in order to win. Yaar, it be a wonderful time! I still be prayin' fer those playoffs!
ARRRGHHH!!! Moose?!?! That be serious? I'm not even all that confident with Roger in the postseason at this point, but Moose would scare me if he were a starter. Granted Hughes seems to have a tough time getting started, but I feel a lot more comfortable when he's on the mound than Moose, even given recent performance.
I hope Cleveland keeps winning. Last thing I want to do is play the Angels in the first round (as long as we get the Wild Card)
Oh wait..That's right..both Kennedy and Mienky came up on september 1st. Are either of them eligible? I forget how that rule works.
If we don't overtake Boston they will decide who we play in the first round and you can bet it will be the Angels. The new rule sucks if you are the wildcard.
The player has to be on the roster before 9/1. However, if a player on the 25 man roster is on the DL, he can be replaced by anyone in the organization.
Right now Phillips isn't even on the 40 man roster so I'm not sure when that transpired or what it means for the post season. Of course they don't even list the 25 man roster because right now there isn't one.
