Yanks Projected ALDS Roster

(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Yanks Projected ALDS Roster
Oct. 5, 2009

While the Yankees will likely procrastinate and avoid making a formal announcement until the last minute, everyone is aware they will opt for the division series format with more days off. This will allow them to use their top three starters and send everyone else to the pen against either the Twins or Tigers.

There really aren't a lot of tough decisions to make with this roster. We've heard whispers the Yankees are contemplating carrying three catchers or Freddy Guzman as another speedster off the bench. Personally, I'd prefer to take Ramiro Pena as another able body for the infield (a guy who can also run by the way). Either way, it's not easy to poke too many holes in this squad.

Pitching wise, the three starters are set. That leaves eight bullpen slots to play with by my count. Rivera, Hughes, Aceves, and Coke are givens. With Joba Chamberlain's impressive perfect inning out of the pen on Sunday afternoon coupled with the allure of him recapturing his previous dominance, he is a lock. If David Robertson is healthy, and all indications are that he is, he has a spot. Gaudin's effectiveness and ability to pitch in long relief earn him a seat. Marte is potentially useful as a second lefty so he's in. Brian Bruney, despite pitching better of late, is the odd man out.

Here's how I see it shaking out:


Catcher:
Posada
Molina

First Base:
Teixeira

Second Base:
Cano

Third Base:
Arod

Shortstop:
Jeter

Outfielders:
Damon
Cabrera
Swisher

Designated Hitter:
Matsui

Bench:
Hairston
Hinske
Gardner
Guzman

Starting Pitchers:
Sabathia
Pettitte
Burnett


Left Handed Relief Pitchers:
Coke
Marte

Right Handed Relief Pitchers:
Rivera
Aceves
Hughes
Chamberlain
Robertson
Gaudin

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