Mackenzie Kraemer: Kennedy should be up sooner rather than later. Rasner and Ponson have limited upside, and Kennedy has been close to dominant in eight AAA starts (3-2, 2.06 ERA, 0.86 WHIP). Ponson looked great against Los Angeles, but the Yankees' interest in Jarrod Washburn shows that they are not happy with whomever will be their fourth starter come playoff time.

Kennedy and Phil Hughes (when he gets back) have the upside to be useful playoff starters. Kennedy and prospect Alfredo Aceves can start now, though it would be hard to dump Ponson after his best start in New York.

A.J. Martelli: Whether I think they can or not, Ponson and Rasner will have to hold down the fort until September. Hughes hasn't proved anything, save for Game Three of last year's ALDS.

Pavano is a just an injury waiting to happen. Wang can come back and be effective, but until that happens, they'll have to be able to go out and pitch effectively. I think they can, but they have to go deeper into games and not be afraid to go right after hitters.

Patrick Read: Hughes is pitching already in the minors and went three innings this past week, bolstering a shutout. Sound familiar to last year’s Hughes? Brian Bruney was activated on Aug. 1 as well.

One of these two could replace any weaker pitcher in the rotation, but I don't think a fourth or fifth starter will cost NY a postseason appearance. I give you Hideki Irabu, who wears a ring.

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