Yankees Notes: Sabathia, A-Rod, Berkman, Lee, MLB Playoffs, and a Giveaway

The Yankees haven’t been swept at home by the Baltimore Orioles since 1986, so they’ll be trying to avoid that as they go back to playing afternoon games, at least for one day. Ivan Nova will be on the mound taking on righty Brad Bergesen who has a 6-10 record with a 5.47 ERA.

Here are some notes:

• CC Sabathia was denied his 20th win last night. He also had a 21-game unbeaten streak in the Bronx snapped. That is a record he now shares with Whitey Ford.
• Alex Rodriguez sat yesterday just as a way for manager Joe Girardi to get him some extra rest. He didn’t rehab so Girardi is being cautious. He did pinch hit and grounded into a fielder’s choice.
• Since returning from the DL, Lance Berkman is batting .500 with a 1.154 OPS in seven games (three starts).
• Cliff Lee, who had a start skipped due to back issues, is expected to start this weekend against the Yankees.
• Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton start their playoffs tonight. On the mound for Trenton is RHP Dellin Betances and on the mound for Scranton is RHP D.J. Mitchell. For a complete preview, click here.
• Also, this is very last minute, you have just an hour left to enter, but I was going to post this yesterday and forgot about it. Our old friend Lenny Neslin over at lenNY’s Yankees is having a giveaway where you could win $100 in Yankees gear. Check it out and enter.

I have to say, looking at the rotations the Yankees minor league teams have going for them and looking at the rotation the Yankees look forward to using in the playoffs, I’d almost rather go with one of their rotations. Trenton has Betances, Andy Pettitte, LHP Manny Banuelos, RHP Andrew Brackman, and RHP Cory Arbiso. Scranton’s isn’t quite as impressive, but still formidable with Mitchell, RHP David Phelps, LHP Kei Igawa, RHP Hector Noesi, and RHP Lance Pendleton. Not bad. The future looks bright for the Yankees pitching staff. Unfortunately none of these guys can contribute this season.

Related Stories

• August 29, 2010 -- Yankees Notes: Recap, Nova, and Injury Updates
• August 23, 2010 -- Yankees Notes: A-Rod, Nova, Call-Ups, Sabathia
• September 2, 2010 -- Get Off My Mound
• August 31, 2010 -- Yankees Notes: A-Rod, Berkman, Aceves