In Andy, We Trust

Rain has put the status of Game 6 of the ALCS in doubt. The rains been falling for a while and is showing no signs of letting up in time for the game. There’s quite a bit more of it expected throughout the night so there is a decent chance of a postponement. The debate amongst New York Yankees fans has been do you start C.C. Sabathia over Andy Pettitte in Game 6, if it is moved to Sunday night?

Every time that question has come up, I’ve answered with an emphatic NO. Andy has been an absolute gamer for the Yankees in past postseasons. He’s thrown up his fair share of duds but he has a career 3.90 era in 37 postseason starts. (Side note that’s only 0.01 lower then his regular season career mark but still impressive)

In series clinchers, Andy has done what he’s done throughout his entire career Yankees career. He threw some gems, he threw some duds but more often then not he did what he had to do to keep his team in the game. In his career he is 4-2 with a 4.14 era in series clinchers, his teams are 6-4 overall in those games. Not exactly great numbers but enough to say let him pitch Game 6 and save the horse CC if a Game 7 takes place. If it doesn’t then you’ve got him well rested for Game 1 against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Joe Girardi seems to agree. He made his decision and said Andy Pettitte will be pitching Game 6 no matter when it takes place, “Andy’s going to start the next game for us.”

While Girardi never officially mentioned he wants to keep his ace in the pocket for Game 1, you know that’s what he’s thinking. Yea, I know I’m assuming that’s what he’s thinking, but it’s really not an assumption its just obvious.

When it comes to the World Series you want your best well rested. The Phillies will have Cliff Lee ready to go on long rest, possibly even for a Game 1, 4, and 7 if need be. Girardi and the Yankees will want their ace well rested to do the same.

Which makes it that much more important that the Yankees get the Andy Pettitte who is lights out in clinchers.

The one from the 1996 ALCS Game 5 – 8 innings, 3 hits and 2 runs.

The one from the 1998 World Series Game 4 – 7.1 innings of shut out ball.

The one from the 2000 World Series Game 5 – 7 innings pitched with 2 unearned runs and 5 strikeouts.

The one from this years Game 3 against the Minnesota Twins – 6.1 innings pitched, 3 hits and 1 run with 7 strikeouts.

(Thanks to River Ave Blues for the stats)

That’s the Andy us Yankees fans want to see tonight, or tomorrow night, or whenever this game is played. And that’s the Andy I think the Yankees will get.

The weather is nasty. Andy’s staff is still nasty (at times). The hitters aren’t going to have fun up there at all and more importantly the Rally Monkey will be running for cover when he hears the thunder from the Yankee ghosts tonight.

In Andy, We Trust.