Now that the Twins have been disposed of, what will the pitching staff look like for the ALCS? Unlike the five game series, the upcoming seven gamer presents a challenge. Here is the schedule for the series:

Oct 15th, Game 1
Oct 16th, Game 2
Oct 18th, Game 3
Oct 19th, Game 4
Oct 20th,Game 5
Oct 22nd, Game 6
Oct 23rd, Game 7

Unless the Yankees use a fourth starter (A.J. Burnett?) Andy Pettitte will have to pitch on short rest in a Game 6. If they go on regular rest for Hughes/Pettitte then Sabathia will only pitch twice (games 1 and 4) instead of three times.

Everyone on full rest but Sabathia Rotation

Oct 15th, Game 1- Sabathia
Oct 16th, Game 2- Pettitte
Oct 18th, Game 3- Hughes
Oct 19th, Game 4- Burnett
Oct 20th,Game 5- Sabathia
Oct 22nd, Game 6- Pettitte
Oct 23rd Game 7- Hughes

Sabathia 3x Rotation

Oct 15th, Game 1- Sabathia
Oct 16th, Game 2- Pettitte
Oct 18th, Game 3- Hughes
Oct 19th, Game 4- Sabathia
Oct 20th,Game 5- Burnett
Oct 22nd, Game 6- Pettitte
Oct 23rd Game 7- Sabathia

Hughes/Pettitte short rest and no Burnett scenario

Oct 15th, Game 1- Sabathia
Oct 16th, Game 2- Pettitte
Oct 18th, Game 3- Hughes
Oct 19th, Game 4- Sabathia
Oct 20th,Game 5- Pettitte
Oct 22nd, Game 6- Hughes
Oct 23rd Game 7- Sabathia

This isn’t an easy decision. Of course, this is assuming there are no rainouts during the series (which would work in the Yankees favor). I can’t see the Yankees pitching both Pettitte and Hughes on short rest in the same series. Maybe Pettitte, but not both. That is why it’s almost certain Burnett will get a start in the series.

I would let the series play out before deciding. Can you honestly pitch A.J. Burnett in a Game 4 down 2-1? Could you trust him in a Game 5 if the series is tied? Burnett’s inability to give the Yankees even a 5 inning quality start is a huge problem.

Three starters were enough last year, this year it might present a problem.

Of course, both Tampa and Texas have weak spots in their rotation so perhaps you just play slow pitch softball on the Burnett starts.

Another factor is what happens in the Texas- Tampa series. If Tampa wins tonight the series goes to Game 5 on Tuesday. This would mean Cliff Lee or David Price couldn’t pitch three times in a series, and be a huge advantage for the Yankees.

Whatever the rotation, wrapping the Twins up in three sets the Yankees up well for the ALCS. The big question is what to do with A.J. Burnett

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: 2010 ALCS, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte, CC Sabathia, New York Yankees, Phil Hughes, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Yankees Rotation for the ALCS