So Andy Pettitte will be pitching on short rest tomorrow for Game 6. Knowing that he hasn’t done it since 2006 doesn’t guarantee that we will see the version of Pettitte that has provided quality starts in three of his four postseason appearances. The Yankees bullpen, surprisingly, hasn’t been as solid as I expected. If you need six to nine outs from the pen who do you trust? Hughes? Chamberlain? Robertson? Right now there are two members of the bullpen that give me confidence: Damaso Marte against lefties and Mariano Rivera. So the big question is could Rivera reach back into his endless bag of tricks and give the Yankees three innings tomorrow night?

That scenario means the Yankees might not have to call on anyone but Rivera out of their pen. Even if Pettitte can’t go more than five you might be able to mix and match Marte/Hughes/Chamberlain in the sixth inning. The last regular season game that Rivera pitched 3 innings was May 30th, 2006 against Detroit. That night he threw only 25 pitches so it’s somewhat deceptive. Of course the last postseason game that Rivera was called on for three innings was the classic “Aaron Boone game” during the 2003 ALCS where he threw 48 pitches and preserved a 5-5 tie.

This would be the ultimate gamble by Girardi, but against a potent Phillies lineup he may have no choice. Rivera needed 39 pitches in just two innings during Game 2 to lock down the Phils. Asking him to go three innings is plausible considering that he tends to be efficient and throw strikes. The Phils will be patient, but you can’t be choosy when you’re constantly behind 0-2.

This would be the ultimate gamble because if Rivera blows the save he may be rendered useless for a possible game seven. There is a 40% chance of rain for a Game 7, but you can’t plan under those assumptions. Of course, the Yanks could knock around Pedro Martinez, build up a lead, and give their spotty middle relievers some room to work with. Ultimately you know Rivera will be available for two innings since his last day of work was Sunday. Who knows, maybe Pettitte pitches a gem on short rest and all this becomes moot.

Tags: 2009 World Series, Andy Pettitte, Damaso Marte, David Robertson, Joba Chamberlain, Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees, Pedro Martinez, Phil Hughes, Philadelphia Phillies