Win or lose in Game 1, the real key was going to be Friday’s AJ Burnett start. Why? Because Burnett can has the ability to be every bit the pitcher that CC Sabathia is, and maybe better. The thought of teaming up Roy Halladay with Sabathia in July made the Yanks look scary in October. Burnett, when on, can give the same effect. I believe that can be the case regardless of whether Cervelli, Posada, or Molina catch him.

Feast or Famine was the best way to describe Burnett in 2009. During his wins he produced an ERA of 1.81, nearly 10 strikeouts per nine innings, a 3 to 1 K/BB ratio, and averaged just a shade less than 7 innings. During losses he was hit hard and barely lasted into the fifth. He produced an ERA over 7.00, and a WHIP very similar to Sergio Mitre. When reading the stat line I thought I had erroneously searched Oliver Perez instead of Burnett. Pitchers like Burnett are prone to streaks. The postseason would be a perfect time for him to get on a roll, similar to what we saw in June. Of course, we won’t be facing the Mets and Marlins, but he proved against Boston in August that he doesn’t need a pitcher hitting for success.

If Burnett is on this series will be over. Even if he pitches poorly I have my doubts that Nick Blackburn can shut down the Yankees but, if he does, than this series does start to take the David vs. Goliath shape. Andy Pettitte is a gamer, but no sure thing, and Burnett is slated to start a must win Game 5.

The Yankees spent $80 million for a #2 starter that have ace potential. They saw that guy in about a third of his starts this season. Now the dividend can pay off if Burnett channels the guy that shut down Boston on August 7th. He can make the catching controversy moot as well. If that happens, I think 10 more wins will come easier than we all could imagine.

Small Sample Size Vindicated

All year I spoke about how CC Sabathia and Alex Rodriguez would face a “legacy of failure” when the postseason started. Many believe postseason numbers are nothing more than a small sample size. Unfortunately for both that small sample size continued to grow each year. Last night both guys came up “aces” as A-Rod got two hits and Sabathia pitched one run ball into the seventh. I think both performances were essentially to get the “monkey of the back” and forget about prior postseason failures. Did you know that last time A-Rod got multiple postseason RBI’s John Olerud was his teammate, George W Bush hadn’t started his second term, and Omar Minaya was only a month on the job? Just think how much has changed since then.

Francesa Booed

There was buzz all over twitter, from individuals at the game, about how Mike Francesa was booed when he appeared on the big screen. It amazes me how we continue to hear from Team Chernoff that nothing can be better at WFAN. If Francesa is so loved why the hate at the game? Remember, he is a Yankees fan and very rarely takes his beloved pinstripes to task. That is reserved for the team in Queens. Funny how ratings can be good when you have the only sports station in town. Something tells me WFAN’s approval mirrors that of Congress (21%) and less what Chernoff tells us.

Also, why would a station flowing with revenue need to run .gov ads? Does anyone honestly think the government is generous, or better yet, timely payers? Can anyone say free?

Entourage fans know the scene from Sunday where Ari walked into his newly acquired company and “paintballed” employees that he wanted to fire. If there ever was an organization that deserved that treatment it would be the dead wood in WFAN management. No worries, they are moving to a new studio in Manhattan. Those Chernoff lunches are moving up from the Greek diners in Astoria to Carmines. I am sure advertisers will be running to the FAN in droves

NYBD Radio Tonight

We will be talking Yankees baseball tonight as I recap Game 1 and preparing for Game 2 with NYBD contributor Frank Russo at 7pm. If you like to call in the # is 646-716-8187. You can also listen live by clicking here.

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

Mike Silva

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Tags: AJ Burnett, ALDS, Alex Rodriguez, CC Sabathia, Jorge Posada, Mike Francesa, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, WFAN