Yanks officially announce playoff roster

The Yankees have unveiled their roster for the ALDS. Let’s take a look. We’ll discuss afterward.

Starting Pitchers
CC Sabathia – LHP
A.J. Burnett – RHP
Andy Pettitte – LHP

Relief Pitchers
Mariano Rivera – RHP
Phil Hughes – RHP
David Robertson – RHP
Damaso Marte – LHP
Phil Coke – LHP
Alfredo Aceves – RHP
Joba Chamberlain – RHP
Chad Gaudin – RHP

Catchers
Jorge Posada
Jose Molina
Francisco Cervelli

Infielders
Mark Teixeira
Robinson Cano
Derek Jeter
Alex Rodriguez
Jerry Hairston, Jr.
Eric Hinske

Outfielders
Johnny Damon
Nick Swisher
Melky Cabrera
Brett Gardner

Designated Hitter
Hideki Matsui

* * *

It’s interesting to see how Joe Girardi’s game plan shakes down through roster construction. The Yanks have opted to take eight relievers despite having three starting pitchers who can go deep into games. With Damaso Marte and Phil Coke on the team, Girardi can match up well against the Twins lefties. Still, I’d rather see Phil Hughes facing Joe Mauer or Jason Kubel with the game on the line in, say, the 7th inning.

With Jose Molina set to catch A.J. Burnett’s start in Game 2 (and potentially Game 5), the Yankees are carrying Francisco Cervelli too. I’m a bit intrigued by that decision because Hideki Matsui will DH when Molina catches. The Yanks can then remove Molina for Posada without wasting the DH spot. What Cervelli allows them to do, though, is pinch run for Posada with Brett Gardner if the need arises. Freddy Guzman, by the way, did not make the cut.

I’d be pretty surprised to see Chad Gaudin get into any of these ALDS games, and I wonder what Joba’s role will be. Anyway, 6:07 p.m. can’t come soon enough. And while we wait, don’t forget to check out Joe’s ALDS position-by-position breakdown.