Here are my choices and why for the first round playoff roster for the World Champion NEW YORK YANKEES. We are looking for the best twenty-five players who could be of the most value to help the team WIN through the first round of the American League playoffs.
Starting with the pitching staff, probably the most important position on any team. I go with eleven pitchers...1. CC Sabathia, 2. Andy Pettitte, 3. Phil Hughes, 4. AJ Burnett, as the possible starters. 5. Mariano Rivera, as the closer. 6. Boone Logan, 7. Royce Ring as the lefty relievers. I choose Ring to give Girardi somewhat more flexibility in the spot lefty reliever spot. 8. Joba Chamberlain, 9. Kerry Wood, 10. David Robertson, as the right handed relievers and 11. Ivan Nova as the possible long reliever if needed and or spot reliever.
For catcher, I would carry just two, 12. Jorge Posada, and 13. Francisco Cervelli.
At first base, it would be 14. Mark Teixeira, and 15. Lance Berkman.
At second, third, and short my selections are 16. Derek Jeter (the best baseball player in MLB over the past decade and a half), 17. Robinson Cano, 18. Alex Rodriquez, 19. Ramiro Pena, and 20. Eduardo Nunez, the last two for base stealing speed and late defensive prowess at third base.
Finally for the outfield, 21. Brett Gardner, 22. Nick Swisher, 23. Curtis Granderson, 24. Marcus Thames, and 25. Greg Golson. Golson for late inning defense and the ability to steal in a crucial situation.
In my view, this group of twenty-five offers the best pitching, hitting, defense, speed, and flexibility in order to cover any aspect of any game depending on any situation.
WIN METHOD, you have better player talent knowledge than anyone in baseball. I therefor think you roster would be second to none. Love ya.
ReplyDeleteI like your choices WIN METHOD. Just as long as Austin Kearns is not on the team. They have to get rid of him. I may even lose my faith in Girardi if he puts him on the post season roster.
ReplyDeletei can go with that roster. But we need to finish business to get into the playoffs with a WIN or two.
ReplyDeleteThis could be a big game for the Yankees, considering Moseley goes tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteYes Kearns K's yet again first time up. I agree, adios amigo.
ReplyDelete2 down, 4 to go.
ReplyDeleteOh well, just look at all the joy we are bringing to the Yankee haters.
ReplyDeleteOne win against the bosux and one win against Toronto is all we need to finish off the season. Preparing for the playoffs is paramount right now. Moseley tonight, then on the road for the final six games.
ReplyDeleteHow much would it irk the bosux fns if we lose all six games to the bosux but win the three games against Toronto to clinch the playoffs. How sweet.
ReplyDeleteI am wondering if Nova will be on the post season roster considering his lack of MLB experience. Girardi may wish to go with Gaudin or Mitre for the long reliever role.
ReplyDeleteYou may be right Giambino. I would think Girardi will do what he thinks best. He has the inside info, none of us have. But WIN METHOD is likely very close.
ReplyDeleteIt would be really nice to win this game tonight and put an end to everything.
ReplyDeleteThat would be to easy Linda.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Moseley could be pitching for a post season roster spot tonight. I f he pitches real well, it may be hard to leave him off.
ReplyDeleteGirardi it appears is giving everyone an audition.
ReplyDeleteThe playoffs will be the big WHEN. Pitching and hitting WHEN it counts the most will carry the day while the also rans are watching on TV.
ReplyDeleteGirardi decided to go with Hughes tonight. Very interesting. Surely setting up his playoff rotation.
ReplyDeleteWOW! What a game with the game winning walk off RBI from yet another YANKEE home grown talent.
ReplyDeleteThat just about officially clinches the playoff berth. Yes WIN METHOD, it was a wow game. Everything was top notch but for Mo.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't easy, but it was a win, and we are in the playoffs again.
ReplyDeleteOn to Toronto and then Boston to conclude the 162 game season. Preparation leads to victories.
ReplyDeleteCC, Andy, AJ. then CC, Andy if needed in the first round.
ReplyDeleteLets start playing like World Champions. Never mind, wail until next week.
ReplyDeleteI see AJ is tuning up for the payoffs. He should lose his starting spot to Hughes.
ReplyDeleteBurnett will probably get one more start to get himself straight. What an enigma.
ReplyDeleteI realy wonder if Burnett is a legitimate head case. When he is interviewed, he speaks intelligently and well. But on the mound, he is all over the place.
ReplyDeleteOK so we win tonight and it's over with.
ReplyDeleteCC to clinch it officially tonight.
ReplyDeleteCC wins, the Yankees win. On to the playoffs.
ReplyDeleteNow is the time to get everyone as healthy as possible for the second season and make the final roster decisions. If Pettitte can be ready for next week all should be fine. Andy may be the key to everything.
ReplyDeleteVasquez slated for tonight. His audition?
ReplyDeleteThat means Andy will get only one more start and that would be this weekend in Boston. Lets see what shakes out.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts. I would rather be the wild card and get the Twins in the first round.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like Javy Vazquez has cemented his faith and should not be on the post season roster.
ReplyDeleteNice game from the pen after Vazquez is lifted. Bye bye Javy.
ReplyDeleteThe smoke must be coming out of the ears of Yankee decision makers on the playoff roster and rotation. Hit the right buttons guys.
ReplyDeleteRest and recoup today, our future is in our hands and we will determine our fate on the field.
ReplyDeleteAndy will probably fill the two slot behind CC if he shows enough in Boston.
ReplyDeleteThere is an added advantage of having Pettitte pitch game two> If the series goes five games, 1 CC 2 Andy 3 Hughes or Burnett 4 CC on three days rest 5 Pettitte on full rest. If a team can beat CC and Pettitte twice in one series they deserve to win.
ReplyDeleteNo matter what Girardi decides certain factions will take pot shots at him. No matter what the outcome, the result is decided on the field by the players.
ReplyDeleteAnd the result is decided by WINS. Nothing else matters, only which teams WINS the required games first.
ReplyDeleteHope the rain doesn't affect the Yankee plans this weekend. But if it does, I am sure they will work around it and play whatever hand they are dealt.
ReplyDeleteTime for the core four to start putting rings on their other hand.
ReplyDeleteAll things consideredd, it has been a great weekend in Boston so far. We WILL be ready for the playoffs.
ReplyDeleteShould be an interesting first round of playoffs.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the playoff roster. Go Yankees.
ReplyDeleteIt would be great to win the first round in three straight. Better yet, how about an eleven game win streak.
ReplyDeleteOn to the playoffs. Lets shine and take it all.
ReplyDeleteOur game two pitcher hasn't even been announced yet.
ReplyDeleteThe Yankee bad September will make for a great October. great teams respond to bad times. But were they really bad times or just Girardi getting guys healthy who had nagging injuries, testing and auditioning the staff, and preparing for the playoffs which any sane fan knew was in the bag before September started. None the less, go Yankees.
ReplyDeleteAll we need is some timely hitting. WHEN we hit will determine how the series goes.
ReplyDeleteCC wins game one and we are off to the races.
ReplyDeleteWINS, nothing else matters. The first team to eleven is the champion.
ReplyDeleteYou play 162 games to see which eight teams win the most to get into the playoffs. then you advance through the playoffs only by winning. With the first team to win 11 games becoming the best in baseball. But all you hear is stat frauds saying how good their individual stat players are, who are home watching the best players and teams fight for the World Series.
ReplyDeleteJust a little disappointed with playoff roster. I can't believe Kearns is there. Maybe I will be surprised.
ReplyDeleteI agree Gus. I don't know why Kearns is there, but as WIN METHOD has said,..the manager on the field has insight and info we do not. I would have rather had Nunez than Kearns. And Ring over Mitre.
ReplyDeleteThe Rays go down to the Rangers. We better be sharp tonight.
ReplyDeleteGo Yankees. Go CC. Dominate.
ReplyDeleteCan the bullpen hold up??????
ReplyDeleteLets go Mo. Lets go Yankees. Three more outs.
ReplyDeleteThe best bullpen in baseball gives us three shutout innings and the win for CC.
ReplyDeleteMo looked good and gets the save, again.
ReplyDeleteOne in the bank, ten more to go.
ReplyDeleteLets get game two with Andy. How about that rotten call from the umpires on Golsons catch. Six umps and they can't get it right.
ReplyDeleteI'm tired and have to get up for work. I wouldn't miss a pitch, no how no way. Go Yankees.
ReplyDeleteBats woke up just in time. CC gutted out the win without his best stuff. Bullpen did its job.
ReplyDeleteNice to take the first game on the road. Sweep would be great right now.
ReplyDeleteLets get an easy win with Andy in game two.
ReplyDeleteSparkling defense from Jeter. Some hits WHEN it counted. Clutch pitching from the relievers WIN the game for the Yankees. Do it again, guys.
ReplyDeleteAndy could be the key to the playoff drive. If he does what he does best, we can win it all.
ReplyDeletePettitte will come up big. He thrives on big games.
ReplyDeleteHits WHEN they count carry the day. Stat frauds are crying in their pablum.
ReplyDeleteA win today could lead to a sweep. Go Yankees.
ReplyDeleteWIN METHOD, you only missed a couple of playoff roster selections. And the ones that Girardi selected instead of yours will likely get no fact time during the series. Go Andy.
ReplyDeleteWIN Andy. Mow them down. Your turn today Arod. Lets do it. 28 in 10.
ReplyDeleteAlmost game time. Rays look dead in the water.
ReplyDeletePettitte does it. The Yankees win. Sweep with Hughes Saturday.
ReplyDeleteGreat win. The entire game could have turned on Jeters great defensive play to turn a DP in the first inning. Jeter made a leaping catch of a ball headed towards centerfield, came down on the bag at second to nip the hard sliding runner, avoided the take out slide and threw a strike to first for the DP. Best defensive shortstop in baseball.
ReplyDeleteAndy goes seven solid innings. The bullpen gives us two more shutout innings and we take two in Minnesota.
ReplyDeleteGranderson has sure come up big so far in the playoffs. Best bullpen in baseball continues to shine.
ReplyDeleteVery nice win. Yes, winning WHEN it counts.
ReplyDeleteAnother great game from the World champion Yankees. That's five innings of shutout ball from the bullpen so far.
ReplyDeleteCome home, take the day off, then finish off the first round with a sweep tomorrow. 28 in 10.
ReplyDeleteGreatest baseball blog ever.
ReplyDeleteOne game at a time. One win at a time. Nine more to go. Lets streak it out.
ReplyDeleteLets keep it going Yankee fans. Anyone going to Saturday night game, get loud, make noise and welcome the World Champions home.
ReplyDeletePetttite was Pettitte, that's why we won. Everyone in the batting order is contributing in some way, from top to bottom. Getting enough runs WHEN it counts.
ReplyDeleteDid anyone else see CC's comments when one of the dumb reporters asked him about the weakness of the YANKEE pitching staff other than CC. CC said.... that the second starter, Pettitte had the most wins in post season history than anyone in all of baseball. the third starter had 18 wins, and the bullpen was the best in baseball with the closer being the best in baseball history. If you think that is weak then you guys have problems.
ReplyDeleteI saw it bigbadwolf. CC laid into the reporters very succinctly while being polite.
ReplyDeleteI didn't see it, but I heard about it. Awesome. The sportswriters create situations in their minds to give them something to write about. Real jerks, like the talk forum flunkies.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff guys. I detest the baseball talk forums. you have some of the dumbest people in the world posting on those sites. worst of all, almost everyone there is some kink of stat freak.
ReplyDeleteA win tomorrow and a sweep could give us a great chance to have the pitching staff rotation just the way Girardi wants it, and allows some nagging injuries to heal.
ReplyDeleteOK, tonight we can seal the first round. Lets go Yankees.
ReplyDeleteLets win it all for George.
ReplyDeleteGo Yankees. Win.
ReplyDeleteHi johnny. You are a great YANKEE supporter. Always remember, winning is why you compete. Nothing wrong with giving your best and losing. Most of us,do lose more often than we win. Even the best lose more than they win, but they win more than other competitors. Ask your dad.
ReplyDeleteBig game from Phil Hughes tonight. He is still learning and will be a big time consistent winner.
ReplyDeleteEnd it tonight guys and end it big time. Throw strike Hughes and let the Yankee bats take charge at home.
ReplyDeleteEnd it tonight. Then prepare for the next series. Nine more wins, wins it all.
ReplyDeleteRock and roll guys. Make the bleacher creatures very happy. 28 in 10.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice game from Hughes and the Yankees. Sweep is at hand.
ReplyDeleteSSSWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPP! Three down and eight to go.
ReplyDeleteNice easy win for a change. great pitching and timely hitting. Go Yankees.
ReplyDeleteTime to relax and enjoy and wait to see who we play down the road.
ReplyDeleteWhat a solid pitching staff. Girardi has done a fantastic job setting up this team in September.
ReplyDeleteenjoy guys, but there is more work to be done. But you all know that. Eight more wins does it.
ReplyDeleteGreat baseball, great blog, great fans here. Thanks everybody for being so positive so often. No whining.
ReplyDeleteGreat game from Hughes. Strike one, strike two, strike one strike two. What a job the Yankees have done bringing this kid along. He is only 24 and has many productive big time years ahead of him with a strong healthy arm.
ReplyDeleteGreat observations Yankeeforever. I agree. we also get a week off before our next series. Come back with strong well rested arms and bats ready to explode.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pleasant weekend. With a week off before the action starts again WIN Yankees.
ReplyDeleteIf the Rays win today, wouldn't that mean a Lee/Price rematch in game 5 and then either of the winning teams ace would not be able to start the next round against the Yankees? Sorry, I know we WIN METHOD fans don't think that way, but it is a fact of life.
ReplyDeleteIf there is a game five, then either ace would need to start on three days rest in game two of the ALCS or start game three on five days rest. Lets not count any chickens at this point. Each game is one at a time and we need just to win.
ReplyDeleteYou guys called it. There will be a game five in Tampa. Rest and prepare team.
ReplyDeleteSince Lee had something to prove and beat Price last out, I think the reverse is true this time and Price will defeat Lee. Very WIN METHOD of me.
ReplyDeleteBoth teams are real good. We will have our hands full with either. Go Yankees. 28 in 10.
ReplyDeleteAs long as we play as a team, we will be fine. Everyone contributes.
ReplyDeleteWe are in the catbird seat. Just play well, concentrate, no over confidence, and win.
ReplyDeleteEight more wins fans. Root root root for the Yankees. 28 in 10.
ReplyDeleteToday we find out who we play friday. The best team and players will win.
ReplyDeleteIt also means indoor or outdoor games at the winners home park. I see AJ is slated to pitch game four with CC, Andy, and Phil going in games one, two, three and if needed in games five, six, and seven.
ReplyDeleteOne game at a time and don't count any chickens before they are hatched. 28 in 10.
ReplyDeleteOK Texas, Tampa, who wants to place us. Hsve at it guys and the best team will win.
ReplyDeleteTexas wanted it more and they earned it, stealing victory away from a mentally sloppy Rays team. On to Texas and the ALCS.
ReplyDeleteWe now know who we play. Prepare, get ready, dominate and take charge. Four more win to get to the WS.
ReplyDelete28 in 10 guys, that's the goal.
ReplyDeleteLikely a new roster for the ALCS?
ReplyDeleteTomorrow we take the next step to 28 in 10. We are the Champions.
ReplyDeleteYes Victor, we are the champions, and will be again.
ReplyDeleteJust keep throwing strikes and bring the bats and all will be fine. Is a sweep possible?
ReplyDeleteYankees are going with same roster for ALCS. No changes.
ReplyDeleteWhen you sweep a series, why change anything.
ReplyDeleteCC with the extra rest should be strong and dominant. Go Yankees.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for the series to start. I'm pumped.
ReplyDeleteThe New York Yankees are world renown and are the champion of champions. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteLets go Yankees. Lets go Yankees.
ReplyDeleteD e r e k J e t e r. D e r e k J e t e r. Hip hip Jorge. Hip hip Jorge. Mr. Sandman send me a save.
OK WIN METHOD fans. give us your predicted scores for tonights game.
ReplyDeleteMine is Yankees 6-2.
5-3 Yankees.
ReplyDeleteYankees 3-1
ReplyDeleteYanks 3-2.
ReplyDelete1-0 Yankees.
ReplyDeleteYankees 4-2
ReplyDeleteThe Bronx Bombers 7-0.
ReplyDeleteI'll go with 8-4 Yanks.
ReplyDelete4-3 Yankees with Mo getting the save.
ReplyDelete3-2 Yankees.
ReplyDelete5-1 Yankees.
ReplyDeleteTry for the Yankees 3-0.
ReplyDeleteNYY 5-2
ReplyDelete7-5 Yankees.
ReplyDeleteLets try 7-3 Yanks.
ReplyDeleteI'll be the rat. 4-3 Rangers.
ReplyDeleteThe grinch bosux fan strikes. I'll go with the Yankees, 7-2.
ReplyDelete6-1 Yankees.
ReplyDeleteNew York 4-1.
ReplyDelete2-0 Yankees.
ReplyDelete6-3 World Cahmpions
ReplyDeleteI just got home and saw all the score post. I will go with Yankees by 5-3.
ReplyDeleteYankees 6-2
ReplyDeleteNo other choice but the Yankees 4-1.
ReplyDeleteNew York big time 12-2.
ReplyDeleteYankees 3-2.
ReplyDeleteYanks in four straight. Game one 6-0.
ReplyDeleteYanks 2-1.
ReplyDeleteGo Yankees 3-2.
ReplyDeleteI guess I have to join the fun.
ReplyDeleteThe World Champion New York YANKEES 5-1.
One game at a time, one win at a time. 7-1 Yankees.
ReplyDeleteYankees, 5-0.
ReplyDeleteYankees 4-3.
ReplyDeleteSomeone has to be crazy. Yankees 10-8
ReplyDeleteThe good guys from New York 4-0.
ReplyDeleteLess than an hour to the action and a Yankee win by a score of 6-2.
ReplyDeleteMy Yankee team and CC 8-0.
ReplyDelete2-1 Yankees in a nail biter.
ReplyDeleteYanks by a score of 4-2.
ReplyDeleteLet the game begin and end with a CC shutout. 3-0.
ReplyDeleteRock 'em Yankees. 9-3.
ReplyDeleteNot a good start for CC and the Yankees.
ReplyDeleteTwo more chances or we are down one game.
ReplyDeleteBig time comeback. Canwe hold it with Texas having two more chances.
ReplyDeleteWhat an inning. Come on Yankees.
ReplyDeleteWoods does his job. Lets get Mo and insurance run.
ReplyDeleteJeter tried for the insurance run, but 2,3,4 couldn't deliver him. Mo time.
ReplyDeleteMo does it. Yankee bullpen throws five scoreless innings to win game.
ReplyDeleteA lot of when hitting by the Yanks in the 8th inning. Tough game for the Rangers to lose.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a comeback, with many big at bats in the eight for the team win.
ReplyDeleteA never give up win. super start for us in the ALCS. Texas already has a must win game tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteKudos to Zhaire whose prediction was a one run 4-3 score. but also added a Mo save. To Deb F. who had the closest score at 7-5. And finally Linda Pardo who called a nail biter game. The ladies have it.
ReplyDeleteThis game and win defines WIN METHOD baseball. How many different players contributed for the win! This type of win buries the stat frauds and their ignorant BS.
ReplyDeleteOK everyone get some sleep and lets do it again tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThe Yankees rule. What a complete team.
ReplyDeleteI have to calm down before I will be able to sleep.
ReplyDeleteNow for Hughes to finish off the road trip in grand style. Here's my prediction. Yankees and Hughes 7-2 as Texas finally scores a run off Hughes for the first time this year in Texas.
ReplyDeleteDid anyone see the dugout shot of CC last night after he was taken out of game. He was silently fuming. He will be the real CC next out against Texas, if needed.
ReplyDeleteMy pick for todays game is Yankees 10-1.
Yanks 6-0. Hughes keeps his scoreless innings going. And thanks for the shout out.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely finish last night. Best is the quick turn around today. Just eight hours to game time. Go Yankees.
ReplyDeletescore Yankees 5-2.
Four down, seven more to go. One game a day. Yankees 9-1.
ReplyDeleteYankees but closer than many think, 4-3.
ReplyDeleteI almost had you guys last night. I'll take the Rangers again, 3-2.
ReplyDeleteYankees 10-2.
ReplyDeleteYankees 6-0.
ReplyDelete