MLB

CC aiming at magic No. 20

CC Sabathia has a chance to make a big notch in his pitching belt tonight against the Rays at Tropicana Field.

The big lefty has a Cy Young notch and hopes by early next month to add a World Series title. But tonight the Yankees’ ace can win a 20th game for the first time in his nine-year career.

“It’s not a goal, it would be cool, I guess,” Sabathia said.

CC SHOOTS FOR 20th WIN

STILL WAITING ON TIGERS

“It’s the same thing as the Cy Young. You don’t think about that kind of stuff — I mean, I never did. Coming up, you want to make the big leagues and be successful. I never thought about winning the Cy Young or winning 20 games, always just wanted to win a championship.

“It would definitely be cool [to win 20]. I’m not saying I won’t go out and do everything to win the game, but if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen.”

Since this is Sabathia’s last start before hurling Game 1 of the ALDS next week, he is expected to go five innings. So, if he is to win 20 he will need help from the bullpen.

Should Sabathia, who won 19 in 2007 (the year he won the Cy Young), pitch as well as he has been lately, he will have a solid chance. He hasn’t lost since July 28. In 10 starts since Aug. 2, Sabathia is 9-0. He blanked the Red Sox, 3-0, in his last outing.

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If the Yankees carry three catchers during the ALDS, it’s not because they are concerned about Jorge Posada’s shoulder/neck problem.

“If we decide we need three catchers, it has nothing to do with that,” GM Brian Cashman said. “That’s not an issue. I talked to the doctor, and he is fine.”

Posada has had the problem since being involved in the brawl against the Blue Jays on Sept. 15, when he was ejected and suspended for three games.

As for carrying three catchers, a rare move, Cashman didn’t rule out taking Jose Molina and neophyte Francisco Cervelli.

“That’s a possibility, it’s been discussed,” Cashman said.

With three catchers, manager Joe Girardi could run for Posada or Molina and not have to worry about being down to one catcher. Posada also could be available to DH against lefties, though Hideki Matsui has handled them well.

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With the Tigers hosting the White Sox at 7:05 tonight and the Twins playing the Royals at 8:10, the Yankees might have to work a little longer than how long it takes to play their game against the Rays.

If the Tigers win and the Twins lose, the Tigers will win the AL Central. The Yankees will have an hour after the Twins game to tell MLB what ALDS series they want.

Since only three starters are required due to days off, many believe the Yankees will select the “A” series that will start Wednesday.

That way, Sabathia and A.J. Burnett or Andy Pettitte would start twice if the best-of-five series goes the distance. Of course, the Tigers could get two starts from Justin Verlander and Edwin Jackson.

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Sabathia (19-7, 3.21 ERA) opens a three-game series against LHP David Price (9-7, 4.60).

Pettitte (14-7, 4.11) draws RHP Jeff Niemann (12-6, 3.94) tomorrow night, and Burnett (12-9, 4.10) faces RHP Wade Davis (2-1, 3.45) Sunday.