YES analyst Ken Singleton talked with the Post’s Justin Terranova about why this Yankees team is well-suited for a World Series run, what his postseason rotation would look like and the greatness of Mariano Rivera.
Why do you think these Yankees are better suited for a World Series run than last year’s team?
I think (Derek) Jeter is having a better year. In a way, him going on the disabled list was a blessing in disguise because he’s come back revitalized and hitting the ball like he did five years ago. He was making a lot of soft outs in the beginning of the season and last year, but now even when he makes an out it’s pretty well hit. And anytime you lose and get knocked out, you don’t want to have that feeling again.
What would your Yankees postseason rotation look like?
I talked to (A.J.) Burnett a few weeks ago and told him he was due for a big run and now he seems to be throwing the ball a little bit better. I’d be hesitant to take him out now, but it’s a difficult choice. So, I’d have to look at it as who would be most valuable in the bullpen and to me that’s Phil Hughes and Bartolo Colon. Colon did it in the beginning of the year and Hughes did it in the past.
What has stuck out to you the most from Mariano Rivera’s time with the Yankees?
He’s like an everyday player and the other team constantly has him in mind. That’s the presence he has on every game and in that way his value goes beyond the games he gets into. His durability and ability to repeat his motion over and over again, and his command is impeccable.
Do you expect Jesus Montero to be a part of the Yankees everyday postseason lineup?
It seems as though Joe Girardi is getting him in there now versus right-handers as well. Maybe against (Justin) Verlander or somebody like him, he might feel like the kid is overmatched. But if he’s really hot there’s no reason not to stick him in there.
Any concerns about Alex Rodriguez’s lingering thumb injury?
Hopefully that thumb is going to hold up. Right now it seems like he plays a few days then it acts up again, and maybe he needs a winter-time’s rest to get it completely healed.