The Yankees do not have to submit their ALDS roster until midnight tonight and GM Brian Cashman said yesterday decisions still could be made depending who the opponent is.
The Yankees started talking about carrying three catchers — very rare in the postseason — a month ago to give manager Joe Girardi pinch-running flexibility. And with Jose Molina likely to catch A.J. Burnett in Game 2 or 3, running or hitting for Molina late in the game is a must. The Yanks would also consider carrying Francisco Cervelli.
NO PLAYOFF BLUSTER FROM THE BOSS
While the Yankees liked what they saw of Freddy Guzman on the bases, the need for two utility infielders will likely over-ride Guzman being a second pinch-runner.
Carrying 10 pitchers — CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte, Joba Chamberlain, Mariano Rivera, Alfredo Aceves, Phil Coke, Damaso Marte, David Robertson and Phil Hughes — instead of 11 provides roster flexibility. Other projected roster spots would go to infielders Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Jerry Hairston, Ramiro Pena, Eric Hinske, outfielders Johnny Damon, Brett Gardner, Melky Cabrera, Nick Swisher and Hideki Matsui.