Yankees use World Series to highlight need for new starting pitcher

November 2, 11:17 AMSports ExaminerPaula Duffy

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   CC Sabathia on the mound for the Yankees.  (AP:J. Jacobson)

The Yankees committed to a three-man rotation in the World Series, something that hasn't been tried since 1992. Critics hissed that it wasn't a winning strategy for a seven-game stretch.

To make matters worse their set-up relief corps wilted. It looked like Mariano Rivera would have to be a rotation of one at the end of games.

On the surface it looked like a disaster in the making. Phillies' fans believed the team would pick over the bones of the Yankees as they celebrated back-to-back Series wins.

But with the Yanks up 3-1, even if A.J. Burnett isn't dominant on three days rest, the Yankees have two games at home to win their 27th World Series.

Not only that, but Mariano Rivera used for two innings and 39 pitches to clinch game two wasn't needed for more than one quick inning in each of the next two games.

While the Yankees' brass will celebrate another banner to hang in the new Yankee Stadium, it had to be a concern to realize they couldn't throw a fourth or fifth starter out there with confidence.

It was really manager Joe Girardi's decision. Besides believing it gave his team the best chance to win it shone a spotlight on the need for a guy who can carry a team in the pressure cooker of post-season play. Likely result?  The team will spend more of its big pile of cash to get another reliable guy.

My nominee is John Lackey. The guy can pitch big innings, has won a World Series with the Angels, knows American League hitters and is another stable veteran to join the three-horse lineup of Pettite, Sabathia and Burnett.

Girardi's move put pressure on the Steinbrenners and you know they take a challenge seriously. The checkbook will be open and as we saw last year, the Yankees can outbid the Angels by a wide margin. If I'm Lackey's agent I'm already licking my chops. He's a sly fox that Girardi.

For more info: Yankees Examiner Pete Sabatini breaks down all the games, here

Examiner.com has full coverage of the World Series, here