Taking Stock Of The Current Rotation Situation

Those Locked In

- CC Sabathia: Recovering from recent knee surgery to repair his meniscus tear, the big fella was seen walking without a limp at the Nets game last night.  He's scheduled to begin a 3-6 week rehab stint to get ready for Spring Training 2011.  All looks well so far after surgery but the revelation by Joe  that he had dealt with the knee injury all year in 2010 has to be a concern going forward.

- A.J. Burnett: In all likelihood he will be relegated to at least the 4th starter role next year after this season's debacle.  A change at pitching coach could bring improvement next season.  Shit, it would be hard to not improve on last year's numbers, new pitching coach aside.  He'll be in the mix next year because of his hefty contract, but his 2011 performance could determine how much longer the Yanks are willing to put up with him.

- Phil Hughes: Probably still taking some time off after his career-high workload this season.  All restrictions should come off next year as far as innings and Phil will be expected to make improvements on his weaknesses from 2010 and become the likely 3rd starter.  The changeup needs to become a part of the everyday arsenal next year.

The Internal Question Mark

- Andy Pettitte: The post-ALCS story about Andy's postseason injury woes casts a dark cloud over the possibility of his return next season.  He's surely doing the family thing right now and will probably take a few more weeks to decide what his plans are for 2011.  Given how badly he broke down at the end of this season I don't expect him to go through that again.

The Big Free Agent Prize

- Cliff Lee: sitting at home licking his wife's wounds from her Yankee Stadium treatment and getting ready to hit the open market with a big payday on the horizon.  I still don't think he will get CC money (7 years/$161 million), but he'll certainly get north of 20 mil per year, especially with the Yankees making the biggest push for him.  No way he doesn't get the best offer from the Yanks, whether he decides to take that is up to him.

The Internal Backup Plan

- Ivan Nova: The most likely candidate to take the 5th rotation spot should Andy decide not to come back a/o Lee decide to not take the money.  Nova was like a mini-Phil Hughes last year in his first Major League work experience, flashing brilliant stuff and a willingness to attack hitters, but failing to change his approach the 2nd and 3rd times through the lineup.  Even if he doesn't break camp in the rotation in 2011, he will be the first one to fill in if/when injuries strike, so he'll be expected to produce.

The External Backup Plans

- Zack Greinke: According to the latest rumors, Greinke said he wouldn't accept a trade to the Bronx, but the Royals might feel differently depending on the package the Yankees offer.  I know Greinke is a stud and entering his prime, but I would have serious reservations about giving up some top prospects and possibly Gardner for a potential headcase.  We've seen guys who didn't have SAD wilt under the NY media spotlight.

- Hiroki Kuroda: Would really only be considered if Pettitte and Lee don't end up in pinstripes, but I know I wouldn't want him.

- Jake Westbrook: See above.

The FA Injury Risks

- Erik Bedard & Chris Young:  Both officially hit the open market after not having options picked up by their teams yesterday.  The Yanks have shown interest in Bedard in the past, but after not going after similar cases in Ben Sheets and Justin Duchsherer last season I can't see either of these guys getting consideration unless absolutely everything else fell through. 

The Unthinkable

- Javy Vazquez: Don't even think about it!!