tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Decision Time For Girardi, Yanks

Ivan Nova established last night that he belongs in the Yankee starting rotation as he pitched solidly into the 7th inning leading the Yankees to a 9-3 win over the Angels. Before the game, Manager Joe Girardi announced that Nova will be in the starting rotation and that it was coming down to AJ Burnett and Phil Hughes to round out the pitching rotation with the loser heading to the bullpen. From where I sit, it might take a perfect game by Phil Hughes to keep him in the starting rotation. Hughes has been in the bullpen before and has performed well as you may remember 2009. Burnett has not pitched out of the bullpen and once again there are $62 million reasons why he won't be moved from the rotation.

If Hughes pitches well Saturday, he should remain in the starting five. But somehow I don't think that will happen. It's unfortunate that size of contract will dictate who does what as opposed to performance. I just don't see Girardi and the Yankees having the guts to do the right thing.