Berkman sees no problem with layoff

While there has been some concern about the long layoff the Yankees have between the Division Series and American League Championship Series, Lance Berkman doesn't see a downside to the break.

"If you can't get up for an ALCS game against a good opponent, you should be doing something else," the designated hitter said after Tuesday afternoon's workout at the Stadium.

The Yankees last played Saturday night when they completed a three-game sweep of the Twins. Before yesterday's workout, Joba Chamberlain, Boone Logan, Sergio Mitre, Dustin Moseley, David Robertson and Kerry Wood pitched against Francisco Cervelli, Greg Golson, Austin Kearns and Ramiro Peña in a simulated game.

"That was the purpose of Tuesday, to get the guys back out there and sharp," Joe Girardi said.

He said there is moderate worry about the long break.

"You do get a little bit concerned," Girardi said, "but this is the time of year they probably could use the extra rest."

CC's sides

Friday's start for CC Sabathia will be his first since Oct. 6, a rest of eight days. Pitching coach Dave Eiland said the Yankees have had the lefthander throw a couple of extra side sessions to keep him sharp but won't have him throw a simulated game.

"That's really all you can do," Eiland said. "You're not going to put a guy like that, who pitched innings in a simulated game. That's too risky."

Faith in Joba

While Chamberlain clearly has been moved down in the bullpen pecking order, or at least behind Robertson and Kerry Wood, Eiland said that shouldn't be read as a lack of confidence in the righthander. "Joba's throwing the ball good, he ended up the season throwing the ball good," Eiland said. "Joba's going to play a big part in this before we're finished."

Keeping watch

Girardi said there was nothing organized insofar as watching last night’s deciding game between the Rays and Rangers.

“I’m sure our staff will watch it but I’m sure there will be players who won’t watch it,” Girardi said. “They don’t really have an effect on the game, our players, and they know both clubs, so we’ll have plenty of time to get ready.”

Extra bases

Regardless of the winner of last night’s game, the Yankees, who will work out again at the Stadium this afternoon, plan was to fly to either St. Petersburg, Fla., or Arlington, Texas, tomorrow morning and work out later in the day . . . Besides Burnett, Javier Vazquez and Chad Gaudin, both of whom were left off the Division Series roster, also will throw in today’s simulated game.