Cashman won't specify Yanks' ALDS pitching plan

BOSTON - Judging by what Brian Cashman said, it sounded as if it didn't matter what A.J. Burnett did in the second game of yesterday's doubleheader.

The general manager said the Yankees were leaning a certain way in terms of whether to take three or four starters for the Division Series, but that was all.

"We have an idea what we want to do, but I wouldn't say," Cashman said before Game 1. "I'll let Joe [Girardi] discuss that when he's ready to."

Asked if the results of Burnett's start late last night would have an impact on a decision, Cashman said: "I wouldn't say."

If the Yankees do go with three starters, they figure to line up this way: CC Sabathia in Game 1 and, on short rest, Game 4; Andy Pettitte in Game 2 and, if necessary, Game 5; Phil Hughes in Game 3.

Cashman and Girardi both said the Yankees will go with 11 pitchers in the first round, with the strong possibility of including a second lefthander, Royce Ring.

Cashman said the composition of the bullpen and the bench mostly will be left up to Girardi. "How he wants the bench to be constructed and what he wants the bullpen to look like will rule the day," he said.

The Yankees entered Game 2 with a 13-15 record in September, a month in which Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher and Brett Gardner spent time dealing with injuries. Cashman said all three players benefited from the rest, as did the team.

"I think it helped Gardner, I think it helped Swisher, I think it helped Teixeira," he said. "I think they're in a better position to compete in October than they may have been if we tried to push them."

Dwindling options

While Girardi said a determination on today's starter wouldn't be made until after Game 2 of yesterday's doubleheader, rookie Ivan Nova might be a safe bet. His chances greatly increased when Phil Hughes pitched the ninth inning - retiring the Red Sox in order - of Game 1. The plan had been for Hughes to pitch at some point this weekend to keep him sharp for whatever Division Series game he starts.

"You can't simulate game action in the bullpen," said Hughes, who earned his 18th victory. "To be able to get in a game, I think, was big for me."

Catch it

Girardi had wanted to give Jorge Posada one game with Burnett before the end of the regular season, but Posada caught Pettitte in Game 1 and Francisco Cervelli caught Burnett in Game 2.

"If you go with the night one, then it's harder to catch him tomorrow," Girardi said of Posada.