Nova joins CC in ALDS rotation

Joe Girardi said Friday for the first time what had become apparent in recent weeks -- CC Sabathia and rookie Ivan Nova will start ALDS games.

"I think you're pretty safe to say that," he said.

Asked if A.J. Burnett might get an ALDS start, Girardi passed. "Anyone could get a start in the ALDS," he said. "That's where we are right now. I'll continue to evaluate."

He said his thoughts could be influenced by what happens in the final six games of the season but also by whether the Yankees draw Texas or Detroit -- or Anaheim, an outside possibility -- in the first round.

"We're going to take everything into account," Girardi said. "But also it's going to be swayed by who we play."

Girardi said discussions about the composition of the 25-man playoff roster won't begin in earnest until next week. He did say he believes Russell Martin could start every game, perhaps an indication that he'd be comfortable with only Jorge Posada and Jesus Montero on the roster as emergency catchers.

"I think he's more than capable of playing every playoff game behind home plate," Girardi said.

Girardi said Thursday that there is a good chance Posada will be on the roster because of the way he's hit righthanders this season (.272 batting average, .348 on-base percentage, 13 homers, 39 RBIs in 268 at-bats).

Joba appearsJoba Chamberlain, last seen with the team Aug. 18-21 in Minneapolis, came into the clubhouse Friday and discovered his locker was occupied by rookie catcher Austin Romine. Romine's possessions were quickly moved to Sergio Mitre's empty locker across the room.

"I can do everything now," said Chamberlain, who had Tommy John surgery June 16. "I feel blessed and fortunate to be ahead of schedule."

Chamberlain -- currently living in Pensacola, Fla., where he sees his surgeon, James Andrews, once a week -- started playing catch 13 weeks after surgery and is throwing 30 pitches at 30 feet every other day. He believes he's a month to six weeks ahead of schedule and maintains hope, though it's a long shot, of being ready for spring training.

Cano, don't you know

Robinson Cano created a little bit of a stir Thursday when, at MLB Fan Cave in the city, he said of the AL MVP race, "I would give my vote to myself."