Sabathia remains loyal to Yanks' gang of six

The Yankees' six-man rotation may be viewed as a luxury to some, an uncertainty to others. Though CC Sabathia recently said he prefers to be part of a five-man rotation, he expressed confidence on Wednesday in the five guys pitching behind him and added that it's a nice problem to have.

"We have six guys that deserve to be in the rotation," Sabathia told Newsday while making an appearance in Manhattan to promote the Pepsi Max Field of Dreams program. "It's just a matter of who they pick and who they want to throw those important games coming down the stretch. I'm not really worried about it, but we do need to make a decision."

Some believe that the Yankees' first order of business as the September stretch drive closes in is to designate a No. 2 starter to follow Sabathia, who has been dominant against every team except the Red Sox.

"We've been strong all year," Sabathia said. "Guys have been stepping up. [Ivan] Nova has pitched great since he's come back. Phil [Hughes] has pitched a lot better, his velocity was back last time out. Bartolo [Colon] and Freddy [Garcia] have been steady all year. I feel like if I go out and keep doing my job and keep us in games, that's all I can ask for."

And then there's Tuesday night's starter A.J. Burnett, who hasn't won a game since June 29.

"I think it's frustrating for him," Sabathia said of Burnett. "He's got the stuff, he's got the velocity, his breaking ball is unbelievable. I'm very confident he'll put it together."

Of his own struggles again the Red Sox -- 0-4, 7.20 ERA, 25 IP, 33 H, 20 ER -- a team the Yankees might have to go through en route to the World Series, Sabathia is looking forward to his next start against Boston.

"I have to look forward to it," he said. "That's a team I haven't beat this year. It's a great lineup. I'm sure there's going to be some important games coming up down the stretch and hopefully, maybe, in the playoffs. I need to be ready."