Yankees: Chamberlain, Gaudin wait on CC decision

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Yankees Manager Joe Girardi said today his decision on whether to use CC Sabathia in Game 4 will not hinge on whether the team is ahead or behind in the series. Translation: Sabathia starts Game 4, barring an overly strenuous effort, or a rainout that would leave two days between Games 1 and 4, rather than three.

If the Yankees do need to use a fourth starter behind Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte, they’ll probably turn to Chad Gaudin. They also have the much-hyped Joba Chamberlain, although they would prefer to keep him in the bullpen.

Chamberlain started in 31 of 32 appearances during the regular season. He did not start in the division series, but he pitched in all three games, with a total of 1-2/3 scoreless innings. He said the transition was not difficult because he pitched in relief in the 2007 playoffs, most memorably when he was attacked by a swarm of bugs in Cleveland.

As a starter, he throws four pitches. As a reliever, he said, he has limited his repertoire to the fastball and slider.

‘I think I’ve thrown one curve’ in this year’s playoffs, he said.

Gaudin did not appear in the division series and has not pitched since Oct. 3, meaning he could start on 16 days of rest in Game 4. Gaudin, acquired from the San Diego Padres in August, gave up two runs in 4-2/3 innings in a Sept. 22 start in Anaheim. He does not believe his performance that day will play any role in determining whether he starts for the Yankees in this series.

‘I don’t think, in one start, I showed them anything more than usual,’ he said. ‘I don’t think they would have gotten me if I couldn’t have pitched. I don’t think I had to show anybody anything.’

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For more on the Angels and Yankees, check out the Angels Unplugged blog.

-- Bill Shaikin