Gaudin Should Start Game 5

The asterisk has been removed from Game 5, it will absolutely be necessary. And after the Yankees' bats smacked around Cole Hamels and the Phillies bullpen in Game 3, it is also a certainty that the Bombers will not be facing elimination in that fifth game.

With a return to New York -- either for a parade or Game 6 -- in the bag, Joe Girardi should not have any Yankees starter this side of CC Sabathia work on short rest.

That would mean Chad Gaudin, who has not yet started a game in the playoffs, would be pressed into an exceedingly difficult situation -- on the road, in Philadelphia, against Cliff Lee.

However, that situation gives the Yanks its best chance to win its 27th World Series.

With the Yankees in the driver's seat, albeit only a one-game lead, Girardi would be best served lining up his rotation as best serves his club to win two games: A.J. Burnett on regular rest in Game 6 and Sabathia in Game 7 with Andy Pettitte in reserve.

Sure, that would mean all but actually forfeiting the contest by sending Gaudin to the hill against Lee, but the other option is less-than-spectacular itself. With Burnett taking the ball for Game 5, there is a big hole left in the rotation for Game 6 -- which MAY take place with the Yankees back to the wall.

If Burnett were to be held to that first game back at the Stadium, worst case scenario one of your two best starters is there to bail you out against a very beatable Pedro Martinez.

As for Game 5, who's to say the Yankees can't scratch out a couple of runs against Lee. Who's to say Gaudin can't come out and pitch the game of his life, stranger things have happened. It wouldn't be an all-out giveaway, the lineup should stay the same and the 'pen would be used as necessary.

What the Yankees do tonight does not change the heart of the issue: Girardi's focus should be on the two games set to be played in the Bronx. Any additional victories in Philly should be accepted as gravy. If you get them, smile and keep moving.

Having Sabathia on the hill, the Yankees are the favorites to take tonight's Game 4, and with Burnett going in Game 5 there is a decent chance of the Bombers taking that one as well. Yet, both can just as easily be won Charlie Manuel's club.

The Phillies have hit CC in the past, and Joe Blanton has some postseason experience. A.J. hasn't pitched without regular rest all season, and his ERA is over a full run higher on the road.

The options are: give your team a chance to win every game or take the best shot at some of the games and be at a significant disadvantage in others.

Having the lead means having the luxury to set up the rotation how it best suits your team. And that's what should have been done -- even if it means sacrificing Game 5.