Andy Pettitte makes a rehab start in the playoffs
Posted by Andy on September 8, 2010
About halfway down this post at the LoHud Yankees Blog, there's mention that Andy Pettitte is making a rehab start for the Yankees' AA team in Trenton, only it will come in Game 2 of a playoff series.
The opposing team must be pretty unhappy about that...
September 8th, 2010 at 10:16 am
If pettitte's playoff intensity kicks in, it could be a problem for the opposing team...but I believe a lot of times when the MLB pitcher's make rehab starts in the minors, they typically are there just to work things out and make sure they feel OK. I don't think they use the same effort they would put forth in a major league game. That being said I am sure Andy will try hard to not lose, so he doesn't potentially ruin the season for the Trenton squad.
September 8th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
The Yankees did this with Hideki Matsui a few years ago, same team (Trenton), same situation (playoffs). It probably happens more often than we realize, because teams in contention might want a rehabbing player to get game experience after Labor Day and are fortunate enough to have an affiliate in the playoffs. I also remember the former Cape Fear Crocs becoming a bit peeved that the Red Sox chose to start Tom Gordon in a South Atlantic League playoff game around 2000.
September 8th, 2010 at 5:14 pm
The Yanks' announcers on radio keep saying it must stink to be the minor leaguers opposing him, but wouldn't they WANT to face that kind of competition? And as wacky as it is to mess up the integrity of the playoffs that way, isn't it also wacky to have the guys who led you to the playoffs called up to the majors instead?
September 8th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
All farm systems exist to serve the interests of the mother team. The fact that Pettitte's minor league rehab start coincides with Trenton's playoffs is no big deal.
It may benefit the Yankees playoff chances this year.
September 9th, 2010 at 8:29 am
Hey... I don't know if you've been making changes, but your pages aren't displaying correctly for me. The margins look all screwed up. I all worked fine yesterday. I don't know if it's me or if you've made a change... Just thought you might want to look at it. Thanks! Garry Boulay