Resting in September

With a 3-2 victory Sunday afternoon in the Bronx, the New York Yankees were able to clinch the American League East title and seal homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. Although meeting each of those goals was important to the Yankees and their fans, the next week may be even more important.

The next week consists of games against the Royals and Rays. No one can question the importance of going into the short divisional series with momentum, but Joe Giardi should not risk anything in this final week in order to gain momentum. The Yankees already are proud owners of the best record in baseball with most of those wins coming after the arrival of Alex Rodriguez after his hip surgery.

Instead of trying to win game, which New York is doing right now 8-2 in the 7th with a makeshift lineup of only three everyday players, the coaching staff needs to find out who will round out the 25-man roster. The following questions must be answered this week.

Is Brian Bruney reliable in the bullpen? On Sunday he made his case for consideration in a big spot in October by retiring the five batters he faced. The fact he cried while walking off the field though makes me feel like the appearance surprised even him.

Can Phil Coke be relied on as the only lefty in the bullpen? This season Coke has been worked and appears to be confident against anyone he faces. Giardi is loyal to those who have performed, and it appears Coke will be his go-to lefty.

Will Joba perform as a starter? Joba works his best when he works with pace. After his last start of six innings and 87 pitches, the Yankees have to be very satisfied with his potential.

As Derek Jeter said while speaking on ESPN after clinching the division, the Yankees have found success this year because of their starting pitching. The starters directly affect the bullpen, and for the Yankees to be successful that bullpen needs to be rested and the starters need to be effective. This week will be the first step in resting the 'pen and preparing the starters.