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2:01	Mark will be here at 2:30, but you can begin submitting your questions now. Remember, your comments won't appear until they are selected by the moderator.

2:32

Welcome to another edition of "Blogging the Bombers: The Live Chat." The Yankees clinched a trip to the playoffs last night, but they still have some work to do to wrap up the AL East title. That won't stop us from talking about prospective matchups, roster decisions and things like that, though, so let's get it going!

2:32

[Comment From Scott in Richmond, VA]
Mark, it seems to me that today is a big start for A.J. as we all try to gauge what to expect of him in his first postseason. Trying to salvage a series win and a .500 road trip, all but clinch best record and home field, and reverse a poor 6-week stretch of pitching. That's a good deal of pressure, something he hasn't necessarily proven he can handle. What feeling do you get from him and what do you expect today?

2:35

It's hard to predict baseball (right John?), but today is a pretty big day for Burnett. His last six or seven weeks have been very up and down. The overall stats aren't pretty, but he's actually pitched some good games in there. He's had four disastrous starts since Aug. 1, but he also could easily have won his starts against Boston, Toronto, Oakland, Texas and Seattle. It would do wonders for his confidence - and the Yankees' confidence in him - if he can pitch well against the Angels.

2:35

[Comment From Bill]
Mark, you must have a pretty good idea of what goes on in the locker room and clubhouse. Just based on the vibe of the locker room, do you think this recent rough stretch is taking its toll on the energy of the club? If so, do you think this group has what it takes to get their moral turned around before the beginning of the post-season?

2:37

I haven't seen it take its toll on them whatsoever. When we got to Anaheim, players were asked over and over about the rough stretch, about losing the series in Seattle, and every one of them pointed out that if not for a rare blown save by Mariano, they win two of three against the Mariners and nobody is saying anything. They went through a 5-5 stretch in mid-August, and this is a similar one. The fact that they won a game here last night helped get one monkey off their back (pun intended), and a win today would officially knock out talk of a slump.

2:37	[Comment From AJ - Norwich (NY)] Who do think is the Yankees best option for the #4 and 5 rotation spots? We are 5-0 with Gaudin. He seems like a lock.

2:40

For starters, they won't need a No. 5 starter in the playoffs, so it's really a matter of Joba vs. Gaudin for Game 4 in the ALCS if they get that far. After four innings last night, I thought it was Gaudin's job to lose. But the fact that he's had trouble getting through the fifth makes it more of a question. I think it's really on Joba's shoulders to make the decision for the Yankees. If he has two good starts to finish the season, the job is his. Saturday is a huge game for him. Still, whoever it is, you're talking about one start in the second round. If the Yankees lose, they will have had bigger problems than the No. 4 starter.

2:40	[Comment From Tina] Don't you agree that Jobas head is screwed up. From extra rest, Inning limits pitching limits.

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