"So what does the highest profile member of the "I'm Behind CC and Nova Club" think of not knowing when or if he will pitch in the upcoming ALDS?

"It is what it is," A.J. Burnett said before last night's Red Sox- Yankees game was rained out and rescheduled as part of a double-header to morrow. The first game will be at 1 p.m. and the second at 6:30 p.m. "We all have to be ready for when they make their decision."

CC Sabathia will start Game 1 and Ivan Nova, a 24-year-old rookie with 16 wins, is likely to start Game 2.

Because manager Joe Girardi is leaning toward a three-man rotation, that means Sabathia would throw Game 4 on three days rest and Nova would get the ball if a deciding Game 5 is re quired.

That leaves Game 3 open for Freddy Garcia, Bartolo Colon, Phil Hughes or Burnett.

Based on the way Colon is closing the season, with his velocity declining and Thursday's nightmare against the Rays when he was spanked for seven runs (five earned) and seven hits in three innings, he is the longest shot.

Girardi chose to highlight everything but the two homers Adam Lind hit Sunday, but the veteran right-hander hasn't won since Aug. 29 and has posted a 10.95 ERA in the past three starts when he has allowed 21 hits and six walks in 12 1/3 innings."