Andy Pettitte is not making his start Saturday because of a balky shoulder. While Pettitte did indeed have an MRI on his shoulder on September 13, he did make two starts after his MRI. I believe that Pettitte is being “rested” because he does not want to possibly have his only sub .500 season. Pettitte’s record is now 14-14 so why risk having his only losing season?

Now that Pettitte is “shut down” his start is going to Sidney Ponson.

Why?

Is it so important for Ponson to get that final start? Why not Dan Giese, who has pitched effectively most of the year? Or how about Ian Kennedy who is on the 40 man roster, but was not activated when Scranton’s AAA season was over on September 16th?

It makes a fan wonder why Kennedy is not up in the Bronx pitching.

First, Kennedy has not gotten his share of innings this season. Combining both major and minor league innings, Kennedy’s total is 117, far below last season’s total of 166. Similar to Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes, Kennedy needs innings - but is not pitching in the Bronx and, unlike Hughes and possibly Joba, is not scheduled for fall or winter baseball.

Second, after a terrible start to the 2008 season, Kennedy has done all he has been asked by the Yankees. He had returned to the minors to work on his curveball (he did with success) and his command, which had improved in his last group of AAA starts. In his last 10 AAA starts, Kennedy was 4-2 with a 2.61 ERA and struck out 64 batters in 58 innings, many with his dusted off curveball. His changeup was impressive also and he was throwing strikes, getting ahead in the count - something that was lacking in the Bronx.

According to Scranton beat writer Chad Jennings, Kennedy has an improved attitude. When he struggled in one minor league start, Kennedy acknowledged it and vowed to work harder and correct some faults he had in that game. This is a far cry from his nonchalant attitude after a tough start earlier in the season against Anaheim.

Work on his pitches - check; work on his command - check; work on his attitude - check. Three up and three down. So why no call up Kennedy after Scranton was over like Juan Miranda and David Robertson were?

Because Kennedy is in the Yankee doghouse and there is no way out. Ask Chase Wright or any other youngsters who did not perform well early in their careers. Plus, the Yankees banked so much in 2008 on their two young starters and when they did not perform it was doomsville. Their lack of production early was one reason why the Yankees have failed to make the playoffs for the first time in 13 years.

But while Hughes is the darling of Brian Cashman’s drafts and is still in the 2009 hunt for a starting rotation spot, Kennedy ruffled Yankee feathers with his attitude and is deemed expendable.

There is no other reason for Kennedy not to be promoted to the Majors in September, to pitch in Saturday’s game (or even take Pavano’s spot now the Yanks are “officially” eliminated) or to get more innings in winter ball.

With the Yankees likely to pursue one or two veteran free agent pitchers (CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett or Derek Lowe), the emergence of Alfredo Aceves and the improvement of Hughes at the end of 2008, Kennedy is not in the Yankee plans anymore. Also, Phil Coke, who is effective against lefties (.136 average against) AND righties (.063 average against - 1 for 16) will be sent back to his customary starting role next year.

Look for Kennedy to be traded this off season, possibly packaged with Robinson Cano for a CF such as Matt Kemp or Nate McLouth. But, trading Kennedy or Cano would be impulse mistakes by the Yankees. Most teams this season close to or already in the playoffs are constructed with home grown talent, teams like Tampa Bay, Boston, Minnesota, Anaheim, Philadelphia, Milwaukee and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Kennedy, though, has joined a long list of Yankee players given an early, but brief, opportunity but lack of patience in Yankee management has relegated their stature to becoming expendable.

At least the Yankees have remained patient with young studs such as Sidney Ponson and Carl Pavano, as they are cornerstones in building a quality team, and the Yankees couldn’t have finished their non-playoff 2008 without them.