So the worst-case scenario for Yankees happened. The inconsistent — to say it nicely — A.J. Burnett will start tonight with New York's season on the line.

In using CC Sabathia to start last night's 5-4 loss to the Detroit Tigers in Game 3 of the ALDS, Yankee manager Joe Girardi left himself open for criticism, assuming as most Yankee fans are, that Burnett will implode and the Tigers will advance to the ALCS.

As I posted yesterday, it might have been wise for Girardi to hold Sabathia for a day for just this scenario. The toughest thing for fans to swallow about last night's loss is the Yankees actually scored some runs off Tigers' ace Justin Verlander. It turned out to be a win-able game.

Now the Yankee hopes rest on the strong arm and fragile mind of Burnett. There is no denying Burnett has the repertoire of pitches to dominate tonight. But if his past three seasons in pinstripes have shown, he doesn't have the head or heart to make Yankee fans feel this is the start where he FINALLY puts it all together.

Most Yankee fans are probably fearing the worst — that their team's season will end tonight. With Burnett on the mound, that fear is more than reasonable.