Jun
25

Game 78: Another day, another lefty

By Joseph Pawlikowski

The Yanks face off against lefty Zach Duke tonight. Duke had a strong start to his career in 2005 — one of my buddies did a nice write-up of him during his rookie campaign. After pitching 215 innings of league average ball in 2006, he struggled mightily in 2007, and missed July, August, and half of September. At 92 innings this year, it seems that Duke has found himself again, pitching to a 3.91 ERA, though that 1.48 WHIP could come around to haunt him down the road.

What can I say about the Yanks, other than they need to win tonight? They did score two in the ninth last night, so I guess we get to put the ol’ theory to the test tonight. Fate will be in the hands of Joba Chamberlain, who has pitched rather well since making the conversion to a starter.

Questions for tonight:
Will Derek Jeter avoid grounding into a double play if presented with the opportunity?
Will Melky draw a couple more walks in the leadoff spot?
Will we be able to string together a few hits, rather than leaving our men on base?
Will A-Rod come back with a vengeance after taking an 0 for 5 last night?

If the answers to those four are all yes, we might be onto something.

Your lineup:

1. Melky Cabrera, CF
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. Bobby Abreu, RF
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Jason Giambi, 1B
6. Jorge Posada, C
7. Robinson Cano, 2B
8. Justin Christian, LF — felt good to type that
9. Joba Chamberlain, P

I guess there doesn’t need to be a pitching announcement…damn NL.

Notes: per Ed Price, Ian Kennedy will throw a rehab start for Tampa on Saturday. Phil Hughes played catch for the first time since suffering his broken rib. Price says we’re still six weeks away. I’d believe it.

Posted on Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 at 6:44 pm in Game Threads.

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212 Comments »

Manimal says:

assuming the stress fractured rib happened before the season I am excited for Phil Hughes to come back but IPK just blows, I hope he re establishes himself at A ball.

 
Bruno says:

JOBA FOR PRESIDENT!

Manimal says:

Thats the name of my yahoo fantasy team haha

 
 
Manimal says:

Did Michael Kay really just make a Ketchup Joke…

Jamal G. says:

I have this theory, you should be surprised by the good in people (hey, I live in NYC). When dealing with Michael Kay, you should be surprised never, don’t ever be fucking shocked by what that man says.

Manimal says:

haha. Yo jamal that was me that sent a facebook friend request yesturday, just making sure you knew it was me.

 
 
 
Manimal says:

Am I the only one here? Bases Juiced for the juicer.

 
Jamal G. says:

Lucky is better than good sometimes, I’ll take it.

 
Manimal says:

HOLY SHIT THAT WAS INSANE.

 
Rich says:

Stellar play by Wilson.

 
Joey says:

beautiful play by Bucs SS there

 
Bill N. says:

Nice play by wilson….
Lets go JOBA

 
Manimal says:

Anyone else notice that the yanks are a tad more intense today? Either Girardi whooped their asses straight or Joba is just that good of a pitcher

 
Jamal G. says:

Here’s a video and some pics of the All-Star game Statues of Liberty:

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/...../index.jsp

 
Chip says:

Hmmmm, I doubt the change would be out so soon, I think that pitch to Morgan was a slider.

Joey says:

Is that Captain Morgan, the captain of this sinking ship?

 
Jamal G. says:

It could be their game-plan. Maybe JoPo feels that is a better pitch against Nyjer Morgan or maybe the Changeup was working great in the bullpen during warm- ups.

Chip says:

Very possible but Gameday had them at 10 inches of break where I don’t think most changeups break that much. I could be very wrong though

 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

Two Changeups for Chamberlain already.

 
Chip says:

Now this is the way to start a game, get 2 early and then Joba works a squeaky clean first

 
Bill N. says:

Off topic but I was offered J.Peavy and Jose Reyes for Chad Billinglsey, Troy Tulo, and J. Bay, what do you guys think I asked for another outfielder , just to even the trade out.

Jamal G. says:

Depending on your team. If you get league average production from your OF group then you do it because only Hanley Ramirez is a more productive offensive SS. Troy Tulowitzki just got back from a nasty leg injury and was already slumping so you don’t know how that will affect his swing so deal him any chance you get. Jake Peavy is Jake Peavy. I’d do it if your OF is league average or better.

 
Mike A. says:

I’d do that shit. If you can get another outfielder, more power too you. Just make sure he’s not on the Mets.

 
 
Mike A. says:

Hey look, Andy Phillips is back in New York. Too bad he’s stuck with the Mets.

 
Chip says:

Homerun right here baby

 
Chip says:
Chip says:

And I don’t care that it wasn’t ball 4, he still had a pretty grind it out at-bat for a pitcher

 
 
Joey says:

get a pinch runner in there, we can’t afford to lose Joba!

 
E-ROC says:

Joba draws a walk. Take notes Cabrera.

 
Mike A. says:

I love it. Scranton’s already takin’ it to T-Clip.

 
Mike A. says:

I love how the Pirates are batting their best player fifth.

 
Bill N. says:

Thanks fellas just needed some input. Jamal my outfield is average as long as nady comes back. Its a fn NL only league some old high school buddies asked me to be a part of cause some dude dropped out so I took over his team…… off to cbssportsline

Mike A. says:

Nady ain’t come back. He’s a notorious first half player, trade him as soon as he gets healthy.

 
 
A.D. says:

Does christian have a good throwing arm?

Mike A. says:
 
Old Ranger says:

Actually, his arm is good…not as good as Melky or Bobby, but much better then the other LF we have. He has thrown out a few in AAA, and yes…it is better then Bretts. 27/08?

 
 
A.D. says:
 
A.D. says:

Man figure hold him to clear the pitcher, but probably one of the better throws i’ve seen Abreu make

 
A.D. says:

Ensberg ended up with the Indians

 
Todd S. says:

Watching Joba bat is more fun that watching an R-rated movie.

http://thedaveburbarevolution.blogspot.com/

 
Mike A. says:

Am I the only one that thinks Ken Singleton laughs like Dr. Hibbert?

Captain Wiley says:

Thanks Mike, now I have his giggle stuck in my head for the rest of the night.

McCutchen pitching well so far….. through 3. 1H, 1BB, 1K.

 
 
A.D. says:

Bumping that RISP avg up to over .150!

 
Yankee1010 says:

Does anyone think that they’re playing Gardner in LF tonight just in case Damon’s injury is worse than they’re letting on?

A.D. says:

They move him around to different of spots in general

 
Jamal G. says:

He’s been in CF and LF the whole season or most of it.

Yankee1010 says:

Yeah, but he’s been playing mostly CF lately. I know he can play both, but there were rumors of plantar fasciatis (sp?) for Damon today.

 
 
 
Yankee1010 says:

You have to love the consistency of Cano. Why take a pitch when you can swing at the 1st one and hit a weak grounder to 2b? Cano and Melky can take some lessons from the Yanks’ pitchers when it comes to taking some damn pitches.

A.D. says:

Its as if he turns it off and on, you’ll see him swing quick and dribble one in the inf and then he’ll really work the count the next time up….and one thinks just do that every time

 
Jersey says:

When do we start calling him Robbie Cannot?

Jamal G. says:

When Michael Kay takes over our brains.

Joey says:

is that why you have the tinfoil hat on Jamal?

 
 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

Nyjer Morgan tries to bunt and Joba Chamberlain with that brushback Fastball says “Get that punk shit outta my face”.

A.D. says:

nyjer really worked that one

 
 
Jamal G. says:

Trivia: Which three active pitchers have the most wins against the Boston Red Sox?
Hint: Two are southpaws.

Jamal G. says:

I’ll post answer at 8:08.

 
Jersey says:

Buerhle
Pettitte

Blanking on who could be third…?

Jersey says:
 
Jamal G. says:

Mussina
Pettitte
Randy Johnson

Moose has 19 with Pettitte and the Big Unit with 18 and 16, respectively (don’t quote me on the Pettitte and Johnson totals though).

Jersey says:

Huh, that’s weird. I forgot Unit was even in the AL pre-Yankees.

 
A.D. says:

Damn I was thinking Washburn instead of the unit

 
 
 
 
A.D. says:

Wow is it just me or does it seem like PNC Field is real quiet

 
jsbrendog says:

mets sign andy phillips to split time with delgado at first.

saw this on mlbtraderumors.com.

good luck to andy (other than this weekend against the yankees of course)

I always liked phillips

Joey says:

damn they’ll finally have some production at 1st now…

Jamal G. says:

LoL, you’re mean.

 
 
 
A.D. says:

Christian showing some bunting skills

 
Jamal G. says:

So much for Derek Jee-tah not being able to get the ball out of the infield.

Joey says:

especially with 2 out, since when do we get runners in then?

 
Haggs says:

He should have taken a strike.

 
 
Yankee1010 says:

Jeter has had some good swings so far tonight. Hopefully, he’s back to stay.

 
Jersey says:

Raises his June OPS to .846. What I like to see, Capitan.

 
Yankee1010 says:

This guy Joba seems like he can really pitch. The Yanks would be much better served saving him for the 8th inning every couple of days.

 
Mike A. says:

This “Joba as a starter” thing just might work, huh?

Joey says:

Nah, too small a sample size!

 
Yankee1010 says:

Yeah, but just imagine how valuable he would be pitching the 8th. I mean, a few innings a week in really important situations. What? You mean he could shut down opponents from the start and do that for many more innings? Oh, that seems like a good idea.

 
 
Bill N. says:

Jamal & Mike A, its not big bounty but I got Brian Giles in trade good enough ?

Jamal G. says:

A park-adjusted 130 OPS+ in a NL only league is beautiful (especially when his home park is Petco). Good job.

 
Mike A. says:

So Giles-Peavy-Reyes for Bay-Billingsley-Tulo?

That’s a great trade. You got the two best players in the deal. Giles will hit for avg and score a bunch of runs, but won’t hit for much power. No big deal though. Hopefully Peavy stays healthy. You’ve got the SB category in the bag now.

Mike A. says:

Of course, if you didn;t make the trade you could say “hopefully Billingsley stays healthy.” It’s what pitchers do, they get hurt.

 
A.D. says:

Plus some chance Giles gets moved to a team where he can show power

 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

Lmao @ Kenny Singleton just sighing when Michael Kay mentioned Dontrelle Willlis’ mechanics, can you blame him?

Ivan says:

I just wish one day Cone or Singletonn, just tell Kay Shut the F up, when he says something stupid.

 
A.D. says:

I don’t think Willis has pitched since being sent down

 
 
Ivan says:

Joba is really pitching well.

PS: I be watching the NBA Draft tomorrow, I hope you guys watch as well.

Mike A. says:

Jermaine O’Neal just got traded.

Jamal G. says:

A healthy and motivated Jermaine O’Neal coupled with Chris Bosh is fucking nasty, Celtics better watch that ass in that Atlantic Division later this year.

Joey says:

Chris Bosh looks like Timon from the Lion King

 
Mike A. says:

I’ll take your word for it. The extent of my NBA knowledge is “LeBron James is good, the Knicks are not.”

Jamal G. says:

“LeBron James is [the MVP, fuck Kobe] good…”

That’s better. ;)

 
 
Ivan says:

Yeah he might help, who he got traded for?

 
 
 
A.D. says:

Taking Mayo 2nd would probably be a mistake

 
 
Mike A. says:

Man. That ballpark is just awesome. I was there in 2002, but it was the offseason, so we just ate at the restaurant in LF.

mustang says:

Anything that you guess visitng ?

Mike A. says:

The place in the stadium was just an Outback Steakhouse. Been to one, been to ‘em all.

It was a long time ago, so I forget the name of the place, but there’s a burger shop in the Strip District somewhere that puts the fries on the burger. Phenomenal, and not just because of the gimmick.

Jamal G. says:

That is not a gimmick, that owns.

 
Casper says:

Primanti Bros. They put fries on all the sandwiches, and cole slaw. They have Primanti in PNC Park.

Mike A. says:

That’s it. Thanks for reminding me of the name.

 
mustang says:

Thank you I’m trying to line up somethings to do if the game gets rain out.
Thanks for any suggestion.

 
Mike A. says:

Yeah, I remember my idiot roommate (at the time) taking a bite out of his sandwich, then saying “there’s some slaw on my sammich.”

 
 
mustang says:

Do you have any idea how far the Strip District burger shop might be from the stadium?
Thank you for the information.

Casper says:

See above… they have a shop in the stadium, you can just get it there. if you have time check out the restaurant in the city though, it’s fun.

 
Mike A. says:

It’s walking distance I think. Right over the Clemente Bridge somewhere. Google the name and you’ll find it.

 
 
 
 
 
Yankee1010 says:

It sure looks like it hit the bat.

 
George Kaplan says:

Im watching the Fresno State game and wow..Pittsburgh got the real deal with Wilson. absolutely NAILS the corners

Mike A. says:

Yeah, Wilson’s been unbelievable. On 3 days rest no less.

 
 
George Kaplan says:

Erin is also in top form…and telling a story that boils down to Terry Pendleton calling her last night to “just talk”. What a dawg.

 
A.D. says:

Trenton is beating down Erie

 
 
Jamal G. says:

Fresno State is just 12 outs away from a College World Series title, wow.

 
Jamal G. says:
 
A.D. says:
 
Jamal G. says:

Bobby’s back baby (Heh, see what I did there?)!

 
E-ROC says:

Payback is a b!tch!

 
Chris says:

I don’t want to scare anyone, but who’s going to pitch the 8th inning tonight? With Joba starting now, there’s a big hole in the 8th inning that someone needs to fill.

Mike A. says:

It’s 8-0. Let Justin Christian pitch the 8th.

 
 
Mike A. says:

Sean Burnett is warming up? Wow. He’s another Mike A. prospect crush HOFer.

 
Mike A. says:

6-0 Fresno State with 2 outs in the bottom of the 6th. Wowza.

 
Joey says:

Anybody been watching Joba’s fastball velocity the last inning or so, actually seems like it’s finally slowing down a bit, correct me if I’m wrong

Jamal G. says:

98-MPH on that first pitch to Jason Michaels.

 
Joey says:

alright, that last one was 96, but I thought I was seeing 91-93…

 
Jamal G. says:

With another 98-MPH to finish off the AB.

 
 
Jamal G. says:

Anybody else think that even though he is the Yankees’ television broadcaster and has his own radio show and talk show, he still gets owned by his siblings (if he has any) or owned at family gatherings?

Mike A. says:

He’s the guy who comes to the family reunion with the bitchy girlfriend each year.

“Hey mom, this is Clarice.”
“Mom? Grow a pair you fucking sissy.”
“Haha, isn’t she just fortutitous?”
“Where’s dinner? I’m fucking starving”

Jamal G. says:

That fortuitous line had me dying.

 
Jamal G. says:

Kay’s Uncle: Damn, what’s up with Oliver Perez this year? He’s real up and down.

Michael Kay: Yeah, he’s like the little girl with…

Kay’s Uncle: You shut your fucking mouth!

 
 
 
A.D. says:

97 to finish, damn

 
Mike A. says:

7 shutout innings for Joba. 97mph on his 98th pitch. He’s more valuable as a setup man.

Jamal G. says:

LoL at Chris Russo “What are the Yankees going to do when JAHBA is throwing 92-MPH in the fifth inning?”

Stephen says:

It’s a good rule of thumb that the truth is the exact opposite of what Chris Russo believes.

 
 
Joey says:

6 IP unless MLB.tv is really that slow, which I wouldn’t doubt

 
A.D. says:

Plus the BB! But without a doubt, top line starter beats top line reliever

 
Jersey says:

Only six shutout innings. DEFINITELY better off in the bullpen.

Mike A. says:

D’oh. My bad. I’ll still take it.

 
 
 
George Kaplan says:

6. But I wholeheartedly agree.

 
Jersey says:

Also belatedly glad to see that Cano made me eat my words from before. Serves me right.

 
Jamal G. says:

God damn, could you imagine this team if we had Wang going with the way Pettitte, Joba and Mosse are going…oh wait you can, we had a seven game winning streak. Ugh.

 
Mike A. says:

Niiiiiice. Love that they left Joba out there.

George Kaplan says:

You just love it because your & inning comment could make sense.

Mike A. says:

Damn. You figured me out.

George Kaplan says:

Shit, I may have jinxed it.

 
 
 
Brian (not Dennehy) says:

I wish he didn’t pitch the 7th. I like him getting through it and all, but it’s 8-0. If it were 4-1, sure. But I say cap him at 6 unless he’s at 80 pitches or something. I don’t want them to shortchange him down the stretch if it looks like we can make the playoffs.

 
 
Chip says:

Was Joba in the on deck circle when Christian hit into the DP?

 
 
Chip says:

Joba must know he’s coming out and just letting her fly

 
Chip says:

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere’s Douggie!

 
Mike A. says:

That last pitch registered 97, and he’s got to be around 105 pitches by now.

 
Jamal G. says:

Joba Chamberlain’s last four Fastballs registered at 99, 97, 94, and 98-MPH, respectively (before Dougie AB).

 
Jamal G. says:

Julio Lugo? I thought it was Mike Lowell that ran into Dougie.

A.D. says:
 
 
Chip says:

Nice, pulls the string on 3-2, why did you have to ruin that Douggie?

 
Mike A. says:

Joba Chamberlain. Good at pitching.

 
Rich says:

Joba is definitely stretched out now…

 
Chip says:

There’s no complaining from this guy, that was a great game pitched by Joba. Hopefully Ross doesn’t come in a give these runs up

 
A.D. says:

Nice job by Joba, finished with 96 on that base hit

 
Rich says:

Ohlendorf is basically a one out pitcher.

 
Chip says:

Talk about the right situation for Ohlie, just come in a go after guys rather than saving your strength

 
Yankee1010 says:

Yeah, Joba pitched a pretty sweet 6 2/3, but who are they going to find to pitch the 8th?

 
Yankee1010 says:

Yeah, Joba pitched a pretty sweet 6 2/3, but who are they going to find to pitch the 8th?

 
Baseballnation says:

As good as Andy/Moose/Joba look right now it’s extra painful to think what could be with Wang healthy…and now the number 4 and 5 spots become revolving doors…Kennedy will get a couple of AAA starts as precaution before making another big league start and Hughes is out six more weeks…

Imagine this story- Carl Pavano is on schedule to be healthy say mid august…say he comes back pulls a Joba and becomes a set up sensation aiding the team into the playoffs…A guy can dream right…………

 
Chip says:

Well so much for watching pitches, 2 pitches, 2 singles

 
A.D. says:

Melk has shown some more patience out of the lead-off spot than the 9 hole these games

Chip says:

That’s true, hopefully he keeps it up when Johnny comes back. Maybe he’s one of those guys who’s “just more comfortable” at the top of the order

A.D. says:

Career splits shows that Melky walks twice as much per game out of the leadoff vs 9 hole.

His AVG & Slugging are better from the 9 hole; obp better in the leadoff none are all that different, 20 pts tops

 
 
 
Baseballnation says:

I’m sick of the Melky project…time to go Gardner!

 
Rich says:

Gonzo hasn’t been particularly lucky with BABIP (.231), but he has hit some shots, relatively speaking.

 
A.D. says:

Probably a 1-0 pitchers duel tomorrow

 
A.D. says:

Ohille line drive?

 
Mike A. says:

Gordon Beckham just homered in what could be his final college at-bat.

Jamal G. says:

Better finish than Mr. St. Clair.

Mike A. says:

Like many young pitchers, Cole St. Clair arrived at Rice as a power pitcher, but left as a finesse pitcher.

 
 
 
Chip says:

So Betemit is now playing third?

 
Jamal G. says:

Upper deck and Monument Park BP-HRs for Ross Ohlendorf?! Seeing as how he’s a RHB that upper deck shot is impressive.

 
George Kaplan says:

Too early to trade for Justin Wilson? I’m thinking Melky.

Mike A. says:
George Kaplan says:

Touche (didn’t misstype “douche”, just can’t find that accent mark over the e)

 
 
Yankee1010 says:

They’ve let Wilson throw 128 pitches. I know college pitchers are often abused, but a look at Rice pitchers would be helpful before yearning for pitchers who throw so many pitches.

Chip says:

Why would they care? It’s not like they’re saving him for next season, this is it for him as far as they’re concerned, they don’t owe the Pirates anything

Yankee1010 says:

I didn’t say they cared. But wanting guys who are abused like that in college is a dangerous proposition. I’m pretty sure the trade proposal was tongue-in-cheek, but history is littered with pitchers who were abused in college and are ruined because of it.

By the way, hopefully, Cano is back.

 
 
 
 
Mike A. says:

They’re goin’ to the 9th in Omaha…

Chip says:

Can you imagine what a hero that pitcher is going to be back in Fresno?

Mike A. says:

He is going to get soooooooo much ass.

 
 
 
Rich says:

Russ likes low leverage.

 
Chip says:

I think Girardi misses getting to screw with lineups so much as a NL manager

 
George Kaplan says:

Has anyone noticed that Joba looks like twenty pounds lighter in his MLB picture?

 
Yankee1010 says:

Detwiler is having a bit of a game.

 
A.D. says:

Damn Cano, swinging the bat in Pitt

 
A.D. says:

Sounds like they should DL matsui, let him rest up, maybe he’ll need a scope

Yankee1010 says:

It doesn’t sound good. If it’s that noticeable just while he’s wakling, it sounds like he could use a DL stint.

 
 
Mike A. says:

Bottom of the 9th in Omaha…

George Kaplan says:

I love college baseball.

Chip says:

Yeah, can you imagine the offense in the majors with metal bats?

 
Mike A. says:

Ditto. Georgia’s not going down without a fight.

A.D. says:

Rally just took a big blow

Mike A. says:

Hah. Jumped the gun on the first pump.

 
 
 
 
 
George Kaplan says:

Haha, It would end the steroid problem.

 
Brian (not Dennehy) says:

What are the odds that Rasner pitches three more starts before the A-S-break?

29th Mets
4th Red Sox
9th Rays

Depending on the better of Giese/Ponson, I assume that pitcher twirls (heh heh, twirls) the 2nd against the Rangers. But how immune is Rasner to that? Not very, I would guess. I suppose it hinges on the next start. If he pitches poorly against the Mets, they could go with Giese AND Ponson or Karstens.
If he pitches well that game, I bet he’ll carry the spot until the break.

A.D. says:

probably also depends on Aceves, though he probably could be considered until after the break earliest

 
Brian (not Dennehy) says:
 
 
George Kaplan says:

His helmet looks like Trot Nixon’s

 
George Kaplan says:

Holy crap I thought that was getting up the middle.

 
Mike A. says:

Get yer dogpiles ready…

Joey says:
 
 
A.D. says:

Burke thought he had it

 
Joey says:

Has anyone seen any fist pumps (you know, that immature, classless, childish act) from Joba lately?

A.D. says:

last start he had one

 
 
George Kaplan says:

HAHA! Detwiler put the ball in his back pocket. That is hilarious

 
A.D. says:

Congrats Fresno state

 
A.D. says:

I’d like to clobber Erin Andrews…

 
Baseballnation says:
Mike A. says:

I heard their menstruation attracts bears.

 
 
Stephen says:

Just think, Joba could have wasted away in bullpen while Kei Igawa pitched horribly. The 8th inning role is much more important than a good starter.

Also, on his show today and even during the YES broadcast tonight, Michael Kay was going on about the need for Joba to get a win. I could care less if we gets the ‘win’ as long as he pitches well and the Yankees win. Why do people still consider a pitcher’s won-loss record as a good way to judge a pitcher?

 
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