Kevin Millwood takes the mound for the Rangers tonight. He’s been quite crappy this season, pitching to a 5.08 ERA. He lasted just five innings against the Astros last time out, surrendering seven runs over five innings, walking three and giving up 12 hits. Now, we know the Yanks tend to suck against hittable pitchers, and Millwood seems like one of that ilk this season. But in 37.1 career innings against the Yanks, he’s surrendered 20 earned runs. So maybe they have a shot tonight.
On the other hill is a man who needs no introduction. In his five starts this season, Joba Chamberlain is pitching to a 1.80 ERA over 25 innings, and has now pitched more innings in 2008 out of the rotation than the bullpen. He’s struck out 26 while walking 13 for a nifty 2:1 K/BB ratio. He’ll need to decrease his walks to continue succeeding, but most of us have faith that this will continue. But, you know, since he hasn’t gone more than 6.2 innings over his first five major league starts, he’s only a six, six-plus inning pitcher. Thanks, Joe Buck and Tim McCarver, for prophesizing Joba’s career for us.
Cap’n Jetes gets the night off, which is nice. I understand he wants to play every game, but he’s 34 years old. Guys that age could use a day off here and there. In his place, though, I feel Girardi has made a mistake in starting Betemit. Yeah, his bat has some pop, but I’d far rather have Alberto’s glove in there. Anyone else with me?
Via PeteAbe: Britton tossed eight pitches in the GCL, finishing an inning with a strikeout. Humberto Sanchez got through a 12-pitch inning while issuing a walk.
Now onto your lineup:
1. Johnny Damon, DH
2. Brett Gardner, LF
3. Bobby Abreu, RF — three lefties in a row. Wow
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Jason Giambi, 1B
6. Jorge Posada, C
7. Robinson Cano, 2B
8. Wilson Betemit, SS
9. Melky Cabrera, CF
And on the mount, number sixty-two, Joba Chamberlain