In his previous start this past Tuesday, Joba Chamberlain had to deal with a 2.5 hour rain delay. That didn’t help him any, and he surrendered three runs in four innings, walking four while throwing 84 pitches. Joba just didn’t have it, and as always it led to a cadre of voices calling for his exile to the bullpen. Thankfully, Brian Cashman stood up and told people to chill. Joba is still a starter, and he’ll get his next chance tonight. Unfortunately, he’ll be up against nature again , as the forecast calls for t-storms in Cleveland.
The Yankees had some troubles hitting Carl Pavano yesterday. Today, offense shouldn’t be as much of an issue as they’ll face the eminently hittable Jeremy Sowers. The 26-year-old lefty had tossed just 14 innings this year, and has been battered to the tune of 12 earned runs and three homers. He’s struck out just five and has walked seven. That’s just not going to fly against the Yanks. Of his 290 career innings, 15 have come against the Yankees, in which he’s allowed 11 earned runs.
It looks like Girardi is using this opportunity to give Damon a rest and A-Rod a half-day off. This is the first game all season where his A-lineup has been completely available, but he’s not going to use it in the series finale. Which is just fine. The Indians have a depleted lineup and are tossing out a mediocre starter. They can debut the A-lineup tomorrow night in front of the home crowd.
Notes: From Mark Feinsand’s shiny new Twitter feed: “Jose Molina setback in Tampa today. Don’t look for his return anytime soon.” Looks like Cervelli will get a chance to settle himself into the backup role, one he’s probably going to fill in 2010 in any case…Xavier Nady also felt something in his elbow. They’ll see how that feels tomorrow.
Lineup:
1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Nick Swisher, RF — hoping for an A-Rod effect here
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, DH
5. Jorge Posada, C
6. Robinson Cano, 2B
7. Melky Cabrera, LF
8. Angel Berroa, 3B
9. Brett Gardner, CF
And on the mound, number sixty-two, Joba Chmberlain