Game 31 - Joba Overcomes Shaky 1st Inning

The Bronx Bombers defeated the Orioles, 5-3 today, using 3 long balls to account for all their runs.  Leading 1-0 on a Mark Teixeira HR, Joba Chamberlain surrendered another 3-run shot in the first inning to Aubrey Huff, giving Baltimore a quick 3-1 lead.  Earlier in the week, Joba yielded a 3-run blast to Boston's Jason Bay in a 4-run first inning, which cost the Yanks the game in a 4-3 loss.  Today, however, the Yanks were able to overcome his first inning failures, using a 4-run 7th inning on a solo shot from Robinson Cano (you don't expect this guy to hit with men on base, do you?), and a 3-run, 2-out homer from Johnny Damon.  

Damon's blast came after rookie catcher, Francisco Cervelli, beat out an infield single, and Derek Jeter beat out a dribbler to third.  Damon's swing came on a full count, after it appeared the ump made a questionable 2nd strike call on the previous pitch.  Fortunately, it worked out for the Yanks and Damon, unquestionably the best hitter on the team right now.  He's hitting over .300, and leading the team with 9 HRs and 25 RBIs. 

The game started with some drama when Aubrey Huff, not once, but twice, pumped his fist in mockery of Joba's emotional theatrics when he strikes out batters during intense moments of games.  Huff pumped his fist rounding 1B and really was demonstrative with the fist pump as he touched home plate.  Joba never retaliated, although Huff came to bat with men on base later in the game, perhaps limiting Joba's chances.  To Joba's credit, he did state after the game it's his job to get Huff out, but it will be something to monitor in future matchups.  

Joba pitched 6 strong innings, giving the Yanks another quality start, and after Hughes blow up yesterday, will keep the "Joba to the bullpen" fanatics at bay.  Phil Coke came up huge, pitching 2 shutout innings in relief.  Huge props to Joe Girardi, who kept Coke in the game in the 8th inning.  Instead of overmanaging and playing the mix and match game, especially with Jose Veras getting ready in the bullpen, he allowed Coke to stay in against the righty batters.  After allowing a single with one out, Coke got Ty Wigginton to ground into a double play.  Mariano Rivera pitched the 9th for his 6th save.  He did walk his first batter of the season, the legendary Felix Pie, who despite coming into the game hitting .158 on the season, is .400 against the Yanks.  Typical for this team.   

Yankee Bomber Doghouse:  Not much to pick on today, but the majority of Yankee runs lately are coming on the long ball.  Generally, that's not a sign of a good team.  This team needs to start manufacturing runs and it will start when they hit with men in scoring position.  I'm starting to believe Bill James analysis of Derek Jeter's defense as being one of the worse SS in baseball.  His range is atrocious and nearly non-existent, especially going to his left.  I watched 2 dribblers go by him which I thought for sure were easy grounders off the bat.  Please, Jeter, please tell the team you're killing them in the field and make the move to CF.  As I've said before - even Hall of Fame greats Cal Ripken and Robin Yount moved from SS, and you were never in their class as a fielder.      

Yankees Record:  15-16, 

Up next:  First place Toronto with Roy Halladay, who owns them, starting the first game.  The Yanks never seem to dodge this guy.