Morning Bits: Marte, Pettitte, Joba
March 18, 2010, 8:30 am by iYankees · 3 Comments
Hooray for electricity!
Ah, with that said, here are a few quick items on the morning:
- The Yankees lost yesterday’s exhibition against the Phillies – their 14th game of the spring, 6-2.
- Damaso Marte is “fine” after taking a Ryan Howard liner off his back in the game. He will pitch on Friday.
- Andy Pettitte actually made his exhibition debut in the loss, posting great numbers—4 IP 5 H 2 ER 1 BB 4 K.
- While a crafty veteran made his debut yesterday, a young gun, Joba Chamberlain, pitched to prove his worth.
Based on the clips I have seen, and the reports I have read, Joba’s four-inning outing – it was three innings on paper, with an unofficial inning in the ninth – was extremely impressive. Following a stellar performance from his counterpart, Phil Hughes, earlier this week – 4 IP 3 H 0 ER 1 BB 2 K – Joba, in his third appearance, was perceived as a man running out of time, pitching to stay in the fifth starter battle after two consecutive clunkers prior to yesterday. Those expecting a failure were surprised, though, as Joba pitched extremely well over “four” innings, posting 1 ER on 5 H, 1 BB, and 5 K. He mixed his pitches well and, remarkably, he was not timid on the mound, attacking the zone when he had to. He attributed some of the success to manager Joe Girardi following the game, noting that Girardi gave him a “kick in the rear.” Meanwhile, Girardi referred to Joba’s performance as “outstanding” in the post-game wrap-up.
I still think the fifth starter gig is really Joba’s to lose and he hasn’t lost it yet.
Photo by Getty Images
Chris, great to have you back,my morning coffee wasn’t the same without you.I was glad to see Joba pitch well but I wonder who he was pitching against?Late in the game he probably faced Minor league guys that were overmatched.Hughes did the same thing in his last game.Ace seems to be facing starting lineups.Your thoughts?
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Good point, Ballpark. It will be interesting to see how Hughes and Chamberlain fare against stiffer competition as teams begin to send prospects to their minor league camps. IMO, Ace has out pitched both of them, but I agree with Chris, it is Chamberlain’s job to lose.
If Hughes doesn’t win the starting role, what would you do with him? Would you pitch him in relief (the best situation for the Yankees immediate success) or send him to the minors to develop as a starter like the Red Sox did with Bucholz (probably the best situation for Hughes – although he would prefer to be with the Yankees in any role)? If Hughes doesn’t earn the starting spot, I’d send him to Scranton (if they really want him to be a starter). I’d give Robertson and Ace a shot at being the right handed bridge to Rivera. What are your thoughts?
Ballpark, I appreciate your comments about Fish in the post on Towers. I replied to your comments there, but don’t know if you will go back to that post again. I’m interested in your background as well. Where did you play and coach? Do you still coach?
You and Fish bring a lot of great insight to these conversations. Thanks.
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HD,I’m kinda in your camp on this pitching decision thats coming.Ernie had a great post on the way the Sox develop their young pitchers awhile back.Ace has been my sleeper from the beginning,I really like his toughness.Sending one of the young guys back to develop what they need to be sucsessful can’t be wrong,and I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens.
HD, thanks for the kind words they are appreciated.I did reply to your post under Towers.
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