ESPN- While this weekend will be a celebration of what George Steinbrenner accomplished, it very well could be a tipping point about what Joba Chamberlain hasn't. Chamberlain's role as the eighth-inning man and, quite possibly, his Yankees future are on the clock. The Yankees will not let Chamberlain's inconsistency prevent them from making the playoffs or winning a championship. The Yankees are already looking at what is out there in terms of bullpen help. It is the key area of focus for GM Brian Cashman heading into the July 31 trade deadline.
So now that the All- Star break is officially over as of last night, baseball is now back after a brief but agonizing hiatus. Obviously the only thing on my mind is making sure the Bronx Bombers are locked, loaded, and prepared for what should be a grueling and tight second half of baseball.
Stuff I'm brick about: Well, after a first half where the the lineup never truly was firing on all cylinders, the Yanks still hold top-10 spots and up in almost every offensive category-as you would expect. Grandy, Big Tex, A-rod, and Posada haven't even gotten into their grooves yet and the runs still continue to pour in. The fans can thank the likes of Cano, Swisher, Gardner, and even the "Cisco kid" Francisco Cervelli for that. All of these guys had monster first half's, either as everyday mashers or clutch contributors. Bottom line is the Yankees lineup depth has allowed their superstars to not go nuts yet because support has come in from many unlikely heroes. Look at it this way. Its like taking the leader singer out of the all girl group "The Pussy Cat Dolls." Nicole Scherzinger is easily the sexiest one, but if you just deleted her from the band, the rest of the girls are still banging enough, or in baseball terms, "serviceable" at the very least.
Stuff that gives me heartburn: Besides the obvious injury concerns- A-rods thumb, Jorge's everything, Mo's side, the age of the team suggests days off are needed for some of the aging guys. Not a big deal. Your boy Dbl-A's recent hot streak of blogging has already given me carpul tunnel 10 times, but what am I gonna do, not show up and post blogs for you awesome dudes and sexy girls? You think Jeter decides to stay home and make coitus with his lovely girlfriend Minka because his pinky hurts? Hell no. Were both coxswains at what we do, and silly days off are no options, even if it's for some afternoon delight with an A-list Hollywood actress.
But, my serious concern is for big ole' Joba Chamberlain. He's the 8th inning guy and one can argue its the most important component of the Yankees winning formula. The starters have been so efficient that a need for a 6th and 7th inning man have been downright unnecessary. The bridge to Mo is one the Yanks haven't steadily has since Phil Hughes from last year, but now he's too busy twirling gems every fifth day as a starter. Joba has got to start doing his job. Seriously, enough with this bullshit. Games in July are one thing, but i'm not gonna stand for watching Joba in the 8th inning against Texas circa early October come in with a one run lead and load the bases while Cliff Lee watches from the dugout, prepared to finish another complete game gem. Can't do it bro. Joba must stop shitting the bed or he could really lose his spot as Mariano's setup man. At that point it's time to panic but for now the Bombers look as strong as ever.
Starter for 7. Joba in for 8th. Sandman in the 9th. That's the Yankees blueprint, and that's how they draw it up. Boom. Now let's see it more consistently.
The Yank's are back tonight and square off against the Tampa Bay Rays with first place on the line in the series!
Friday night Matchup- Sabathia (12-3) V. Shields (7-9)
Saturday Matchup- Burnett (7-7) V. Niemann (7-2)
Sunday Matchup- Pettitte (11-2) V. Price (12-4)
-Dbl-A
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