A Math Problem
As the Yankees try and build some momentum from a nice comeback and try to start a long stretch of road games off on the right foot, it's nice to have Joba on the mound. The guy is transforming into the starter we hoped he would be and if Phil Hughes can get going (nice start in Charleston today) the Yankees could really have a dynamic 1-2 punch. But, Hughes is a topic for a later date, today I am wondering about Joba and specifically his innings limit.
The Yankees never came out and gave you a number, but the whisper has always been "140" since the season began. And, with Joba right around 85 innings, that poses a bit of a problem. Assume Joba makes ten more starts this season and he would need to average just over 5 innings a start to stay under that number. And, that doesn't factor in the playoffs. I don't know about you, but my money is on Girardi tabbing Joba as his starter in Game 1 if the Yankees make the playoffs.
So, is the whisper number wrong or are the Yankees going to run into a problem over the final weeks of the season? They certainly won't announce their intentions either way, but it is something to watch closely over these final two months.
Comments
If they had a 10 game lead, they'd do things like skip some starts and late innings. But he's the number 1 starter on a team hurting for starters in a fight for its life. No "Joba rules" this time around -- nor should there be.
Posted by: corey | August 4, 2008 04:59 PM |