YankeesRedSox.com

MLB Tonight had an interesting feature Thursday night that focused on the frequent high and/or tight pitches from Joba Chamberlain to Kevin Youkilis.  I believe the tally is 1 knockdown, a fastball behind the legs, a fastball behind the head and a beanball (upon further review, it wasn't a beanball, but instead ruled a foul ball).

One of those knockdowns resulted in Joba getting tossed.  Obviously there is something between the two of them and with Joba vs. Jon Lester tonight at Fenway, we might see some fireworks. 

Joba has ok control, but no matter how much control you have or how wild you are, 4 pitches at or behind Youkilis suggests there is a problem.  Normally Red Sox fans would want Josh Beckett on the mound in such a situation as it seems he'd knockdown a grade schooler if he felt it necessary.  But Beckett has too much willingness to mix it up and would only manage to get himself suspended again.

I think Lester has a better chance of managing this situation as he'll be a bit more thoughtful in how he chooses to retaliate should it come to that.

Finally, is it me or does Chamberlain seem best suited for the closer role?  Sure he can start, but it just doesn't seem to fit.  I imagine if Mariano Rivera stays healthy, Chamberlain will remain a starter, but the minute Rivera struggles or gets injured, Chamberlain will be tabbed...and will look the part much more so that he does as a starter.