Why Are There Still Joba Rules?
So let me get this straight, Joba Chamberlain was unavailable today because he pitched the last two days? He couldn't even warm up because he threw a total of 31 pitches over the last two nights? And because of that the Yankees came very, very close to blowing a 6-1 lead today
I get not using Rivera, he has a physical problem and the Yankees are trying to avoid having him make it worse, but Joba was supposed to be free from rules this year. Yet, Joe refused to use him because it would mean having to pitch him three-straight days. That is a protection we have heard Girardi talk about before, but he doesn't use it when it comes to Mariano Rivera. Last year Rivera pitched on three-consecutive days twice in the regular season and in 2008 he did it four times, including appearing in four-consecutive games. Who needs more protection, the fully broken in 24-year old or the (at the time) 38-year old pitcher?
I know Girardi will defend it by saying this is all about the long term, but that ignores a number of counterpoints. First, tomorrow is an offday, no matter what Joba wasn't going to pitch. Next, while you can say it is only one ballgame, what is the psychological affect to your team when you blow a 6-1 lead? And finally, with Tampa streaking and Boston getting it's act together every game truly does count.
Again, I am not advocating using Rivera today. I'm not eve saying Joba should have started the ninth. But once trouble struck in the ninth Joba needed to start warming up. That when it became his game.
Comments
Yes, you're right -- once again Girardi it too formulaic.
According to the on-line charting of his pitches, Robertson seems to be throwing nothing but fastballs. No wonder he's getting hit. What's wrong with this guy?
Aceves did the job. He had some big games for the Yanks last year and his recent outings are encouraging.
Any news as to why Pettite left after only 5 innings with a low pitch count????
Posted by: Corey | May 5, 2010 05:06 PM |
Corey- He felt a "twinge" that he had felt in his previous start during the fifth inning. Girardi indicated that the location was slightly different and made it sound like they wanted to be extra careful. He is getting a MRI on it.
Posted by: Peter![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 5, 2010 05:25 PM
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I believe Joe Girardi has said that he doesn't want to use any of his relievers three days in a row. So this isn't a special Joba rule. Maybe it should be called the Scott Proctor rule.
Posted by: TedK | May 5, 2010 05:39 PM |
Good post, I commented on this in another thread. VERY, VERY CONCERNING that they needed Aceves to finish this job, it doesn't make sense. I read another article that had Rivera saying he was ready to pitch today, that he even said he would've been OK yesterday. But Rivera is a warrior and will always want to pitch... what's going on that 6 days rest isn't enough for him with another day off tomorrow?
Posted by: Evan![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 5, 2010 06:16 PM
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TedK- You are absolutely right, he has, but he has also broken that pledge before and used Rivera on 3 or more straight days. I don't want him to make a habit of it because you are so right about Proctor.
Posted by: Peter![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 5, 2010 06:32 PM
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