The Torch Has Been Passed?
I put the question mark at the end of the title, but it's really not a question. Joe Girardi had Joba Chamberlain available tonight. Curtis Granderson hit his home run and after that three more Yankee batters came to the plate. The inning changed and the Yankees chose to stick with Javier Vazquez.
Obviously, there was more than enough time to warm up any reliever in the pen, but Girardi chose to turn the game over to Robertson when Vazquez got in trouble in the eighth and then to Logan when a lefty came to the plate. I give Joe credit for that and also have to ask- what took so long?
Joel Sherman speculated today that the Yankees would send Joba to the minors. Why wouldn't they? I'm not sure what there is to be gained by keeping him in the pen in the bigs now and maybe he could learn something in the minors (better put, re-learn something) Of interest, Jason Stark is reporting the Yankees are trying to trade Chan Ho Park One can only hope that means they will cut ties with him either way shortly and Albe will be back into the mix as part of the "bridge to Rivera".
What seems clear is that changes are afoot in the Yankees' bullpen mix.
Comments
In this case, change is GOOD ... Yep.
And Joba probably could use a tune up in Scranton for a little while. He's got a great arm; let him go re-acquaint himself with it away from the media spotlight.
Posted by: Mitchell![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 27, 2010 06:51 PM
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Random comment on a slow day: the trading deadline is eerily quiet right now. Either Cashman is working completely in stealth mode or he's waiting for another day or two to go by before he tries closing a deal or he's not that interested in doing much this time around.
My guess is that a bench guy is a heck of a lot easier to get than a decent arm.
Posted by: Mitchell![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 28, 2010 04:41 PM
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Well Mitchell, he is the "silent assassin" but I think this time it's more because of a lack of a market than anything. With the Blue Jays asking for Montero in exchange for Downs, Ross off the market in FLA and the Orioles unwilling to trade within the division, things must be tough out there. Joel Sherman wrote a piece today that he is betting the deadline comes and goes without much happening.
I'm still rooting for a bat for the bench more than a reliever, because I think the Yankees can cover the bullpen internally if they start thinking "outside the box"
Posted by: Peter![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 28, 2010 06:49 PM
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I agree Peter: we seem to have some arms in Scranton but no big bats that they seem willing to bring up. I was hoping that Wiggington would arrive for some versatility and power, but like you say, the Orioles won't do a deal - yet.
Posted by: Mitchell![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 28, 2010 09:18 PM
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I think Montero is going to get the call in August if the Yankees don't add anyone at the deadline. They will probably wait as long as they can, but add him in time to be eligible for the postseason roster.
Posted by: Peter![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 28, 2010 10:51 PM
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You're probably right about Montero.
Joba's velocity is creeping up - a good sign. He seemed OK tonight in Cleveland. It was probably good for him to get some work in in a non-critical situation - away from The Bronx. I'd love to see him get back on track.
Posted by: Mitchell![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 29, 2010 12:08 AM
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