Joba Back To Setting Up For Mo'

We'll, sort of. Joba Chamberlain pitched, what I believe, to be his best game as a starting pitching. He went 8 innings, 4 hits, 2 BB, 5 SO and one death defying leap onto the grass.

His fastball was hitting mid 90's consistently. Topping out at 98 several times. I had not seen that kind of velocity from him all year. Sometimes the YES gun is off so just to be sure I turned to ESPN (they were showing the game too) several times to compare. There was only a difference of 1 MPH between the guns. So, it's safe to say Joba was throwing some GAS!!!

On top of that his breaking stuff was working. His curve ball was nasty. And the slider was on. It's easy to see why the Yanks feel Joba should be a starter. He has 3 above average pitches. Plus, he even threw a couple change-ups. You don't put that kind of stuff in the bullpen. Period. End of Story.

The play of the game was in the 7th when the Indians had a runner on 1st and 2nd with no outs. Kelly Shoppach tried to sacrifice bunt but got under the ball and sent it down the 3rd base line. Joba was quick off the mound and dove for the ball and caught it just before it hit the grass. He then jumped up and fired a strike to 2nd to double off the runner.

It was the turning point of the game. The Yanks would score 4 in the top of the 8th to put the game away, but the night belonged to Joba.

Hopefully, he can follow up this start with another quality outing. At this point, Joba just needs to find consistency. He's already proven he can dominate on any given night.