Today in Yankeeland

by jscape2000 on Jun 13, 2008 11:25 PM EDT in Game Recap

A much needed win- second in a row and 3 of 4.

Which do you think is most important:

Joba pitched phenomenally (6 innings on 88 pitches) and he figures to be ready to go to 100 for the rest of the season.
Jeter drilled one- only his 4th extra base hit since his HBP on May 27th, and only his 14th hit in those 16 games.
Jose Veras was dominant in relief- 2IP, 0H, 0BB, 3K.
The Yanks improved the bench and the defense by bringing up Alex Gonzalez in place of Shelley Duncan.

I know Joba is crucial; I know Jeter breaking out of his slump is important. I'm glad to see Shelley go.

Maybe it's just because I was expecting and counting on those three, but I was wowed by Veras. His fastball topped out at 92, but the movement was hellacious. Gameday's Pf/x said his fastball averaged about 5" a pitch, sometimes moving as much as 7". For a point of reference, Joba's fastball seemed to averaged around 3" of break and his slider 10".

Poll

The most encouraging part of tonight's game was...

Joba's 6 innings

58 votes

Jeter's homer

8 votes

Veras' 2 innings

38 votes

Recalling Alberto

2 votes

106 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Veras topped out at 97 MPH

and his curve ball was filthy. He really was unhittable tonight.

Boy, if he were to keep his walk totals in check – he’d be a pretty good weapon for this team.

by anaconda on Jun 13, 2008 11:58 PM EDT reply actions

Gameday

which uses its own gun (and one that seems to be pretty consistent form outing to outing) had Veras and Farnsworth topping out at 97 and Joba at 98.
Sick.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Jun 14, 2008 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Nice W

I agree lots of encouraging signs. Joba looked like a starter. Good defense (Melky, Cano, Jeter) and Veras. Did not see that coming.

It disturbs me slightly though that Girardi has not lost an ounce of faith in Farnsworth. It worked out for him tonight, but he was aided by a horrendous bunt attempt and a sweet pick by Jeter on a catch and throw by Molina. That inning could have easily gone in another direction.

"Well, that kind of puts a damper on even a Yankees win."
-- Phil Rizzuto after hearing about the Pope's death

by matthaggs on Jun 14, 2008 12:31 AM EDT reply actions

I wholeheartedly concur

There is no reason to think Farnsworth might have turned a corner of any kind. If someone (anyone) can step up and fill the gap, but Joe G insists on using Farnsworth, then Joe will find himself on my shitlist.

Then again, if Veras can perform the way he did last night, maybe Cash can swing a trade.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Jun 14, 2008 7:58 AM EDT up reply actions

Joba, all the way

It quiets the dissenters who didn’t want him moved from the bullpen, and it solidifies the rotation (finally) a little more. It seems he’s getting more comfortable—if anyone watched the game (as I don’t have YES), was he using more pitches tonight? Last discussion had him needing to get away from the FB more…so I’m wondering if he’s starting to do that yet.

As to Farnsworth…can’t we all just pitch in and have someone kidnap him? Hell, we wouldn’t even have to demand ransom!

I’ll feel better when Hawkins is moved…to Tahiti.

by detroit yankee on Jun 14, 2008 1:37 AM EDT reply actions