Another good win for the Yankees last night. Hughes was shaky for the first 4 innings, but held it together, and dominated in the 5th and 6th innings. Girardi brought him back out to start the 7th as well, even tho he was over 100 pitches on the night.
Hughes line for the night was 6.1 IP, 4 H. 3R. 3 ER, 5 BB, 6K. The 5 walks he gave up is a little concerning, and could have led to much more damage from a better hitting team. That total needs to come down if he is going to be effective in the post-season. Though before this game he had only allowed 1 walk in September… so who really knows what to expect.
The win last night also guaranteed that the Yankees go into the weekend series with the Red Sox holding first place in the AL East. The win also brings the Yankees magic number down to 3 to clinch a playoff spot…

AP photo
The pen was excellent last night, and I would really like to give credit to Joba Chamberlain. Joba has been ripped by Yankee fans all season long… Heck, he has been ripped by people the last couple of years… So much expectation has been put on this kids shoulders. Anyone who has read this blog in the past, and there probably aren’t many left, know how much I supported Joba as a starter. I still think the Yankees should have sent him to the minors and allowed him to develop into the starter I think he could be… but that’s another conversation. Having said that, Joba was LIGHTS OUT last night. He pitched 1.2 innings, gave up only 1 hit, and came into a hard situation to shut down the Rays and earn the save… Not sure I like how saves are determined but that isn’t up to me, nor does it matter in the long run.
The Yankee pen has been very good since Cashman went out and got Kerry Wood. He solidified the entire pen, created some competition, and has made everyone better. Robertson has also been great… and of course Mo is always waiting in the wings… I like where the pen is right now, and hope everything holds together over the next couple of weeks.
Tonight A.J. vs Wade Davis… A guy who married a girl from the town I live in. From what I understand he is a very good guy, but never the less, I hope the Yankees embarrass him in front of his friends and family… Sorry Wade, and anyone from Marlboro who may like him.
Hopefully the good A.J. shows up, and the offense gives him a ton of run support…
As always,
GO YANKEES!!!
Posted in Baseball, General
Tags: AJ Burnett, First Place, Joba, Mariano, Phil Hughes, Rays, Robertson, Wade Davis, Wood, Yankees
Say What?