The Yankees defeat the Royals 6-3, as the wheels of the Joba Chamberlain project continued to turn. Joba pitched 4.1 innings throwing 78 pitches, 53 for strikes, surrendering two earned runs (three runs total), while striking-out five. Joba made a stride in the right direction working more efficiently, while still throwing 95-96 MPH in the 5th inning, which is an excellent sign that he’s physically prepared to throw deep into games. His most alarming mistake was hanging a slider to Jose Guillen, as he homered to leftfield driving in two runs. The Yankee organization will assuredly be pleased with his start and he can be stretched out further his next start as he continues to progress. Dan Giese, 31 years-old, earned his first win relieving Joba pitching 2.2 perfect innings, demonstrating he can be an effective piece of the bull-pen, and will most likely see most of his work when Joba pitches for the time being. Joe Girardi summoned Jose Veras to pitch the 8th inning, which is usually Kyle Farnsworth’s spot, and Jose continued to shine allowing one hit while striking out two Royals. The pieces of the bull-pen are beginning to fall into place and pitchers such as Edwar Rameriz, Jose Veras, and Dan Giese have the opportunity to be staples in the bull-pen in the future. Mariano Rivera pitched a perfect 9th inning recording his 16th save of the season continuing his dominant season. Offensively the Yankees continued to hammer the ball behind the bats of Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu who both homered to rightfield. Jonny Damon followed up his 6-for-6 day going 2-for-5 and the offense has begun to fire on all cylinders. Seven of the last eight Yankee wins have been comeback wins and the offense can be credited for this. Mike Mussina looks to pick up his 10th win tomorrow afternoon squaring off vs. Luke Hochevar.
Jason Giambi matched his 2007 home-run total today mashing his 14th homer. He has looked excellent at the plate and has done his part defensively.
Video clip of Jason Giambi’s tiebreaking home-run curtesy of MLB.com:
Posted by zachirsch 