Today in The Journal News
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on Oct 05, 2009 
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Alex Rodriguez had a big day to finish off a comeback season, and the Yankees head into the playoffs with a win. Josh Thomson had the story from St. Petersburg, Fla.
Joba Chamberlain was back in the bullpen and may have upped his stock with Joe Girardi after a clean seven-pitch inning. Josh’s notebook also has news on start times for the first two games of the ALDS, a visit from The Boss and a milestone for A.J. Burnett.
How funny is Tex?
http://i36.tinypic.com/xo4cc9.png
This was after Alex’ GS and after he mouthed “nice move” in the dugout.
The media and fans need to cool it with the Jobamania. I mean come on, he’s their 4th starter getting bullpen duty in the first round of the playoffs.
Crawdaddy-
I think Joba comes out of the bullpen…With Hughes, Joba, and Mo in the ninth, the last 9 outs will be that much easier…..Note-this is for the ALDS, for the ALCS (if we make it) it might be differnt
Joba coming out of the bullpen in the first round might not even be significant because Hughes and Mo will get the important outs with Joba sharing time with Aceves, Robertson and Coke for what’s remaining of the bullpen outs.
I just think he’s getting far too much attention for what he has accomplished as a ML pitcher. We’re not talking Lincicum or Greinke here.
So what do you think our bullpen will look like for the ALDS?
Starters:
1.CC
2. AJ
3. Andy
Bullpen:
4. Mo
5. Hughes
6. Robertson
7. Coke
8. Aceves
9. Joba?
10. Gaudin if we play Detroit (more RH hitters) or
Marte (more LH hitters) if Minnesota
On Boston radio this morning, they were seriously discussing whether Alex’s 7-RBI inning would create more pressure for him in the playoffs. I realize red sox fans would like to believe otherwise, but I really don’t get the impression ARod or any of the Yankees veterans is exactly crippled with self-doubt about their abilities going into the postseason. If anything, professional athletes do a good job making themselves believe they are much, much better than they are. It’s part of the reason they managed to get to the pro level.
Alex MAY have been trying to do too much in certain previous playoff appearances (or not; who really knows?), but the suggestion that reaching the 30-100 plateau yesterday in such a spectacular fashion would actually HURT his psyche heading into the postseason is ludicrous.
Mo 9th
Hughes 8th
Robertson 7th
Chamberlain 6th
Mix in Coke and/or Marte in to get certain lefty’s out.
Trevor (Super Mario) :
That sounds like the ideal bullpen scenario. For the ALDS possibly adding Gaudin in relief, if needed.
All this talk about Joba and the bullpen construction for the ALDS is actually pretty funny. If you think about it, with all the off days the only relievers you may see the entire ALDS are Hughes and Mo unless there is a blowout of course. You would expect at the very least CC, AJ, Andy will give you 6 innings and if it is a 1 or maybe even 2 run game Hughes and Mo are more than capable of getting the final 9 outs.
BD seriously? There must be something in the Chowda up there. What a stupid discussion.
Lincecum and Greinke as great as they are,will be watching postseason from the sideline.Joba could be more useful in the pen.
Think of it this way,without Joba’s 9 wins,the Yankees and Sawx could possibly be playing a one game playoff too!
Joba was by no means good this year,he was below par,imploded on the mound,and you never knew what you’d get from him on any outing.
The Yankees WOULDN’T be riding as high as they are,if Joba didn’t get those nine wins.
So if he can finish out the year successfully in the bull pen go far it. The coverage comes from him going from starter back to reliever.
Andy Sonnistine (a starter)relieved the rookie pitcher (who had kept the game close)Sunday,and threw away the game for TB!!
-BD
The reason the Sawx are hoping for an Alex demise,is because that’s how their season has been.
They backed into postseason,with a hope the Angels will fall to them in postseason like they have the last 3 times.
While wishing the Yankees get eliminated by someone,because they couldn’t do it.
Their whole fan base refuse to focus on anything but Alex choking,so they have a better chance at the WS berth.
Alex hitting that Grand Slam right before season’s end,was a huge confidence boost,but the Yankees have many players contributing this year that took the spotlight off Alex.
Sawx won’t get home field advantage in postseason,they had a weak road record,and will have to play the majority of games played on the road.
The Sawx need all the help they can get.Since they can’t beat the Yankees,they wish someone else will.Their fan base has already turned to the Pats,and Brady.
Does anyone know whether the yankees are likely to have first game on Wednesday or Thursday?