Though the results were not superlative, Joba Chamberlain maintained his electric stuff thoroughout his brief major league starting debut Tuesday night. About a year ago I wrote that Chamberlain's velocity would still sit 94-98mph deep into games and most who have seen him start games in person would agree with that assessment.
Tonight was no different.
Throughout his mediocre outing, Chamberlain often hit the high 90's with his fastball and touched triple digits on the stadium gun a handful of times as well. According to MLB Gameday, 22 of Chamberlain's 45 fastballs were between 96-99 mph. Essentially, half of his fastballs were thrown in the upper 90's. The slider was biting, as was the curveball, but his command was understandably shaken as many youngsters feel nerves during their first start.
The four walks were somewhat redeemed by the solid three strikeouts tallied in less than three innings of work. The two runs allowed were aided by Dan Giese and a phantom balk, but were mostly caused by an uncharacteristic dispersement of free passes.
Columnist Dan Graziano of the Star Ledger had a straightforward recap of Joba's starting debut:
Tonight was no different.
Throughout his mediocre outing, Chamberlain often hit the high 90's with his fastball and touched triple digits on the stadium gun a handful of times as well. According to MLB Gameday, 22 of Chamberlain's 45 fastballs were between 96-99 mph. Essentially, half of his fastballs were thrown in the upper 90's. The slider was biting, as was the curveball, but his command was understandably shaken as many youngsters feel nerves during their first start.
The four walks were somewhat redeemed by the solid three strikeouts tallied in less than three innings of work. The two runs allowed were aided by Dan Giese and a phantom balk, but were mostly caused by an uncharacteristic dispersement of free passes.
Columnist Dan Graziano of the Star Ledger had a straightforward recap of Joba's starting debut:
Incidentally, Mr. Graziano agreed to a brief interview with BL which should be up in the near future. Chamberlain's next scheduled start will be against Kansas City with an expected pitchcount of approximately 75-80 pitches.Nothing kills hype like reality, and Joba Chamberlain's first major-league start was a lot more fizzle than sizzle.
The Yankees' 22-year-old phenom tickled the Yankee Stadium radar gun at 100-plus mph five times in the first three innings of tonight's game. But a laborious first inning that required him to throw 38 pitches ensured a quick night. Manager Joe Girardi pulled Chamberlain from the game with one out in the third inning after he'd thrown just 62 pitches.
2 comments:
Now begins the waiting game for his next start, where hopefully the pitch count will be more spread out. With 15 more pitches added on and probably not another 38 pitch 1st, Joba should get past mid-game next time.
Agreed.. We saw his abilities as a starter - 3 strikeouts, FB which hits 100mph - and a more composed Chamberlain should walk less batters, though one of his few problems in the minors was pitches per inning as he had problems remaining economical at times.
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