The Early Joba Numbers
Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 10th, 2010 · Comments (3)
I’ve always been a believer that you should never look at any Spring Training stats from games prior to March 15th. In fact, I’m not even sure why baseball tracks them – because they really are garbage, for the most part. Now, that said, here are Joba Chamberlain’s numbers from his first two games this Spring:
IP H R ER HR BB SO Game 1 1.1 3 5 5 0 3 1 Game 2 2.1 5 6 6 1 3 1 Total 3.2 8 11 11 1 6 2
Again, it’s early. And, Chamberlain is coming off the flu. But, if he keeps pitching like this over the next three weeks, he’s going to be rooming this April with Kei Igawa down in Scranton.
But, if he keeps pitching like this over the next three weeks, he’s going to be rooming this April with Kei Igawa down in Scranton.
——-
I’ve said all along that AAA is exactly where he belongs in 2010, for at least the first two to three months of the season. Unfortunately the Yanks don’t agree with me and are giving him an opportunity that he so clearly doesn’t deserve. Clay Buchholz’s 2009 experience should be the guide here and all this BS 5th starter competition isn’t doing anyone any favors.
Agreed, Steve. Especially with pitchers – in their first two or three appearances each spring they’re just extending their stamina, working on their command, or experimenting with new pitches.
Also, I doubt there’s any particular reliance on scouting reports as there would be once the regular season opens, so these games are more physical than anything mental.
If Joba’s getting whacked two starts from now, then we’re looking at the pen for him.
[...] probably agree with Steve Lombardi that we shouldn’t take Spring Training statistics seriously until about March 15th. Even across town, the Mets kids have done a great deal of their spring [...]