Last night Ian Kennedy looked liked the guy we've been hearing about for the last two years:  confident in the strike zone, attacking the plate.  Unfortunately he didnt get the W but he certainly pitched well thru 6 solid innings in a quality start.  The most impressive thing to me was his confidence in sticky situations.  He certainly was cautious, but he didnt back away.  Those rough patches, however, did eat away at some of his economy leaving after six with approx 100 pitches.  A few more starts like this one and they can focus on lengthening him out a bit.

Speaking of length, it seems like a real long time since Robbie Cano did something memorable at the plate - adda' boy, Robbie.  His stroke has been suring up as of late although his production isnt translating, either way it was good to see him in that spot last night and producing in walk off fashion.

And as Skip was walking off the field in an early exit I was pleased with his performance.  Trust me, I adore Joe Torre, always have, always will, but if there was ever something missing from time to time it was a dramatic pump 'em up ejection during slumps, etc.  Now, Torre had his share, but it was his calm in the face of the storm that was more the backbone of his reputation.  I think we'll see a lot more fire from Girardi - and I enjoyed seeing it last night.

The call leading to Girardi's ejection was suspect enough, but my problem was more with the nature of how the call was made.  Guccione (the home plate ump) can't delay and then motion in perfect agreement with the catcher after the catcher claims a caught fall tip.  If the ump jumps out and makes the call first, right or wrong, Girardi doesnt get anywhere near as hot in my opinion.  It was a poorly called bad call, these things happen.

Well, it's two straight from my beloved Bombers and now Seattle comes to town - Go Yanks!

As a kid I adored Goose Gossage.  That wicked motion, the seeming willingness to throw at anyone at anytime, that glare and intimidation.  That was then.

Today I am trying to understand exactly what Goose means when he says Joba Chamberlain's onfield "celebrations" arent "The Yankee Way."  20+ years removed from what has now become a Hall of Fame career does Goose think criticizing one of the teams most consistent performers while the team struggles in general to be "The Yankee Way?"

I guess the way I look at is simplistic:  Unless Goose intends on racking up a save or two for my beloved Bombers in 2008 then he should pipe down.  This is not intended to demean all former players in any way, but it should serve as notice not to spout off everytime a thought crosses your lips.  In reality, what did Joba do that was so wrong?  Did he taunt, did he motion toward Dellucci?  No.  Did he parade around the mound, did he exaggerate his exit from the field of play?  No.  Did he stand and stare at the hitter, or into the opposing bench?  No.

He apparently is guilty of being emotional after the only team to ever touch him up was served a healthy serving of revenge on his home field infront of his home fans...Apparently being emotional isnt the Yankee Way.  Really?  Ask a Yankee fan.

What's more is examining how Joba took the loss a couple of days prior - did he erupt and toss Gatorade coolers, did he run straight for the showers?  No.  Did he dodge the press and say all the wrong things?  No.  Goose, leave the kid alone.  If you want to ask some constructive questions let's start with why the hell we cant beat Tampa...

Go Yanks!

Did it appear to you that Joba was sent into last night's game with an agenda other than his typical recipe for success, the slider/fastball combination that has made him a dominant late game stopper?  It almost appeared he was told to showcase his "starter stuff" mixing in curveballs and change ups resulting in the very rare walks, 2 in the same in inning no less.  I dont recall him ever doing that, pestilence and famine and any other seven signs aside.

If there was a management (or ownership) directive for Joba to "mix it up" allow me to retort:  Leave Joba alone.  The slider & fastball combination has proved to be near perfect - why tweek it?  We sent Kennedy down, lost Huges for 2 months and will be seeing a lot of Igawa and Rasner so we'll need the typical Joba guaranteed late game stops if the offense finally breaks out...Of all the fixes this pitching staff needs changing Joba's pace isnt one of them.

Go Yanks!