The Control Freak

Here’s a great read by Tyler Kepner about Ian Kennedy and his style of pitching which emphasizes precision and control. Kennedy says that he studies Greg Maddux which can definitely explain this focus.

Here’s an excerpt:

“I don’t throw really hard, but if I throw a fastball right at your knees on the outside corner, and if I repeat all my mechanics, the hitter will either give up on it or he’ll swing and he’ll get himself out,” Kennedy said. “That’s what I feel confident in: if I execute this, he’ll get himself out.”

The Pressure is On

Today, Joba Chamberlain struggled during a Spring Training exhibition game. Yes, you heard me right. Joba struggled and it’s not something anyone in Yankee Country (as proclaimed by Hank S.) is used to. Even the papers aren’t used to it. In a fairly meaningless game, USA Today makes Joba Chamberlain, a prospect, the star with a headline that reads: Joba Chamberlain Struggles as Yankees Lose 7-5 to Minnesota. Joba, who’s been heralded as the future fireballing ace of the Yankee staff, seemed to handle his rough appearance pretty well.

Chamberlain allowed a two-run homer to Garrett Jones in the New York Yankees’ 7-5 loss Wednesday, the first Grapefruit League loss in four games for new manager Joe Girardi.

“I was just trying to get the thing over the plate,” Chamberlain said. “It was just one of those days. You live and learn. It’s bound to happen.”

The 22-year-old right-hander threw just 20 of 36 pitches for strikes during a two-inning stint. He gave up two hits, struck out one, walked one and hit a batter, pitching the fourth and fifth innings.

“You learn from your successes, but you learn more from your failures,” Chamberlain said.

Chamberlain allowed just two runs – one earned – and one home run over 24 innings in 19 games with the Yankees last year, when he served as Mariano Rivera’s setup man during the final two months.

“Joba was missing with his breaking ball early in the count, and getting in some bad counts,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “It’s a learning experience.”

Chamberlain likely start the season in the bullpen, although the Yankees project him as an eventual starter.

You have to wonder how this will ultimately effect Joba and our thoughts about him. The papers, like the fans, are truly infatuated with the kid, and therefore, we’re all raising the bar tremendously high for him. Is it fair? I don’t know really. But what if Joba has a tough year? What if he gets swept away in the media frenzy that has dubbed him the next Roger Clemens? Will it effect his pitching? These are some heavy expectations for a young kid with less than 30 innings under his belt. He doesn’t seem like the type to get rattled, but with all this pressure, who really knows what will happen?

Congressman Wants to Drop Clemens Probe

From the AP:

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Democratic congressman asked the FBI on Wednesday to drop its investigation of Roger Clemens because the pitching great had suffered enough from the probe into steroid use.

Rep. Anthony Weiner, a candidate for New York mayor in 2009, said the FBI is too busy with more important crimes to spend time trying to determine if the ex-Yankees pitcher lied to Congress about taking performance enhancing substances.

“Roger Clemens has been shamed. I think the public record is replete with examples of how he did not likely tell the truth. What is the public benefit of continuing with an FBI investigation?” Weiner said.

Weiner also suggested his fellow lawmakers had gone far enough with inquiries into steroids use by professional athletes and should let professional sports league handle the matter.

“The real incentive to clean up this mess is not a governmental one,” said Weiner, a Mets fan whose district includes parts of Queens and Brooklyn.

Finally… sense in Washington.

Exhibition: Yanks VS. Twins

Check out the live box score, here. IPK started the game. He’s supposed to go maybe 2-3 innings and he’s already completed 2. His line was pretty decent, giving up 2 hits, 1 HR (to Delmon Young), 1 ER, 0 BB’s and 0 K’s.

UPDATE– Oh now, Joba gave up a homer and 2 ER in 2 innings. Believe it or not, this will cause some Yankee fans to panic. Be glad that you’re not one of them.

Good News for Bobby

According to Michael Kay, Bobby Murcer’s brain biopsy test results were negative. Apparently, the “area of concern” was just scar tissue.

Wednesday Morning Bits: Mariano, Matsui, Igawa, Price…

Today is a glorious day. I believe that I’ll be picking my fantasy team a bit later in the afternoon (in a live-draft, of course). I’ll definitely check in after the draft to let everyone know how I did and who I ended up with. Anyways, on with the bits.

How about numbers today?

1. Our first bit of information is a good one. Mariano Rivera threw 36 pitches in a bullpen session and is expected to make his debut on Friday. Mo says that he “feels good” and should definitely get his work in. Last year, at the beginning of the season, Mariano was horrible, so hopefully he’ll shake that rust off a bit earlier this season. Also, make sure to look out for Mariano’s elusive changeup, which he often throws during Spring Training.
2. Next up, Hideki Matsui, who has been hampered by a sore knee and some more recent neck stiffness, will likely return to action today. I wouldn’t expect to see Matsui running sprints with Girardi or engaging in any other activity that could be considered rather strenuous; however, you can definitely expect him to take some batting practice with the team. Matsui wants to play LF, but his days as a regular OF appear to be numbered.
3. Third, yesterday, Brian Cashman stated that he was not ready to give up on Kei Igawa. Cashman believes in his scouting (on Igawa) and is looking to earn on his investment (which is actually impossible when one considers that Igawa will end up being either a lefty or long reliever). Igawa pitched well yesterday and Eiland reported that he had better arm action on his changeup, which is definitely a plus. Before, his arm action would actually slow down when he threw it, so hitters were able to adjust.
4. And finally, David Price, the prized young lefty for Tampa Bay (the number one pick in the 2007 draft) could start against the Yankees this Saturday. It’ll be interesting to see him pitch against the left-heavy Yankee lineup. His numbers are simply phenomenal.

Have a good Wednesday morning. Back with more, later.

Papelbon Says He’s the Next Mariano?

Jonathan Papelbon is having some trouble with the Red Sox. He’s been fighting for a raise in his salary, seeking $900,000. However, Boston feels that a figure in that range is rather excessive. Papelbon made $425,000 last year and the Sox appear as though they’re only willing to up his salary an extra $100,000. In this situation, due to his service time, he really has no control. Papelbon knows this and he’s speaking up about it.

From the Boston Globe:

“Man, it’s a tough situation for me right now because I’m at a point where I feel like the position I’m in, there’s a certain standard that needs to be put in place here,” said Papelbon after his scoreless inning of work in the Red Sox’ 5-3 victory over the Pirates. “I feel like with me being at the top of my position, I feel like that standard needs to be set and I’m the one to set that standard.

“I don’t think the Red Sox really necessarily are seeing eye to eye with me on that subject right now. Hopefully we can get somewhere. We’re chugging away at this thing and we want to get it done, believe me, and we can move on.”

The author of the article, Michael Silverman, also states that any discussions about a long-term deal have essentially broken down between the two parties. Papelbon confirms this notion with the following:

“I don’t want to renew, I don’t want to but if I have to, I have to. That’s just the cold, hard facts of it and if I have to do that to set the tone, that’s what I do. We’ll figure something out.”

One thing is certain. There will be no long-term contract hammered out in Fort Myers.

“I think it’s now gotten to the point where it’s going to be one year at a time. I don’t think we can necessarily meet eye to eye and get anywhere close to start to try to figure something out over a long-term contract right now.”

As Papelbon expressed his dismay about the situation, he made an interesting remark, in which he refers to the great Mariano Rivera:

“I feel a certain obligation to not only myself and my family to make the money I deserve but for the game of baseball – I mean, Mariano Rivera has been doing it for the past 10 years,” said Papelbon. “With me coming up behind him, I feel a certain obligation to do the same. And, yeah, I’m at the mercy of the club right now to a certain extent. But you know, it’s just a matter of ironing out the numbers and we haven’t ironed them out yet. Hopefully we can get a mutual agreement.”

To be perfectly honest, Papelbon has been one of the most dominant closers in baseball over the past two seasons. However, K-Rod and J.J. Putz have been equally amazing. The difference between these 3 guys is that you don’t see Putz or Rodriguez claiming to be the second coming of Rivera. They know better than that. As an effective closer, stay healthy, stay humble and you’ll likely have a good career. But to lump yourself in there with Mariano Rivera, who’s been dominating for a full 10 year period, well, that’s just a dumb move.

When the time comes, he’ll get the money. If he can remain consistent and put up great numbers, year in and year out (like Rivera), the money will come and he’ll have nothing to worry about.