yankees228

Yeah, but these are the situations that you got him for (although some would say that Okajima should be pitching in the set-up role). Gagne is struggling right now, but when healthy he's got a darn good track record, and I'm sure that before the season is over you guys are going to see why you got him. EDIT: But whether Okajima is the eighth inning guy or not, Gagne is still going to be called upon to get important outs.

Judging Gagne on five outings is not the smartest thing to do. On top of that, looking at the free agent class for next year (in terms of centerfielders), giving up Melky for him might not have been the worst idea, especially if they thought they had a decent chance to re-sign him (which I have no idea if they would have).

And hopefully that will be enough to sign one of the trio that is Bedard, Sabathia, and Santana.

The rules Joe Torre has to follow in terms of his use of Joba Chamberlain (per Peter Abraham at yankees.lohudblogs.com) - no back to back days - usually a day off for every inning he pitches - about a 35 pitch limit for his two inning stints.

NFC East: Eagles NFC Central: Bears NFC South: Saints NFC West: Seahawks WC 1: Cowboys WC 2: 49ers AFC East: Patriots AFC North: Ravens AFC South: Colts AFC West: Chargers WC 1: Bengals WC 2: Broncos NFC Champion: Seahawks AFC Champion: Patriots Super Bowl Champion: Patriots As for my team, I'm a Giants fan. Everyone obviously expects the Giants to take a major step back this year, because of the fact that they are losing one of the most productive offensive players in franchise history, and they might lose one of the most productive defensive players in franchise history. Unfortunately, I agree with them, and that is why I have them out of the playoffs, even in the weak NFC. However, I'm cautiously optimistic that they will at least compete for a wild card. The entire offense depends on Eli, and I think, with the weaker schedule, that this could be his breakout year. By the time the season starts Burress, Toomer, and Shockey should be all be healthy, and if they stay healthy throughout the season they'll provide a very nice recieving trio. Sinorice Moss and Steve Smith should also provide contributions this year from the reciever spot. The backs bother me, simply because I see them both as the same type of runner. There is no "lightning" between Jacobs and Droughns. The offensive line is also a bit of a concern, especially considering they're moving one of their guards to left tackle. In terms of the defense, I'm going to assume that they don't have Strahan (if they end up having him it'll be a huge bonus). Without Strahan one of the end spots is still a big question mark, because Justin Tuck is rehabbing from lisfranc surgery. Other than that I like the way the defensive line looks with a healthy Umenyiora and Fred Robbins up the middle. The linebackers, although most people consider them to be a huge weakness, I see as a possible strength. I like the chances of Antonio Pierce rebounding with a strong season after his less-than-stellar performance last year, and I've always been a fan of Kawika Mitchell. I'm also excited to see how well Mathias Kiwanuka developes at linebacker, because he showed a lot of potential last year (despite his bonehead play). The secondary is the biggest concern, in my opinion. Aaron Ross and Corey Webster are both question marks at corner. It appears that the safeties are going to consist of Gibril Wilson and James Butler, with Will Demps on the bench. This doesn't seem to make too much sense, seeing as Demps played well down the stretch last year, after he had fully recovered from his injuries. Jeff Feagles remains a solid punter, and Lawrence Tynes will hopefully turn into a solid kicker. Anything they get out of the return game will be an improvement from last year. I'm going to go with another 8-8 season for the Giants, but 9-7 and 7-9 are definitely possible.

Both teams are very good. In the end all of the hot streaks and slumps will probably even out, and I believe the season will end with the Red Sox winning the east and the Yanks taking the wild card.

That would really be something, although I would be surprised if it wasn't Karstens.

Alright, time to make Mattingly the manager...

As expected, it'll be Mo.

The one to Sizemore was incredible as well.

OK, no need to even break down that inning.

Jackson, what did I miss, I thought that was the second strike?

OK, again, it's unfair to break down every inning this kid pitches, but I just can't help it. First Batter: Low and away fastball on the first pitch, really good location, grounded to first. Second Batter: Didn't show great command of his fastball. Threw a 2-1 fastball right on the outside corner, was up, might have gotten a generous call. Once it got to 2-2 Joba had him. Third Batter: Middle of the plate, 1-0 fastball, lined right to A-Rod. Got a little lucky there. You do not want to get to two strikes against him if you're a batter. I'm expecting to see him in the eighth, and he'll be facing some better hitters, especially if V-Mart gets up. This is a good chance to string together a bunch of off days for Vizcaino.

Haha, OK, I gotcha. Edwar's change is obviously something special, he'll just need to get a little more consistent with his fastball (although I'm only going on what he did in the majors, and that's tainted by lack of use). But, as you said, Joba is warming up.

Jackson, do you know if they're scheduling Joba's outings, and, if so, is he pitching tonight?

YES! Ended it nicely, and showed a little emotion.

He's being squeezed a bit.

OK, so here's what I've gathered about Clemens not appealing the suspension. 1.) The Yankees don't feel that there is any chance of MLB reducing the suspension, considering the reason they gave him five games is so he will miss a start, and anything less wouldn't mean anything. 2.) I mentioned before that he should have appealed the suspension, and even if it was not reduced, they would be able to use the off-day on August 23rd so he wouldn't miss a start. I should have realized that this doesn't make sense. The suspension is for five games, not five days. He would have to miss a start no matter what. 3.) The Yankees simply feel that he should take the suspension sooner rather then later.