Goat of The Week: Joba Chamberlain

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

This week's goat is Joba the Arrogant. The guy has had trouble all season with consistency, and Sunday's start against the Blue Jays was his worst Mr. Hyde impression.

Joba gave up eight runs off nine hits over three and two-thirds innings, while only striking out one. Cody Ransom's two-out error let Joba off the hook, as only three runs were earned. But a good outing does not mean giving up nine hits in less than four innings.

Joba has gone more than six innings only three times in 16 starts. That is not what you want to see from your young stud. In fact, Joba has gone less than five innings five times—two more times than he's gone over six . The future "ace" only has a 1.8 K/BB ratio.

Joba's persistent nibbling at corners and lack of control at times is not what makes him goat of the week. It's the young, brash righty's reactions after his futile start against Toronto.

Matt Gelb of the Star Ledger had Joba's reactions:

"I did a good job today, I felt like. They're great hitters. I threw good pitches and they put good swings on it. They've been doing it all year. And they're going to continue doing it."

This was after Girardi said in his post game press conference that he believed Joba was having trouble attacking the hitters and needed to do more of it. This is an accurate and honest observation by Girardi.

But when asked about Joba's comments, Chamberlain said, "you'll have to ask him" on the discrepancy.

Chamberlain is taking a page out of the Ian Kennedy book. In order to pitch in NYC, you have to be willing to take blame when you aren't doing well. You also shouldn't be disagreeing with your manager.

The reason I outlined Joba's inconsistency is to show that this isn't as if it's one bad start for him. It has been a pattern all season.

I say, take responsibility and correct the mistakes.

The right-hander has the talent and the stuff to go after hitters. So stop quibbling with Posada, and pitch.

Until Joba does fix himself and takes responsibility, he is this week's goat.


- MN

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