Joba Following Instructions Brilliantly

So I want to thank Joba Chamberlain for reading the blog. I wrote today: "Joba's biggest problem is just getting ahead and retiring guys. The leadoff hitter of an inning has a .333/.426/.538 line against Joba. That means he's letting a leadoff runner on once every four innings which is unacceptable. He needs to trust his stuff and go after guys."

And how many lead-off batters did he allow on in this game? Zero. In 8 innings.

He looks so much more comfortable on the mound and I'm telling you, it's all about the fist pump. He even told Michael Kay that it wasn't in his nature to suppress the fist pump so as long as he's not showing anyone up, Joba feels OK doing it. He looks relaxed, confident and focused on the mound. He seems to be pitching with a purpose and with emotion (I'm telling you, it's ALL about the fist pump).

He's 23 and has a 0.83 ERA since the break. Good thing we didn't move him into the bullpen.