Hoping For Better

Yankee Stadium was burning bright when Joba Chamberlain threw the first pitch of his first big-league start.

“The place was really jacked up,” explained Javier, who lives over on Walton Avenue. “It felt like a playoff game against the Red Sox.”

Chamberlain reached his pitch limit in the third inning and the Stadium didn’t feel the same after that.

“It went from a postseason atmosphere to something more like Spring Training,” Javier said. “I know everyone was hyped up about Joba’s start, but Dan Giese held it close and gave us the chance to beat a really good pitcher (Roy Halladay).

“The fans going flat didn’t break the game open against us,” Javier continued, “but it didn’t help either.”

The crowd thinned in the late innings.

“It’s embarrassing that some fans can’t make it through a game,” Javier said. “They expect a maximum effort from the team, but don’t give it themselves.”

Javier shrugged.

“I’m hoping for better tonight.”