Although some buffoons, such as Kevin Kernan, continue to insist that Joba Chamberlain would serve the Yankees better in the bullpen now that they have added Andy Pettitte, the team has decided to make the logically sound decision. Per Pete Abe:
Joba is headed down to Tampa tomorrow and is ready to start throwing off the mound “Twenty-five fastballs, I’m feeling great,” he said.
The Yankees, he said, told him in November that he would be a starting pitcher and he has been preparing for that. “It’s a relief to have it all settled,” he said.
That sounds like a pretty definite statement, as Joba considers the issue “settled.” This leads me to believe that the team told him that he will remain in the rotation barring some unforeseen circumstance. Considering the depth of the other rotations in the AL East, the Yankees need strong pitching from the 5th spot to match up with hurlers such as John Smoltz and David Price. On a more general level, being that a solid starter is worth more than an eighth inning reliever, this continues to be the right move, no matter what the relative state of the rotation and bullpen.
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
5 Responses to Joba: I'm a Starter
Leave a Reply
TIQ IQ
The Kernan article is idiotic. People act like the Yankees have a shit bullpen, which is absolutely untrue. Also, Mark Melancon could further bolster the ‘pen in 2009. Joba just isn’t necessary in that role.
Yeah, the bullpen was very solid last season, as well as young. There is absolutely no reason to believe they should not be even better this season. The link Tom put up in the Diamond Buzz section about Joba gives pretty compelling support to the Joba in the rotation position.
Its not like Joba is struggling as a starting pitcher. The man was lights out in the rotation last summer.
Joba is not starting pitcher material. He can be a great, epic closer, but his arm will fall off before he can make an impact on the Yankee rotation. I have no confidence in Phil hughes either. I mean the Yanks have been “protecting” these guys for how many years? Stop protecting, and let them pitch! Seattle is doing the same thing with their young stud. Its a 10 year “breaking them in process” with these guys.
Yeah, the bullpen was very solid last season, as well as young. There is absolutely no reason to believe they should not be even better this season. The link Tom put up in the Diamond Buzz section about Joba gives pretty compelling support to the Joba in the rotation position.