Joba Backs A-Rod, Shows His Captainy Side

Joba Chamberlain could teach his team’s captain a few things about supporting teammates as the Yankees phenom threw himself completely behind beleaguered third baseman Alex Rodriguez.

Joba Chamberlain has no doubt that Yankees teammate Alex Rodriguez will be ready to play after an offseason full of distractions.

“He’s still going to be the Alex that we can count on and be there for us,” Chamberlain said Wednesday after working out at the Yankees’ minor league complex. “He’s going to be a friend forever. You look at it that way and you understand what it’s about and go on. He’s going to go and play everyday like he always does. He’s one the greatest players to ever play.”

The “friend forever” phrasing seems to be a popular refrain for A-Rod’s teammates as Jorge Posada used the same wording a few days ago.

Rodriguez has already drawn strong voices of support in the form of Brian Bruney, Johnny Damon, Chamberlain and Posada. It remains to be seen whether this tightens up a clubhouse sometimes characterized as corporate and stuffy - particularly when compared to the gritty, team atmosphere which permeated the dynasty’s locker room.

Hopefully the A-Rod support thread can be closed soon so we can all focus on baseball.