Skipping Joba

From George King III (NY Post):

The Yankees are contemplating skipping Joba Chamberlain during the first trip through the rotation for two reasons:One, with a 150-innings limit on his electric right arm it would be a way of attaining that goal.

Two, it would allow the Yankees to open the new Yankee Stadium with CC Sabathia, their $161 million ace.

“It’s in the mix,” manager Joe Girardi said yesterday when asked if skipping Chamberlain was an option.

Sabathia will open the season in Baltimore on April 6. Because the Yankees don’t play on April 7, Sabathia could return April 10 in Kansas City. Five days later he would be ready to hurl against the Indians, his original team, in the home opener.

A fifth starter isn’t needed until April 12 in Kansas City and that could be Chamberlain’s debut.

If that’s the case, Chamberlain could fall in between Sabathia and Wang in the rotation.

Hmm, I wonder if Girardi was referring, specifically, to skipping Joba during the first rotation run through or if he was simply stating that skipping starts was a general possibility. Either way, while it would be a lot of fun to see Joba start the home opener, I’d actually love to see CC get the ball, as well. After hearing the raucous crowd, I’m sure he’ll wonder why he ever even thought about staying on the west coast.