Girardi: Starting Now, It Counts

From Sam Borden:

Girardi has said he hopes to make a decision during the final week of March, and — as pitch counts rise and workloads increase — he expects both Hughes and Chamberlain (as well as Mitre and Aceves) to start mixing consistent pitching in their areas of focus with positive results.

“After this one,” Girardi said, “we’re really going to start making our evaluations.”

Spring training results generally do not mean much, as pitchers are working on specific pitches and skills rather than taking the most effective approach towards attacking hitters. That said, if the Yankees feel the need to base their decisions on a three week competition, eventually results will have to enter the equation. I still believe Joba Chamberlain will win the spot, but further outings similar to his first two might preclude that. Beginning with his next start, results will matter. Hopefully, Joba will seize the opportunity.

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