Though it's discussed all the time on WFAN and in the New York papers, we haven't discussed it here. At one time, I was strongly in favor of having Joba Chamberlain become a starter. I thought he had too much talent to be wasted as a middle relief guy, and considering how bad the rotation was in 2008, we needed him to start. Now, I've changed. I think he's better off in the bullpen. How do YOU feel about this? Should Joba stay in the rotation or move back to the pen?
4 comments:
The fact that I've actually changed my mind about something is monumental in itself. Those that know me best know this rarely happens. But I think Joba should go back to the pen if Wang can get straightened out. Wang is the key to the whole equation. Right now, the rotation is CC, AJ, Andy, Wang and Joba. You must have a strong starting four, and if Wang can be fixed, we'll pretty much have that. Hughes, in my opinion, has come around pretty well and would be just as effective as Joba as a fifth starter. Joba usually only goes about 5-6 innings, he has usually already thrown 100 pitches by then, and he is often behind in the game. Hughes can give you that, if not better. And since the bullpen is a mess, as usual, why not just flip places with Joba and Hughes? Joba can be explosive when coming in for just an inning or two. I think he likes getting the ball a few times a week, especially when he can smell blood and sense a win. He has the right personality for such a role. Plus, Hughes has been a good trooper about everything and I think he deserves another shot at the rotation. But again, it all depends on Wang. If he can settle down and get back to being a quality reliable starter, you'd have a rotation of CC, AJ, Andy, Wang and Hughes. Joba could then really shore up the bullpen, he can get that aura back that he had in '07, and while working with Mo, he can be groomed for the closer job. In fact, he might even be able to start closing some games in 2110 along with Mo and be ready to become the closer in 2112, when Mo retires. He'll still only be 26 at the start of that season. Again, right now, it's all depends on Wang, because if he continues to pitch terribly, both Hughes and Joba will have to be in the starting rotation. But if Wang gets back on track, I'd make the move right now. Also, think of it this way: If Mo - God forbid - got hurt tonight and was lost for the year, who would be made the closer in an instant? Joba. Everybody knows it. Even Cashman.
I have never been in favor of Joba in the starting role with the Yankees. Joba was "lights out" as a set up man to Mo. It reminded me of the days with Mo to Wetland and Stanton or Nelson to Mo. Right now, the Yankees are struggling mightly to find a set up man and he is right in front of their faces. Enough with waiting for Brian Bruney to get right because I don't think it's gonna happen. As for Aceves, he's just not ready yet.
I agree, it's time to move Hughes into the starting rotation and get Joba back in the bullpen. In case some of you don't know, the Yanks have Josh Towers (Blue Jays) and Casey Fossum (Rays and Diamondbacks) in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Both have years of MLB pitching experience. However, neither has pitched in the bigs since 2005. Also, Ian Kennedy will be back from the DL soon as well. Maybe they should run one up to the Bronx to see what they can do!
Back to Joba...His effectivness as a starter has been very minimal especially with "The Joba Rules" in play. This drives me crazy. Here is a young athlete in his early 20's that can't pitch more than 90 to 100 pitches. I believe the Yankees would take him out of a game once he hit his target even if he had a no hitter. His pitch speed has gone from 95 to 100 down to barely hitting 92, 93 MPH. I hope we see this change made before the All Star break so we can move ahead.
Jim M
PS: It's time for Eiland to go!
I love Jaba, but I don't think his ready to be a starter just yet. I would like to see more consistency.
Once again Joba goes 5 1/3 and leaves the Yankees in a lurch. As usual, he will get no decision while the bullpen gets worn out. It's time to make a move. At this point I think Joba needs to come back to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Let's get him in the bullpen where he is more help to the Yankees. In fact, he may actually be more help to the Yankees if he was one of the players in a trade for Roy Halladay. The NY Post reports that the Jays want Joba or Philip Hughes, Austin Jackson and a few other minor leaguers. I say throw Joba, Jackson and maybe even Melky into the deal. Halladay is a lights out pitcher who is good for 15 wins a year and 7 innings a game. As of right now, the pitching rotation does not look so good. CC is solid, AJ is shaky at times, but solid lately, Andy has been great even though he bombed in his last start, Joba is just dreadful and the fifth spot is open with "The Wanger" on the DL. AS I mentioned in an earlier post, the Yanks have Casey Fossum and Josh Towers at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Oh, lets not forget Kei Igawa as well. It's time to make a move.
Jim M.
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