Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
March 19, 2008
Joba Penned

In case there was any doubt about where Joba Chamberlain would start the season, Joe Girardi made it official today:

Joe Girardi said just a few minutes ago that RHP Joba Chamberlain would open the season in the bullpen.

He left open the possibility that Chamberlain will move into the rotation later this season. "His future will be as a starter," Girardi said.

Chamberlain will pitch in relief against Toronto tomorrow and again on Saturday. Ian Kennedy will start against the Blue Jays, a sign that he has nailed down the No. 5 starter job.

Girardi did not define Chamberlain's role in the bullpen other than to say that he will be used in the "back end of games."

There will be no Joba Rules. Chamberlain can be used for multiple innings and on consecutive days. "It will be common sense," Girardi said.

Mike Mussina gets a chance to pitch his way out of the rotation. I expect the two will switch positions sooner rather than later.

(I've trashed Mussina a bit this spring. I really like Mike. He's had a great career and should merit Hall of Fame consideration. Watching him the last few seasons, however, he looks like he done. It's nice he's getting the chance to prove he has one more season left, and I certainly hope I'm wrong about this prediction. I'd like to see Mike go out on a high note.)


Posted by David Pinto at 03:39 PM | Pitchers | TrackBack (0)
Comments

two things at work here:

1) Cashman is afraid to go into the season with 3 rookies in the starting rotation.

2) Mike Mussina is the Phantom Menace here. As long as Mussina lingers in Pinstripes, Joba is in the pen.

Yankees' starting pitching is going to be a real disappointment this year.

That is all....go back to your farms now.

Posted by: Leco at March 21, 2008 06:24 PM
Post a comment









Remember personal info?