The Joba Rules, Part II
It looks like the New York Yankees in a desperate reach to keep up with their arch enemies, the Red Sox are looking at amending hurler Joba Chamerlain’s workload…
New York, NY (Sports Network) - New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain will reportedly start the season in the bullpen, before heading to the minor leagues in the summer to prepare to finish the campaign in the starting rotation, all so he does not exceed a prescribed innings limit set by the club.
The New York Post cited team officials as confirming that the 22-year-old right-hander is tentatively slated to open the 2008 season as he finished 2007, as setup man for closer Mariano Rivera. Chamberlain dominated in that role last season, recording an earned run average of 0.38 and holding opponents to a .145 batting average in 19 games.
A limit of 140 innings has apparently been set for Chamberlain, the Post says, so the Yankees have devised a program to allow the young pitcher to end up in the rotation while still staying under the number. According to the Post, Chamberlain will open the season in the bullpen, where he will set up Rivera until some time in June, when he will be sent to the minors to stretch out his arm.
After three or four weeks in the minors, Chamberlain will return to the Yankees as a starter and will finish the season in the rotation, the Post says.
I’m not sure if this is a good idea; however, the Yankees will do what they have to do…
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