In Tampa, the spring has been full of optimism. Joe Girardi has
instilled newfound energy to the “lackluster” Yankees veterans, A-Rod
and Jeter “have never been better”, and last, but not least, the young
starters have looked outstanding. The rest of the American League
should step aside while the Yankees roll their way to a pennant. Or
should they? Could the utilization of Joba Chamberlain solve both the
Yankees bullpen dilemma and possibly set the Yankees up for near and
long term success?
Despite the spin by Joe Girardi, it will be hard to find anyone excited about LaTroy Hawkins or Kyle Farnsworth potentially manning the 7th and 8th inning. To top it off, ex-Mets prospect Billy Traber is currently leading in the “left-handed specialist” competition. This type of bridge to Rivera is certainly not for the faint of heart. It’s with any wonder that there is even a debate within the Yankees organization about what Joba Chamberlain’s role should be in 2008. Not only can Chamberlain fix that “bridge” but he could have the same type of “trickle down” effect to the bullpen that Johan Santana has had with the Mets rotation.
Chamberlain to the bullpen is a polarizing issue. In one corner you have those that believe his performance in the second half of 2007 (24 innings, 34 strikeouts, 1 earned run) indicates he has “special” talent for the relieving role. On the other end of the spectrum, you have those that believe Chamberlain’s talent is wasted on three outs a ballgame. Neither side is wrong, but I believe the presence of Hughes and Kennedy in the rotation makes it essential for the Yankees to put Joba in the bullpen.
The Yankees consider themselves serious World Series contenders in 2008. With Hughes, Kennedy, and Chamberlain in the rotation you would have sixty percent of your starters under the age of 22. The last team to rely so heavily on young, homegrown starters was the Atlanta Braves of the early nineties. Smoltz, Glavine, and Avery all were key components for the 1991 National League champions combing for 52 victories. Here comes the proverbial cold water: Only Avery was under the age of 22 while Glavine and Smoltz already had three years each of big league experience. With the Yankees trios’ experience, or the lack thereof, do you honestly believe they can expect the type of performance that will result in a division championship this year? With an aging offense can the Yankees afford to wait for all three to develop as starting pitchers?
Chamberlain in the bullpen makes sense for a variety of reasons. First, you create six virtually automatic outs each ballgame. Reducing each game to seven innings worked very well for the late nineties Yankees teams. You also will put Hawkins and Farnsworth in less prominent bullpen roles increasing their likelihood for success. Second, you can start to groom Mariano Rivera’s replacement over the next three years. Let’s remember that Mariano will be 40 before his contract expires. Legendary closers come once in a lifetime, the Yankees could be lucky enough to have two over the span of twenty years. Make no mistake about it Derek Jeter fans, no Mariano since 1996 equals no World Series championships. Last, but not least, what makes one believe Chamberlain will succeed as a starter? His minor league numbers in one season are impressive (9-2, 2.45 E.R.A, 88 innings, 135 strikeouts), but he has yet to show that he can sustain big league success in the rotation. Going through a lineup multiple times is far more challenging then “airing it out” for just one inning. Factor in the offensive prowess of most American League teams and you have a daunting task for any pitcher, must less one that is only 21 years of age. Let’s also remember I haven’t even factored in the innings limitation that comprises a whole other debate.
The Braves starters needed nearly three years before their rotation was ready to compete at a high level. Their training came in the obscurity of awful teams in a terrible baseball town. Put in perspective the fishbowl of New York and can anyone honestly think these three pitchers will be given the same developmental time? Can the Yankees afford to be patient with their payroll and demanding ownership? More importantly, can Brian Cashman afford to be patient? Let’s also remember that Smoltz and Glavine were the only two young Atlanta pitchers that sustained success. Other highly regarded starters such as Steve Avery, Pete Smith, Armando Reynoso, and David Nied all had brief or limited success in their careers. The odds of hitting the jackpot on all three starters is very unlikely. Why mess with someone who already has shown he can master his current role? Let’s also remember that the Yankees, unlike that Atlanta team, have solid proven arms in Mike Mussina, Andy Pettitte, and Chien-Ming Wang. The need to push all three to is far less a necessity in the near term. If you don’t buy the Atlanta comparison then why can’t Chamberlain follow the same career path as Johan Santana? After being selected in the Rule V draft by Minnesota in 2000, Santana spent the first four years of his major league career primarily as a reliever. I could easily argue that his experience easing into the rotation set him up for longevity and success.
On most teams this is not even a debate with the dearth of quality pitching. In New York, on the Yankees, with two other key rookie pitchers it makes Joba as a reliever virtually essential. If there were a Stanton, Nelson, and Mendoza in the bullpen my tune might be different. Reality gives me names like Hawkins, Farnsworth, Traber, and Bruney. With Joba Chamberlain in the rotation the Yankees might have a once in a lifetime pitcher. Underline the keyword might. Joba in the bullpen has already been a story with a successful ending. In short, the Yankees are in an enviable position where they can’t lose. You can always make Joba a starter in the future so what’s the rush today? If the Yankees are to compete in the near term then the Joba Chamberlain starting vs. relieving debate must end today. Joe Girardi must make the next call to the bullpen be for Joba!
Check out the latest Gotham Alumni feature on Gotham Sports Radio as former Yankees DH and author of the book “Designated Hebrew” Ron Blomberg joined us last week. Ron discussed the challenges he faced battling anti-Semitism, the frustration of limited playing time, and his experience managing in the Israel Baseball League. Check out this and other shows on Gotham Sports Radio.
In Tampa, the spring has been full of optimism. Joe Girardi has
instilled newfound energy to the “lackluster” Yankees veterans, A-Rod
and Jeter “have never been better”, and last, but not least, the young
starters have looked outstanding. The rest of the American League
should step aside while the Yankees roll their way to a pennant. Or
should they? Could the utilization of Joba Chamberlain solve both the
Yankees bullpen dilemma and possibly set the Yankees up for near and
long term success?
