Casting Chamberlain

The drama of Joba Chamberlain is already starting to unfold and unravel in the Yankee theater. Joba will probably take the stage and begin his 2009 campaign as a designated starting pitcher. The great debate is whether Chamberlain should be used solely as a starter or pulled purposely from the pen.
The Yankee rotation is a good one. The Bombers resigned veteran lefty, Andy Pettitte, and added two bonifide performers in C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. Last season’s ace, Chien-Ming Wang, returns to the rotation in a lesser role as a healed hauler. The health of the staff is going to be the main question in ultimately deciding if Chamberlain is chained to start games. I think with Joba as the fourth starter, ahead of Pettitte, the Yankees have a solidified backend rotation. Andy as the fifth starter only makes him better. Chamberlain’s presence and move to the starting front would take pressure off Pettitte to perform at high levels. He fumbled down the stretch in 2008, but now the focus will be shifted to the big three and the evolution of Joba. Chamberlain will evolve as long as he keeps a consistent schedule and can contain his emotions on the mound. He is equipped to be a starter but his emotional makeup as a reliever concerns many fans. He was so successful in the role of reliever fans wonder why Brian Cashman would mess with what works. But Joba has all the goods to deliver a variety of quality starting stuff.
Phil Hughes is coming off a mediocre first season in which the expectations failed to produce a lock in the starring role. Hughes is efficient and can be a go-to arm every fifth game but he also could use some time to work out the kinks in his mechanics. Meanwhile, Joba would have the chance to prove himself and show us more. The Yankees will know quickly if moving Joba into the rotation or back to the bullpen is the right choice. Hughes or Alfredo Aceves could replace him in the rotation if the choice to keep him as a reliever is made.
It’s true Joba would ensure a dynamic duo if given the opportunity to be the 8th inning pitcher. Mariano Rivera remains the team closer, but he is coming off shoulder surgery. Number 42 could start slow coming out this Spring and Chamberlain could help close games early in the season. However, that role would mean Joba using only two pitches. If the Yankees relegated the righty to a starting position, he would need to mix in malicious alternatives. I would hate to miss out on seeing Joba work the count on hitters with his devastating curve and cool changeup.
The good part about the Yankees being somewhat undecided (even though Cashman told Joba and insists he will start) is they have enough pitching to be flexible and have a trial and error period. However, the organization cannot hesitate or wait it out too long to decide the fate of Joba. One way or another, Joba deserves an convincing answer. He commands respect in either role because of his ability and resourcefulness as a pitcher. It is likely one of the current pegged starting pitchers will suffer an ailment at some point in 2009. That is just the nature of the long baseball year. A guaranteed Joba would grant a gifted gamer and shutdown solution against opponents. The bullpen is weaker without Joba but the starting rotation also suffers without his talent on display. He is built to start and accustomed to being in there. Imagine opposing teams with the fear factor instilled before the first pitch is thrown instead of the final inning leading up to his entrance.

Parting points: The Devils are still on a roll in hockey land. I see few weaknesses in this team but they are probably going to let me down come playoff time anyway.