With The Playoffs Approaching, The Yankees Must Break The Rules
September 9, 2009 · Mike Salvatore · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Since the All-Star Break, the New York Yankees have been firing on all cylinders. They have overtaken the Boston Red Sox by a healthy margin and also now possess the best record in baseball.
It seems like the team has been pushing all of the right buttons. Timely hitting, great starting pitching, and a rock solid bullpen have been the staple point for the Yankees over the last few months.
However, there is one large issue that remains with the team as it gears up for a run at the World Series—what to do with Joba Chamberlain.
Immediately following the break Joba seemed like he was finally beginning to develop into the pitcher the Yankees were hoping for, as he went 3-0 with a 0.82 ERA in his first three starts.
Soon after, the team began limiting his innings, following the now famous “Joba Rules,” in order to preserve Chamberlain for the future. It’s no secret that the Yankees envision Joba as big time player for the team in the near future, so they feel they are doing what is best for the team.
The problem with the “Joba Rules” is how little work Chamberlain will be getting before the postseason. Over his last four starts, including tonight against Tampa Bay, Chamberlain has not lasted more than four innings.
With the playoffs rapidly approaching, you would want all your pitchers to be on top of their game, but due to his inconsistent starts and short outings, it has become hard for Chamberlain to find a rhythm.
This does not bode well for the playoffs.
Fortunately if the Yankees are able to maintain the best record they will be able to choose what type of series they play in the first round. In the scenario they are likely to pick, they will have more off days and thus enable the team to only have to use three pitchers (Sabathia, Burnett, and Pettite), with Chamberlain available to come out of the bullpen (love the irony there).
Should they advance, however, they will need to rely on a fourth starter. One glance through the roster and it becomes apparent that Chamberlain would have to be that fourth starter.
The Yankees can’t throw Phil Hughes out there as he’s become the bridge to Mariano Rivera the team has been looking for. Alfredo Aceves has become the modern day version of Ramiro Mendoza, and is a good innings eater, but not someone you want starting a playoff game.
I think I speak for most Yankee fans when I say I do not want Sergio Mitre or Chad Gaudin anywhere near the mound in October.
This leaves Chamberlain as the only viable candidate.
What I hope the Yankees do now is decide to break the “Joba Rules” and allow Chamberlain to pitch deeper into regular season games so that he can round into form before the playoffs start.
For a team that follows the “win now” mantra, the New York Yankees must take the leash off Joba Chamberlain for good if they hope to have success in the postseason.
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