New York Yankees’ Joba Chamberlain not interested in being starter – MLB News
It looks like Joba Chamberlain will not be given another opportunity during Spring Training to become a starting pitcher for the New York Yankees. He will remain as a reliever for the team until otherwise stated.
The Yankees are satisfied with Joba as being their reliever and will not be looked at to becoming their starter. As Spring Training is beginning, this will give the Yankees some time to finalise their pitching rotation in terms of starters and relievers.
For now, it seems they are content at keeping Joba as a reliever.
It seems that the Yankees are looking at players like Ivan Nova, Bartolo Colon, Sergio Mitre and Freddy Garcia as potential starting pitcher roles. Each one of these players is a tremendous pitcher and the team will be looking at their performances during
the spring workout sessions to determine the ideal starting rotation.
The team understands the importance of making the right decision regarding the selection of starting pitchers. Spring Training will allow for these players to take on some of the best quality batting in the League, as they show their worth.
Joba suffered an injury in 2008 to his shoulder and it seems that his performance in pitching has slightly suffered. The Yankees are aware of this situation and have chosen to keep Joba as a reliever until he improves his throwing.
Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman said, "Since the injury in Texas, his stuff is different now. We've seen over time that his stuff plays so much better as a reliever since he hurt his shoulder."
The role of starting pitcher is very competitive for any team in the Major League Baseball, not only does a player have to physically fit, but throwing accuracy and effectiveness are also very important qualities that are examined.
Chamberlain said, "I don't know if that debate is ever going to stop. I guess you take it with a grain of salt. If that comes up in the future, then I'll answer that question. Right now, you can't think about it."
During Spring Training it will be interesting to see which player is chosen as the starting pitcher for the Yankees. As the regular season will start right after, it will be imperative that the team makes the proper decision to lead from the mound.
However, for Joba, it now seems likely that he will remain in the role as reliever. Regardless of his position, Chamberlain is a professional and is looking to contribute to the team in any way that is required of him. If that means sitting in the bullpen,
then that is where he will be for the team.
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