Frustration growing with Joba plan

September 10, 2009

Frustration growing with Joba plan

I don’t know about you, but I do not enjoy watching a starter pitch three innings every time. Last night was the third straight time Joba Chamberlain went just three innings. Here are his averages:

3 IP, 4.33 H, 2 ER, BB, 2 K, 49.67 pitches, 31.67 strikes.

So when is Chamberlain going to start building back his arm strength to be a starter in the playoffs? If ever!?

Via PeteAbe’s notebook:

“He didn't want to come out,” Joe Girardi said. “I told him, ‘We're getting to the point where you get to go a little bit further.' "

I am guessing this means last night was the last time Chamberlain goes three innings, which is great. But then what happens if gets rocked next time out, and he only lasts two?

The whole plan is really mindboggling. He’s not going deep into games, and he’s not a one-inning pitcher. He’s like a long reliever making three straight spot starts. It just makes no sense.

Then again, what other plausible options are there?

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Anonymous · 811 weeks ago

They are ruining that guy, but I have to say, he didn't look too good those first few innings. He's not the pitcher he was two years ago.

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Joe Sikorski · 811 weeks ago

This is getting comical. Girardi has been talking about keeping his pitch count down and saving his arm since the beginning of the season. I don't understand it. I still think he should be in the bullpen. I still see him as more of a set up man or long reliever then a starter. He has great stuff, but like you said averaging three innings isn't going to do him any good. It's time for Yankee management to either let him do his thing or to move him back to the bullpen.

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Jorge Says No! · 811 weeks ago

For some reason, I can't see this plan turning out well for the Yankees. I dunno why, but it just seems like they've taken this "protect Joba's arm" stuff a little too far.