Not So Fast, Hank

As you have probably heard, Hank Steinbrenner made some comments this week that suggested making Joba Chamberlain a starter, rather than keeping him in his setup role. Joba is such a dominant pitcher, with his 100-mph fastball. And as Hank put it, you would be "an idiot" to keep him as a one-inning pitcher. Joba appeared in 19 games last year and didn't lose once. His ERA was an amazing 0.38 and he had 10 more strikeouts than innings pitched.

Joba is off to a good start this year, appearing in 7 games and striking out 9 batters in 8 innings. Tonight, Joba pitched the 8th and 9th innings against the White Sox. With the score tied 6-6 in the bottom of the 9th, Joba hung a curveball to Joe Crede. Crede laced a base hit to centerfield, scoring Carlos Quentin from second base. Okay, rewind. There was one out in the inning and a runner on second base. Joe Crede has been as hot as anyone on the White Sox, with 6 hits and 2 homers in his last 5 games. If I could ask Joe Girardi one question, I would ask...WHY WOULD YOU PITCH TO CREDE?!?

I understand Joba is dominant and all, which he is. But, when you could walk Crede to put yourself in a position for an inning ending double-play, why would you pitch to him? Joba hung a curve against Crede and Crede did what he has been doing- went with the pitch and hammered a liner to centerfield.

Joba is an awesome pitcher and he will be for years to come. But, I think this was a good thing for the Yankees. It shows that Joba is human. Joba suffered his first career loss as a professional. If and when Joba becomes a starter, he isn't going to win every game and dominate every game the way he does as a setup man. People need to understand this. If Joba starts a game and goes 6+ innings, he isn't going to have the same 100-mph fastball and the same 86-mph ankle-breaking slider. Not so fast, Hank. Let things unfold as they should. If Joba is needed as a starter in the near future, it will happen.