Joba's Role for 2009 is Murky

Joba Chamberlain was activated last night from the disabled list after missing approximately a month. The Yanks plan to use him out of the bullpen for the rest of the year because his arm is no longer "stretched out" enough for him to start.

Also, because he has not reached his projected innings this year, indications are that he will begin next year in the bullpen as well. According to Anthony Reiber of Newsday, GM Brian Cashman has said as much.

Reiber quotes Cashman:

"..Basically we believe that you can put some guys in jeopardy by putting way too much on them when they haven't been to that level. If someone adds a significant amount of innings from the previous year in an area where they've never been, history says those guys either have breakdown or significant underperformance the year after."

It certainly seems as if the more the Yanks baby their pitchers, the more they get hurt. Essentially, they accomplish the opposite of what they hope to achieve.

If Joba indeed starts next year in the bullpen, the same ridiculous scenario is bound to develop where he once again has to transition to the starting rotation in June. This is bound to start the tired debate on forums and sports talk radio as well about whether he should start or relieve.

I've always been in the camp that says Joba should be a starter. But what I am opposed to all this yo-yoing around. Cashman is really taking the Verducci rule to heart here. The idea that the best young arm in the entire system has to go through another winter of uncertainty about his role is a shame.

If you are wondering about Phil Hughes, he will be sent to the Arizona Fall League to get his innings increased. The Yanks are hoping that he will be part of the 2009 rotation, but they aren't advertising it. Certainly he took more than a step back this year. Ian Kennedy is anyone's guess. First, the young man needs a dose of humility and an attitude adjustment; he can stand in line behind Robinson Cano.

Time to Kiss Sir Sid adieu

Joe Girardi indicated yesterday that Sidney Ponson would remain in the rotation, despite his recent string of poor starts.

With the Yanks playing out a meaningless September, does this make any sense at all? Sidney made a few decent starts when he was first acquired, but the time has come to say goodbye. The few starts that are left should go to someone who figures in the Yankee plans for 2009. Or for laughs, Kei Igawa.

There is no reason to watch Sid self-destruct every fifth day.

Sir Sid's last 5 Starts:

(Courtesy of Lee Sinins' Complete Baseball Encyclopedia.)

Here is where the Yankee Pitchers stand with Runs Saved Above Average (RSAA.) Sid is at -7. Yes, Hughes and Kennedy are worse, but they should be getting more work this month in the bigs.

YANKEES
Mariano Rivera 21
Mike Mussina 21
Joba Chamberlain 19
Dan Giese 8
Edwar Ramirez 6
Jose Veras 5
Brian Bruney 5
Chien-Ming Wang 5
Kyle Farnsworth 4
Andy Pettitte 3
Carl Pavano 2
Chris Britton 1
Jonathan Albaladejo 1
Scott Patterson 0
Kei Igawa -4
Damaso Marte -4
Billy Traber -5
David Robertson -5
LaTroy Hawkins -5
Darrell Rasner -6
Sidney Ponson -7
Ross Ohlendorf -9
Phil Hughes -11
Ian Kennedy -16