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Enough with the Joba thing already.

I just thought I'd put this out there—Tyler Kepner (New York Times) makes an excellent point over at the Bats blog about the Joba debate:

To me — and to the Yankees, from what I can tell — there’s really no debate anymore about Joba Chamberlain’s role. Look, the Yankees already have a lights-out setup man: Brian Bruney. In 31 games from the bullpen last season, Bruney’s earned run average was 1.95, and opponents hit .153. In 30 games from the bullpen last season, Chamberlain’s E.R.A. was 2.31, and opponents hit .211. So, Bruney was actually better. Besides, if the Yankees make the playoffs, Chamberlain will probably have thrown so many innings as a starter that he’ll have to be a reliever in October, anyway. Chamberlain has the stuff to be an elite starter, and Bruney has the stuff to be an elite setup man — with the top prospect Mark Melancon poised to contribute as well. To me, it’s really pretty simple.

It is important to note that Bruney wasn't a designated setup man like Joba was last year, and that the pressures of that role are different from pitching in other situations. But still, Bruney's bullpen performance last year in addition to Joba's doozy on July 25th at Boston should make it clear to everybody that Joba belongs in the rotation to begin the season.

And that's where the debate should end. Right?

1 recs  |  Comment 4 comments

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yes youre right dzawaki and once again sorry schulz and rayoflight i was just being stupid guys

by jv52yankees on Jan 6, 2009 8:34 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

7IP, 3H, 1BB, 9K
Damn, I forgot how pretty that looks…

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Jan 6, 2009 11:26 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

of course

there’s no way you can even argue it, in my opinion. Joba has a sub 3 ERA last season as a starter, how can you think of putting him in the pen?

by moose35 on Jan 7, 2009 4:14 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Bruney isn't that good either

He has a really high walk rate.

But, relievers are a dime a dozen, there’s nothing magical about the 8th inning. If you take the approach the team is taking now – accumulate a bunch of young strike-throwers – you’ll hae a good bullpen, even if you lack big names or “proven set-up man” titles.

A talent like Joba would be wasted in the bullpen.

by 3460kuri on Jan 7, 2009 8:55 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

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