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November 4, 2009

On the Beat

World Series Midweek Update

by John Perrotto

Few players have gotten more hype for doing less than Joba Chamberlain. He burst onto the New York scene late in the 2007 season, posting a 0.38 ERA and 1.2 WARP1 in 24 innings. A star was born, and it hasn’t burned out, even though Chamberlain had a mediocre 2009 in his first full season as a major league starter.

Chamberlain had a 2.87 ERA in 100 1/3 innings last season, with 2.8 WARP1 as he made the transition from reliever to starter in midseason, making a total of 30 relief appearances and 12 starts. The number of column inches devoted to the debate in the New York dailies over whether Chamberlain should start or relieve and how the Yankees handled his situation seemed to be infinite.

This season, he was thoroughly nondescript. He had a 4.75 ERA in 157 1/3 innings and contributed just 1.4 WARP1. The Yankees have again been questioned for their handling of Chamberlain, as they backed off on the number of innings he pitched late in the regular season and regularly gave him extra rest, then decided to use him exclusively in relief in the postseason.

Thus, it’s still all Joba all the time in New York and his change of roles in October and November figures to continue to generate tabloid and talk show fodder throughout the winter. Chamberlain is already bracing to be the center of attention when the Yankees reconvene in Tampa next February for the start of spring training. "It’ll be another offseason full of questions," Chamberlain said. "It’s something we’re prepared for."

The plan, for now at least, is for Chamberlain to be back in the starting rotation when next season begins. Chamberlain is adamant that starting is his preferred role. However, the Yankees also say they have the right to change their mind and whatever moves they make in the offseason might dictate Chamberlain’s role.