As fall begins and the Yankees near their first American League East championship since (gasp!) 2006, it's time for the focus in the Bronx to turn to the playoffs. While discussing Joba Chamberlain with the Bergen Record, Brian Cashman let two interesting playoff-related tidbits slip. The first is that the Yankees are planning on going with a 10-man pitching staff during the Division Series. The second is that Chamberlain isn't guaranteed one of those ten spots if he doesn't, "step it up," in the near future. There's no denying that Chamberlain's been awful lately. In his last nine starts, his ERA is 8.25 and hitters are reaching base at a .409 clip. Even if he can't turn things around completely, it's hard to imagine him being left off the playoff roster entirely. Leaving him off of the playoff roster would leave a spot open for someone like Chad Gaudin, who's not really much of an upgrade. Still, looking at the schedule it's entirely possible that Cashman isn't bluffing.
The decision to go with ten pitchers is interesting. Since the Yankees are likely to end up with the best record in the AL, they'll get to choose either the "A" schedule or the "B" schedule. The "A" schedule has an extra off day built in early in the series, which means that the two teams can escape the round only using three starting pitchers. For the Yankees, that means they don't have to risk Chamberlain in the rotation at all and can go with CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, and Andy Pettitte, and that their bullpen will have extra rest and, if things go well, might not even have to go seven deep in the series.
That means that even if Chamberlain does make the ALDS roster, he may not see much action. Phil Hughes and Mariano Rivera will have the late innings taken care of and Joe Girardi probably trusts Alfredo Aceves and David Robertson to bridge the gap to them much more than he trusts Chamberlain right now. Good thing the Yankees went to so much trouble to preserve his arm for the playoffs.
Hat-tip: Bryan Hoch at MLB.com
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-23-2009 @ 12:18AM
longfordmac2 said...
iT'S MONEY TIME JOBA !!!
There are many Yankee fans, I being one of them, who need to see you step up. This ain't some second city like Milwaukee or Boston (heh-heh). This is New York baby. Winners win at money time Joba. The fans will either remember you or forget you. You want to play with the best for the best fans in all of sports you have to produce. What's it gonna be?
You have spit the bit the last half of the season and have contributed zero. The post season can be your season. Step it up son.
Reply
9-23-2009 @ 11:49AM
Mark said...
Boston is hardly a second rate city. The Sox have a great team and so do the Yanks. I find it humorous that Cashman is saying he needs to step it up because Yankees management are the ones who screwed him up to begin with. Had he been on some sort of regular schedule during the year instead of "when are we going to pitch joba next?" I bet he'd be in good shape and pitching like he's capable of. He's got the stuff.
Girardi is a boob,thankfully for the Yanks they have great players and have a real good chance to win despite him. Not that Francona is any better . They both leave pitchers in too long (how often has Burnett been shelled and left in and Beckett also ) and Francona sticks with struggling players far too long. I'm praying he doesnt put Delcarmen in a prime spot come the playoffs.
Reply
9-23-2009 @ 10:23PM
Ace said...
Joba is not a starter, never will be a good one. Was better as a middle relief or a possible closer of the future. They have tampered with his speed to give him longevity in the innings and all this talk about rules and having to answer the multitude of questions about every minutia of his life has the boy in a tail spin the last year and half. Start again next year, find another starter and get on in life and let Joba be Joba
Reply
9-24-2009 @ 3:00AM
David said...
I must admit Joba has been terrible but players can have the opportunity to change that when it comes to the postseason. One reason I believe this is because Phil Hughes has had difficulty starting but in one game against Cleveland (early relief at the time) in the playoffs really shut them down when they had a great offense. I hope the same can happen with Joba this year!
Reply
9-24-2009 @ 6:29AM
LoriCNJ said...
"Good thing the Yankees went to so much trouble to preserve his arm for the playoffs".
That is NOT what the Joba rules were about at all. I can't believe someone who covers the Yankees would post something so ignorant.
The Joba Rules are about protecting his health and future.
Reply
9-24-2009 @ 9:38AM
Fat Uncle Al said...
After 2 years, I think it's evident the Yankees have to move Chamberlain back to the bullpen where he can be lights-out again. Just imagine a bullpen with 2 lights-out setup guys (Hughes and Chamberlain) - both in a position to take over for Mo if he gets hurt or retires.
Reply
9-24-2009 @ 5:37PM
harold borgna said...
joba s is a flybynite pitcher who doesnt belong on the starting roster, send him back to scranton for more experience,and maybe i mean maybe he,ll make a decent relief pitcher, but i dont think so
Reply