Yanks Pro Scouting Director: Not Likely That Joba Returns To Rotation In 2011
Posted by Steve L. on March 28th, 2010 · Comments (5)
Evan Roberts (on WFAN) asked Billy Eppler, the Yankees director of pro scouting, yesterday, if it was possible that Joba Chamberlain could compete for rotation spot next year. And, to that question, Eppler answered “I wouldn’t consider that likely.” (H/T TYU.)
That sort of flies in the face of what Brian Cashman said the other day, no?
Update: 3/28/10 8:50 pm – Cashman disagrees with Eppler but defends his right to say it. Pat Borzi has more on this – here.
Thanks for the link, Steve. Much appreciated.
Every day it seems clearer that the Yankees have decided Joba’s future lies in the bullpen, whether because of his perceived “make-up” or realization that he cannot sustain his stuff over more than a couple of innings. We will likely never know what he might have been as a starter had the organization resisted the impulse to make him the set-up man in 2007 in the desperate effort to wring one last championship from that roster. The move limited his development, preventing him for working on the secondary pitches a starter needs.
Let’s hope Cashman and co. resist the temptation in the future to use a potential top-of-the-rotation starter with little minor league experience as a stop-gap solution for bullpen problems. As for Phil Hughes, I think he can develop into a solid contributor in the middle of a good rotation. If so, I will be quite satisfied with the outcome.
That’s one way to stop the endless debate.
If starters go down with injuries, Joba can be moved back to the rotation.
Aceves is likely the first choice, Mitre the second, but Joba can still be moved back.
Scout, I agree with you 100%.
FWIW, via the AP today -
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The long-term role for New York Yankees right-hander Joba Chamberlain has not been determined.
New York general manager Brian Cashman on Sunday didn’t commit to or rule out Chamberlain getting an opportunity to be in the rotation next season. Chamberlain, who Cashman called a starter in the bullpen, was moved into a relief role Thursday when he lost out to Phil Hughes in the fifth starter competition.
Cashman said his focus is on this season and that there have been no meetings on Chamberlain’s status for 2011.
Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/03/28/yankees.chamberlain.ap/index.html?xid=si_mlb#ixzz0jVcXW0ry