After the completion of yesterday’s trade that acquired starting pitcher Javier Vasquez from the Atlanta Braves, I am debating who should be the fifth starter in their rotation. The Yankees have four solid starters in; Andy Pettitte, C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Vasquez. The final pitcher in this rotation brings on the debate on whether it should be Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes.
Yankee General Manager Brian Cashman is set on making Chamberlain the fifth starter as Joba was his number one pick a couple of years ago. Most Yankee fans that I have talked to do not agree with this decision and think Hughes should be the number five starter on this team.
Brian Cahman has it in his head to make Joba Chamberlain the fitth starter over Phil Hughes.
While Chamberlain started 31 games last year and pitched 157.1 innings, his 9-6 record came with a high ERA of 4.75 and a WHIP of 1.54. He did have 133 strikeouts but opponents batted .274 against him. He was used out of the bullpen for the entire playoffs for the Yankee’s run at the World Series title.
In comparison, Hughes started seven games last year, had a 8-3 record in 86 innings. He recorded a impressive 96 strikeouts with a equally impressive 3.03 ERA and 1.12 whip with opponents batting a meager .217 against him. He like Joba, was used entirely out of the bullpen throughout the playoffs.
Even though Joba was far more the starter last year, I agree with most Yankee fans and want to see Chamberlain in the bullpen and Hughes a starter. I think Hughes is more durable and can pitch deeper into the game than Chamberlain. He has explosive stuff like Joba and just seems to have the mind set to be a efficient fifth starter for this ballclub. I think Joba would fit great as a reliever who could get 6 outs in the 7th and 8th inning ala Mariano Rivera did in 1996 to set up John Wetteland. He would be the setup man for the fore mentioned Rivera. It looks right know, Cashman has his mind set on Joba as #5. I think that will not last the season and the Yankee fans will see Phil Hughes step in as the fifth starter. Joba is not durable enough and seems to gas out both physically and mentally after five innings. Let the debate begin.
Tags: A. J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte, Atlanta Braves, Brian Cashman, C.C. Sabathia, Javier Vazquez, Joba Chamberlain, John Wetteland, Mariano Rivera, Phil Hughes, yankees
I would go with joba….
I disagree Brenda. Hughes should be #5.
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