The debate continues: Joba the starter versus Joba the closer.

Really this is a pointless debate, let me tell you why.

First off, Joba Chamberlain has spent his entire career in college and the minors as a starter. Baseball America has stated he has four above average pitches and the potential to be an ace in the mold of Josh Beckett.

Something crazy happened during the middle of last season. The Yankees struggling for help in the bullpen, used Chamberlain as a setup guy and he ended up being mostly unhittable, (until of course he got hit with the bugs in Cleveland.) 

A lot of people are so enamored with how unhittable he was in the bullpen that they don't want to change that in case somehow Joba won’t be as good.

Here's the thing, people: Joba had ridiculous numbers as a starter in the minors and there is little reason to think (barring injury) he won't develop into a quality starter in the majors.  And here's the key: Let's say Joba is starting and it isn't working out as planned, he isn't doing well, you can ALWAYS switch him back to the bullpen. 

So it's a win-win for Yankee fans. And don't worry, it's a win-win for Joba the starter and Joba the closer fans because he will do both this season. To preserve his innings the Yankees will start him in the bullpen and move him to the rotation midseason.

Everyone wins, so what's the debate?