Yankees: God’s in Heaven, Joba Chamberlain’s in the Pen

Not only that, but he seems to have a good time out there. Unlike Pabelbon who starts off by trying to intimidate opposing hitters with his glare (See if you can count how many times ESPN focuses on his game face this season?)) Joba just let’s it go. He seems to be saying “Here it is, try and hit it.”

And unlike Mo, who is the personification of cool on the mound, Chamberlain bounces around the mound, punches the air and generally has a good time. Once he let’s go of the ball he becomes a fan like the rest of us!

And, he’s only 21!

I’ve felt sorry for Mo during the last few play off seasons. He’s one of, if not the most potent weapon the Yanks have, but without a late inning lead he’s become irrelevant. Part of the reason for that has been the offense, but a big part of it has been the other pitches. When the starters give up three and the bullpen gives up four...Mo never even gets to warm up.

As with the Okajima/Pabelbon tandem, with Joba in the pen the other team is pressed to put the game out of reach by the sixth or seventh inning. They know runs will be almost impossible to come by after that point.

Baseball has changed in many ways during the last two decades. With a few notable exceptions, a teams pitching staff lived and died with the starting rotation, it’s where you put your best arms. With the demise of the nine inning pitching performance, a subject for whole other article, the bullpen is where it’s at.

With Joba in the pen, and Mo’s return to relevance, the rotation is stronger, the offense can more dangerous and the Yanks can look forward to happier Octobers.

It’s Joba Time!

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?