The Key to Joba Chamberlain's Health: Let Him Pitch

New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain had his second consecutive stellar outing since the All-Star break in an 8-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics at the Stadium last Friday night.

Chamberlain, 23, who had posted a 6.75 ERA and allowed 27 hits over three straight no-decisions prior to the Midsummer Classic, hurled seven dominant innings versus the A’s to help quiet critics who constantly press for his return to the bullpen.

“I’m just having fun, getting back to being myself,” said Chamberlain, who is now 6-2 with a 3.86 ERA as a starter this season.

Despite his recent dynamic performances and the soaring velocity on his pitches of late, the Bombers' hierarchy intends to, henceforth, dramatically limit the number of innings that Chamberlain will throw this year.

Chamberlain has currently thrown 102 2/3 innings, and the Nebraska native is not expected to exceed 160 frames in total for 2009.

If the Bombers refuse to waiver on their cockamamie plan, the revised “Joba Rules” will provide Chamberlain with approximately 11 or 12 starts for the remainder of this season.

The former University of Nebraska star appears to be on the cusp of becoming a reliable and effective Major League starter, and the Yankees simply can’t afford to coddle Chamberlain as they make their playoff push in mid-September.

“It’s something I don’t think about,” claimed Chamberlain, who is 11-5 with a 2.99 ERA for his career since he made his Major League Baseball debut in August 2007. “I’m going to try to not worry about it now.”

The Yankees treat Chamberlain’s right arm as though it is a hotter commodity than a pirated videotape of Erin Andrews frolicking around her hotel in the buff.

To a degree, it is understandable that the Bombers pamper Chamberlain.

New York’s 41^st overall selection in the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft is a homegrown talent, and the Yankees are determined to again legitimize their farm system.

Additionally, Bronx suits are likely fretting about the fate of Cleveland Indians starter Fausto Carmona.

Like Chamberlain, Carmona premiered out of the bullpen before he ascended to the Indians' No. 5 starter position in 2007.

Carmona initially flourished in Cleveland’s starting rotation until injuries ultimately derailed his career.

Granted, football and baseball are dramatically different sports.

Nevertheless, gridiron legend Bill Parcells was once quoted as saying, “The best way to get a player hurt is to try and not get him hurt.”

If New York wants to protect Joba Chamberlain, they should continue to send him to the hill every fifth day without restrictions.

If the Yankees don’t heed Parcells’ sage advice, they might just “get him hurt.”

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