Joba Chamberlain Moves to Starting Rotation

"Hey Boss, I need to leave early on Tuesday."  

"How come...everything OK?"

" Yep, Joba is STARTING!!"

One out of three things have to turn around for the Yankees and their trio of young pitchers. Kennedy and Hughes are a combined 0-7 and sporting ERA's above 7.00!  If this is the future then it may be time to look toward the 2009 free agent class.

But the fortunes can change and they will change on Tuesday night with Joba Chamberlain moving to the starting rotation.

Yes, Joba has only a handful of starts in the minor leagues and less than a half season of major league experience but, all signs point to him being the future ace of the staff.

Scouts have already said Joba's slider and fastball are one of the league's best. Further developing his curve and breaking balls will only make his other pitches more dominant. Joba provided a spark to last year's team and his move to the starting rotation will do the same for this year's ball club.

He brings emotion, fire, and determination to a team struggling to move and stay above .500. It is too early to anoint Joba as the savior or as the ace.  Such labels will put unnecessary pressure on the young man.  

Similar pressure may be the root cause behind the struggles of Hughes and Kennedy. We also can't forget that his stamina must be built up. Also, mental and physical adjustments need to be made to the role of a starter. All is true, but if nothing else, Joba is bringing life to the 2008 Yankees and Yankee fans.  

With Posada returning to the line-up and Giambi's mustache bringing power to the struggling offense, the Yankees can again position themselves for a strong second half run. When the playoffs roll around this year the Yankees will have their ace, a true ace, starting game one. Not even the swarming gnats can stop Joba this year.