Comments on: Where have you gone, Joba Chamberlain?

By: Doug

Doug — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:13:22 +0000

yes, he’s got 4 average to above-average pitches, but for whatever reason he’s not throwing his secondary pitches right now. as joe p. said, of his 94 pitches, 87 were either the fastball or curve. he can’t be a 2-pitch pitcher as a starter. if he’s lost confidence in them, send him down to regain it.

By: Matt ACTY/BBD

Matt ACTY/BBD — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:59:36 +0000

The difference between Chamberlain’s fastball and his change up this season is over 10 MPH. Last year The difference between Hughes’ fastball and changeup is less than 9 MPH. Who’s changing speeds more effectively?

Joba’s changeup is his least effective pitch, but it’s still a good changeup. His curveball isn’t as good as his slider, but it’s still a good breaking pitch. Joba’s got 3 good-very good pitches and 1 average pitch. That’s usually what starters have.

By: Game 87: Yankees at Angels « 161st Street

Game 87: Yankees at Angels « 161st Street — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:58:27 +0000

[...] honestly don’t, I don’t think anyone does, but Benjamin Kabak of River Ave Blues has an interesting post up about Joba. Go check it [...]

By: Doug

Doug — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:46:40 +0000

bur he’s not using them right now. and that’s part of his problem.

By: Steve H

Steve H — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:44:19 +0000

Can they get us Hanley? If so, agreed. Who do you suggest they can/should trade them for?

By: TJ

TJ — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:41:09 +0000

Trade both Hughes and Joba. They are both ovverrated.

By: TJ

TJ — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:39:50 +0000

Yes, really. His curve and change up are not starter quality pitches, too much reliance on the fastball and he gets hammered. He does not not change speeds well enough to be a starter.

Hughes shows the ability to change speeds better, however his fastball is low 90′s.

Trade both for all I care, I thinkt hey are both overrated outside of bullpen use.

By: Steve H

Steve H — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:39:22 +0000

Thanks. I’ll make it simple. You are dead wrong about Joba’s “depth of pitches”. He has more depth of pitches than Josh Beckett. Josh Beckett, if you haven’t noticed, is having quite a bit of success as a starter.

By: TJ

TJ — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:36:47 +0000

Great rationale, awesome argument. WRONG! WHY wrong?

By: YankeeScribe

YankeeScribe — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:34:35 +0000

I agree but since no one can predict the future and the Yanks are currently in contention, they have to make decisions that put them in the best position to go all the way this year.

I don’t know whether Joba’s problems are mental or mechanical but here’s my feeling.

Pitchers struggling with confidence should be sent to the pen so they can build confidence 1-2 innings at a time. Pitchers struggling with mechanics should be sent to the minors so they can develop without the pressure of a team in contention.