How good is this kid! He has pitched 7.0 IP thus far and has given up 2 Hits 2 Walks and has struck out 11! Should this guy continue to be in the bullpen and be possibly our future closer? or should the yanks try moving him into the starting rotation next year?
Starting rotation in the future, but on the run to the play-offs he is going to invaluable coming from the bullpen. What i find amazing about this situation is that he started the year in Single A ball and now he has started with dominating major league hitters
He played collegiantly at nebraska. Some pitchers need only a small adjustment to go from good to dominating. He's always had the power fastball, he must have had some good coaching to make that quick adjustment and develop the slider as an outpitch, although supposedly he can throw a change and a overhand curve aswell...
Yer he does have that Curve which is clocked around 70-75 mph, but over his innings in the Majors i think i have only seen him throw it a handfull of times, he sticks to the fastball and slider which he has always had. When he developes the change and developes more confidence in his Curve he will be a outstanding pitcher
No question, this kid is a starter. Period. This year is one thing, but coming out of the gate next season, the top 4 rotation spots must be: Wang, Hughes, Chamberlain, Pettitte. Unfortunately, Moose will still be here, but whatever.
Ian Kennedy is being touted as challenging for a place out of Spring training 08, so the rotation could be Wang,Hughes,Chamberlain,Pettite,Kennedy. Like you said though Moose will probably still be here, but the rotation looks good for the future.
In A, AA and AAA he regularly went into the 7th and 8th inning still pitching 100 MPH. That says it all. Ian Kennedy who was with him all 3 places told that story a few weeks back.
Sorry guys but I still think that Joba should takeover the closer role from Mariano. He would be such a dominent closer with all his pitches.
Chamberlain makes Clemens look downright humble. Joba is good and he knows it. I love him! His stuff is too good not to let him start. I've never seen that brand of confidence in a rookie. He's got the tools to be one of the all-time great pitchers. And his background is the stuff of Hollywood movies. Joba Rules!
While I somewhat agree with devil, that it's too early to say for sure, the kid has unreal talent, and will definitely be a fixture in the rotation for many years to come. Amazingly enough, he's been getting by on two pitches (fastball and a filthy slider). He's got two more in the reserve tank (above average curve, and good changeup). I'm willing to bet those two pitches come out in October, should we advance. As for him being a closer, no way. That's the mistake Boston made with Papelbon. While having a surefire closer is nice, when you've got a guy who can come out and dominate 15-18 times a year, while keeping you in games another 10, you have to take it. We've got pen help for the fairly long term. Vizcaino has pitched extremely well since being tutored at the Mariano School for Relief. Edwar has been very good as well (ignoring last night). We can worry about a closer in 3-4 years when Mo is actually ready to hang up his cleats. Joba has to be in the rotation.
