the Joba dilemma: pen or starter?
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 5:48 pm
I don't really want to turn this thread into a heated debate, but I'm really intrigued by this situation...
If the Yankees want to win now, I think it is best to keep him in the pen for the remainder of the year. They lost their chance to get him into the starting rotation in spring training. Now, if you want to see him start they're going to have to send him down into the minors for at least 1 month to stretch his body out for 100 pitches. thats 1 month, atleast 22-24 games with the 8th inning as a black hole.
I won't go into the debate of whether or not he can throw 98 in the 7th inning, because I think he can. This has been chronicled in the minors. The only real worry I have for Joba is the rest of his body. I mean, this guy is big, heavy, and has a violent delivery. It will be interesting to see how his body reacts once we get up to 180, 190 innings (i know the limit is at 140, but I'm talking next year).
Joba is dominant right now. NOW. If he starts and blows up in one or two games, then he is no longer invincible.. he will become hittable and will have lost his dominating edge over hitters. If he struggles, and gets put back into the pen, now he is demoted. Nightmare, worst case scenario situation, but we've seen dumber things happen.
I would also be concerned with some longevity issues with Joba. He is young now, but will he be able to continue to throw 97-98mph as a starter for 4-5 years from now without a major shoulder or arm injury?
The Yankees need to exact the maximum amount of talent and WINS out of Joba. And for now, I think he is best suited in the pen. The few tight games which Yankees are leading in, during the 6th and 7th are basically already over with Mariano and Joba. If you limit Joba on innings as a starter this year, I think the pen will be exposed. FWIW I think Joba, like all guys, want to start because this is where the money is at; the recognition, cy young, 20Ks, etc....
If the Yankees want to win now, I think it is best to keep him in the pen for the remainder of the year. They lost their chance to get him into the starting rotation in spring training. Now, if you want to see him start they're going to have to send him down into the minors for at least 1 month to stretch his body out for 100 pitches. thats 1 month, atleast 22-24 games with the 8th inning as a black hole.
I won't go into the debate of whether or not he can throw 98 in the 7th inning, because I think he can. This has been chronicled in the minors. The only real worry I have for Joba is the rest of his body. I mean, this guy is big, heavy, and has a violent delivery. It will be interesting to see how his body reacts once we get up to 180, 190 innings (i know the limit is at 140, but I'm talking next year).
Joba is dominant right now. NOW. If he starts and blows up in one or two games, then he is no longer invincible.. he will become hittable and will have lost his dominating edge over hitters. If he struggles, and gets put back into the pen, now he is demoted. Nightmare, worst case scenario situation, but we've seen dumber things happen.
I would also be concerned with some longevity issues with Joba. He is young now, but will he be able to continue to throw 97-98mph as a starter for 4-5 years from now without a major shoulder or arm injury?
The Yankees need to exact the maximum amount of talent and WINS out of Joba. And for now, I think he is best suited in the pen. The few tight games which Yankees are leading in, during the 6th and 7th are basically already over with Mariano and Joba. If you limit Joba on innings as a starter this year, I think the pen will be exposed. FWIW I think Joba, like all guys, want to start because this is where the money is at; the recognition, cy young, 20Ks, etc....