Talking earlier today about Joba Chamberlain’s shaky stretch since early August, Joe Girardi said it was “time for him to step it up.’’ And in a phone conversation with the Record on Monday, GM Brian Cashman stressed the urgency of Joba’s final two regular-season starts.
Chamberlain’s spot on a playoff roster could hinge on these innings.
“He needs to declare himself,’’ Cashman said. “He’s no different than anyone else.’’
With an ERA of 8.42 over his last eight starts, and coming off Sunday’s start – where he gave up seven runs in the first two innings at Seattle – Chamberlain should view Saturday’s game vs. Boston as a playoff audition.
“Everybody loves his tenacity,’’ Cashman said. “But we’re going to take the best 10 guys. There’s no assumptions there.’’
“He’s put himself in a position where the manager has to make a decision that there’s not one guy ahead of him that he needs to give the ball to,’’ Cashman said. “He might not realize it, but he’s in competition with any number of guys to take the ball.’’
makes sense. he's a fine young pitcher who may or may not be ready to contribute as a starter in october. if not this year, maybe next year.
Posted by: john v celentano | September 22, 2009 at 11:56 PM
John,
I'd still be very surprised if Joba is not on the playoff roster, as he's a valuable arm - especially in a short series where they could use him for a handful of relief innings.
Posted by: Caldera | September 23, 2009 at 04:17 PM