Does Andy's Return Mean Joba's A Reliever Now?

Now that Andy Pettitte has caved and accepted an incentive-laden $5.5 million one-year deal with the Yankees, he'll probably be either the 4th or 5th starter in the rotation. That leaves one open spot in the rotation. That spot could go to a number of guys: Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, Alfredo Aceves, Phil Coke, Andrew Brackman, Dan Giese or Joba Chamberlain.

But, shouldn't Joba Chamberlain go back to the bullpen now? Well, let's take a look at this: The Yankees have a lot of great young arms down on the farm who might be able to fill that spot in the rotation. But, of the names listed above, who is the best pitcher? In my opinion, it's Joba Chamberlain. Out of all these guys, he's had the most success in the Major Leagues. The others have less, even less or none.

Let's say one or two of these other kids are given a chance in the rotation and they fail. Add to that the possibility that Andy Pettitte will not be able to earn those incentives attached to his deal. We could, conceivably have two open spots in the rotation at some point during the season. Things could get so bad that Joba Chamberlain might have to return to the rotation. Then we'll have what we had last season, having to get Joba's innings built back up again, through long relief and those ridiculous simulated games. It's easier to go back to the bullpen than it is to come out of it and go into the rotation. So, why not just put Joba in the rotation at the beginning of the season?

Bernadette