The Yanks plan was to transition Chamberlain to the rotation to get his innings pitched load up to about 140, up from 110 the prior year. He was prepped as a starter early in spring, then dialed back to a his intended 2 month relief role. That Hank Steinbrenner didn’t understand that had no bearing – he commented soon after this story that after talking with Cashman he understood and that was that. If the reaction was to Hank, why did they wait until June to start the process when Hank bitched in April? The Yanks pitching injuries may have advanced the timetable a week or 2 at most. That a variety of “pundits” have disagreed, or that you want to see NY as having made a mistake, doesn’t matter. The original plan was largely adhered to.

What was different about the approach with Joba was making the transition in the majors. But it was done in exactly the pitch count approach that would have been taken in the minors. Since he was clearly able to handle major league batters, this approach was frankly more innovative than reactionary. If a pitcher is capable of getting major league hitters out while stretching his count and broadening his arsenal, why waste him in the minors?

I’m sure Price could handle the exact same approach, but I agree with Mr. Hope above that it’s not likely necessary. Of course, if for some reason the Rays mimicked this approach you’d be calling it genius, not reactionary. It may be a useful way to limit his innings in ‘09, since he may be limited to about 165-170 – 30 + over his 2007 Vandy high. If he moves into Tampa’s pen he won’t push that 133 IP level up much this season – perhaps an argument for not doing it at all but bringing him in as a starter to maximize his ’08 and thus ’09 IP.

Calling it a mistake now that Joba’s had some shoulder pain is a hindsight call. Was there a mistake made with Price in the spring that caused him to miss time early? No, he was having some irritation – it happens.