A Full-Time Joba

Depending on the day of the week and who is doing the talking, Joba Chamberlain will definitely be a starter or definitely be working out of the bullpen. We've seen that Hank Steinbrenner has already established himself as the lead decision maker, at the expense of some of Brian Cashman's power.

Earlier this week, Prince Hank stated that Joba would begin the season in a starting role. Cashman returned service yesterday with Joba will most likely start the season in the pen. We can already see where this is going and Cashman isn't going to come out on top. He mentioned on YES' Hot Stove show this past Thursday that the bullpen was once again an option.

Just to clarify, Cashman does want to see Joba as a starter, but is concerned as to the number of innings his prized right-hander pitches.

"We're going to prepare him as a starter and we see him as a starter," Yankee GM Brian Cashman said yesterday. "But we have an innings limit that he won't exceed. How we manage the innings limit remains to be seen. The plan is to have him start, but there are a number of scenarios that we'll review."

Cashman would give no indication to just how many innings the plan translates to (hmmm, he didn't use the word process).

What do you think Joba's role should be next season? Take the poll on the right-hand side bar and let us know.

NY Daily News