The Bronx Daily

Chamberlain Leaves to Tend to Ailing Father

Joba Chamberlain left after last nights loss to the Boston Red Sox in tears. It had nothing to do with the team losing however. Joba's father, who he is extremely close to, collapsed at his home in Lincoln Nebraska and was rushed to the hospital.

His condition has been listed as critical. The 55 year old Harlan Chamberlain has a long medical history including polio and a burst appendix. He uses a motorized scooter to get around. Joba came out of the locker room crying after speaking to his sister via telephone.

Manager Joe Girardi would not comment saying, "Personal stuff stays in there," pointing to the clubhouse.

Chamberlain will probably miss the two game set in Tampa that begins todays as he goes to be with his dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.

The Future of Joba

Is Joba Chamberlain a starter or reliever? Will the Yankees move him to the rotation or is a bullpen guy in 2008? What should the team do?

Joba Chamberlain is a great talent that came onto the scene last year and was lights out in the bullpen. Yes he is a starter, and yes he could be an effective starter at the big league level, but the Yankees should keep him in the pen.

He has had great success in the pen, how many players have great success at the big league level in any role? Very few. He could become a starter, get hit around, lose his confidence, and ruin his career. Even if that is not the case, will he be as dominating as a starter as he is a reliever? That would be hard to believe.

The bullpen is weaker that the starting rotation right now. Yes there are concerns with Andy Pettitte's health and Chien-Ming Wang's Spring performance, but these guys will in all likelihood be fine as will Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes.

Joba could also know his role and get comfortable with being one of the pen men. Mariano Rivera is not getting any younger and Joba could learn from Rivera and be groomed to be the teams next closer. Imagine what a career he could have in front of him as a closer for the Yankees.

The Bronx Bombers need to leave Joba Chamberlain where he is in the bullpen. It makes sense for the team. It makes sense for Joba.