Mixed results again for Chamberlain

Joba Chamberlain’s debut as a starter was by most measures a dissapointment. Chamberlain lasted just 2 1/3 innings Tuesday against Toronto, and Girardi pulled him after 62 pitches, about what the Yankees had planned to limit him to. He allowed two runs on one hit and four walks, striking out three.

Chamberlain’s latest start against KC was also mixed, and he will not stand to win this game. He allowed 5 hits and 2 earned runs through 4 1/3 innings.

So how good does this decision to bring Chamberlain out of his set-up role after two starts? It’s probably too early to tell, but it’s clear that Chamberlain may not be completely comfortable starting games. It does not help that he’s on another pitch count leash, which may serve a kind of distraction.

There are rumors that the yankees may be interested in Brian Fuentes of the Rockies who would potentially fill the void that Joba left in the bullpen. A deal for Fuentes would indicate the Yankees are fully committed to Joba as a starter.

Expectations for Joba are high. While he wasn’t rocked in any of his starts, he hasn’t come out of the bullpen seemlessly a la John Smoltz. Joba doesn’t look fully confident.

Unfortunately, with with Ian Kennedy ineffective and Phil Hughes injured (again), moving Chamberlain into the rotation is a clear desperation move on the part of the Yanks. With Boston pulling away in first place and the yanks continuing to play .500 ball, there may not be much more amo left short of a blockbuster deal–one that would include more than Brian Fuentes.

After a third of a season gone, how smart does the non-deal for Johan Santana look now? Not very good.

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