Fans of NYBD know my skepticism of Joba Chamberlain. Unlike many fan sites, we have provided some of the most objective commentary about the Yankees phenom. Last season things never quite got off the ground for Chamberlain. He had the offseason arrest, early season struggles and, when you just thought he was about to take off, the Yankees regulated him to these embarrassing little league starts. He has shown great potential during his career, but his immaturity has overshadowed much of that.

Those days may be history as Chamberlain spent his offseason doing charitable work. He recently spoke to the media and reported that he is ready to compete for the fifth spot, so much so, that he will arrive to spring training two weeks before pitchers and catchers. Joba knows the competition will be fierce as fellow phenom Phil Hughes, underrated Alfredo Aceves, reclamation project Chad Gaudin, and journeyman Sergio Mitre are all competing for the final spot.

Despite my skepticism, and belief, that Chamberlain is better suited for short stints out of the bullpen, his career numbers as a starter aren’t terrible. He is 12-7 with a 4.18 ERA, despite his strikeout rate dropping, and his walks increasing, over 25 percent versus the bullpen. Two teammates, Javier Vazquez and A.J. Burnett, were not much different during their first 221 big league innings. This is a kid that really doesn’t have much experience as a pitcher, was rushed through the system, and arguably hurt by the Yankees development philosophy.

Yankees fans don’t want to hear my negative thoughts and words of caution on Joba. They finally want to see him pitch. So here is the deal: you heard my thought on Chamberlain this chilly February morning. Now let’s see Joba follow through on his talk. Don’t tell me Joba, show me that you can be a starter. I am not looking for an elite starter, just a league average fifth starter which, to date, you have yet to consistently demonstrate. I believe Phil Hughes has the right temperament to be a starter. Actually, he can be a very good one, perhaps a top of the rotation type. He may not possess your skills, but has the necessary baseball intellect to make up for it.

No more excuses, no more rules, and no more bromides from this site. Time to show us the training wheels are off and you are ready to take the next step. I commit to giving you the benefit of the doubt up to this point. I will be watching and, if my skepticism is proven wrong, will be first in line to applaud you. Don’t tell me Joba, show me.

Tags: A.J. Burnett, Alfredo Aceves, Chad Gaudin, Javier Vazquez, Joba Chamberlain, New York Yankees, Phil Hughes, Sergio Mitre