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 [...]

Back in 2001, the Toronto Blue Jays signed a lanky right-hander after watching him throw in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico.
Perhaps they didn’t feel Alfredo Aceves had much in the way of potential, for Toronto quickly sold his contract to Yucatan of the Mexican League after he recorded a 2-1, 3.10 mark with the Gulf [...]

With lefties Phil Coke and Michael Dunn heading to Detroit and Atlanta, respectively, righties Mark Melancon and Kevin Whelan will be given chances to fill bullpen spots in spring training.
If they can accomplish that, and lefty Damaso Marte is healthy and flashes the form he did in the postseason – and fellow southpaw Boone Logan, [...]

I believe the debate about bullpen vs. rotation for Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes has reached a critical point. The acquisition of Javier Vazquez ensures that one will start the season in the bullpen yet again. Who that is remains a question. Our very own Frank Russo believes Hughes is the better fit, most think [...]

It sounds like the Yankees are very comfortable with filling out their rotation internally. First it appears they are going to bring back Sergio Mitre and Chad Gaudin. There is also speculation that Chien Ming Wang would take a lesser deal to stay in New York because of the marketing opportunities the Yankees afford him [...]

It’s hard to put into words how incredibly furious I was at Joe Girardi last night after the Yankees loss to Anaheim. Almost immediately after the game, I called Mike Silva, leaving a message which showed my sheer displeasure in how Girardi mismanaged the bullpen. Girardi’s use of seven pitchers proves that he is relying [...]

As many, I have had my fill of the “Joba Rules’’ discussion and what it means to Joba Chamberlain himself.
If his work in this year’s postseason doesn’t demonstrate why he belongs in the bullpen – and the top in-house option to succeed Mariano Rivera as Yankees closer in a few years – what will?
Joba is [...]

An hour before last night’s show Newsday’s Ken Davidoff discussed Joe Girardi’s statement that he would “probably not need” four starters in the ALCS. He would then go on to breakdown the potential schedule. Joel Sherman reported that Chad Gaudin would start a possible ALCS Game 4 followed by Alfredo Aceves. This of course leaves [...]

Ken Davidoff did a great job breaking down a possible Yankees postseason roster at his blog yesterday. Here was Davidoff’s suggestion:
Catchers (2): Jose Molina, Jorge Posada
Infielders (6): Robinson Cano, Jerry Hairston Jr., Derek Jeter, Ramiro Pena, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira
Outfielders (6): Melky Cabrera, Johnny Damon, Brett Gardner, Freddy Guzman, Eric Hinske, Nick Swisher
Designated Hitter (1): [...]

The Yankees, despite recent brilliant outing by CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte, certainly have to be worried about their starting pitching. Chien Ming Wang is out for the year, AJ Burnett has struggled down the stretch, Joba Chamberlain is an enigma, and they have flip flopped scrap heap pickups in the five hole. The team [...]

In my last column, Let’s Get Ready To Rumble,  I outlined the simple plans that the Yankees needed to follow in order to win their series against the hated “Menace.” Well, they did all of that and more. For me, the four game sweep of the hated RSN, (Red Sox Nation for those of you [...]

- Lost in all the talk about the Yankees fifth spot is what a great opportunity Ian Kennedy and George Kontos would have if they were healthy. IPK would probably been the first to get the call since he actually has big league experience. There were questions about whether IPK is out for the season. [...]

What if Sergio Mitre comes up and pitches for the Yankees, not like the guy who was 4-1 with a 2.32 ERA in AAA, but more like the guy with the lifetime 5.36 ERA and the 1.545 WHIP?
What do the Yankees do then?
With the report that Chien-Ming Wang was most likely lost for the year, [...]

Earlier today I wrote about a criticism levied by a CNBC blogger regarding the Yankees Old Timers Day. Admittedly, there seemed to be a lack of juice in the stands for the event, but that could be more about the lazy Sunday afternoon start time than anything. As fun as it was to see Lee [...]

- Carlos Gomez might not be hitting for Minnesota, but he did one of the best Torii Hunter impressions we have seen. Someone commented during the game that they will miss the home run catches from OF jumping over the “bag” when the Twins go to Target Field. I know A-Rod won’t. To see the [...]