The big news for the Yankees is that they are priming Joba Chamberlain to take a spot in their starting rotation. At first he did not have a spot to take over, however, Ian Kennedy, who has struggled severely this season, even being sent down to Triple A for a short period of time, will now be headed to disabled list to boot.
Problem is that Chamberlain is probably not quite as stretched out as he needs to be before he takes a spot in the rotation. Phil Hughes is currently on the disabled list as well with a fractured rib and is out until around the All-Star break. That leaves the door open for the fifth spot in the rotation behind Chien-Ming Wang, Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina and Darrell Rasner.
This is scary for Yankee fans. Rasner was doing an excellent job in the minors, having had posted an under one earned run average before being called up to the main roster and doing an excellent job thus far, however, Igawa was brought up for one start as well with all the injuries to the starting staff. Igawa pitched against a struggling Detroit Tigers team who mauled him as he pitched three innings giving up six earned runs before being sent back down to the minors.
Igawa has however done a nice job in the minors this year and may be next in line to try again for a spot in the rotation – yet again, especially with the amount of money they have invested in him. This season, in Triple A, Igawa has a 4-4 record posting an ERA of 3.64. The problem is however, that those numbers have not translated into major league success. Igawa has pitched over 70 innings in the majors and is 2-4 with a 6.75 ERA, which includes his one disgraceful start to the Tigers earlier this season.
It is unfortunate that the Yankees may have spent a ton of money and more importantly put a lot of faith in Igawa who had been said to be somewhat like a Tom Glavine. It appears he will come about 300 wins short of Tom Glavine and may not be anything more than a “Quadruple A” pitcher.
With a day off today, maybe the Yankees can maneuver the rotation so that they do not need a fifth starter this week but if they do need someone to fill in for Kennedy, the Yankees may make a call that will wrench the gut of every fan, player and coach and recall Igawa for Triple A to give it another go.
Everyone seems anxious to see Chamberlain in the rotation and see these four major league quality pitches that are in his arsenal including his near triple digits fastball and filthy slider that has been on display out of the pen. However, I don’t think anyone thought they would feel they needed Chamberlain in the rotation faster than his fastball can leave his hand and cross home plate.
Problem is that Chamberlain is probably not quite as stretched out as he needs to be before he takes a spot in the rotation. Phil Hughes is currently on the disabled list as well with a fractured rib and is out until around the All-Star break. That leaves the door open for the fifth spot in the rotation behind Chien-Ming Wang, Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina and Darrell Rasner.
This is scary for Yankee fans. Rasner was doing an excellent job in the minors, having had posted an under one earned run average before being called up to the main roster and doing an excellent job thus far, however, Igawa was brought up for one start as well with all the injuries to the starting staff. Igawa pitched against a struggling Detroit Tigers team who mauled him as he pitched three innings giving up six earned runs before being sent back down to the minors.
Igawa has however done a nice job in the minors this year and may be next in line to try again for a spot in the rotation – yet again, especially with the amount of money they have invested in him. This season, in Triple A, Igawa has a 4-4 record posting an ERA of 3.64. The problem is however, that those numbers have not translated into major league success. Igawa has pitched over 70 innings in the majors and is 2-4 with a 6.75 ERA, which includes his one disgraceful start to the Tigers earlier this season.
It is unfortunate that the Yankees may have spent a ton of money and more importantly put a lot of faith in Igawa who had been said to be somewhat like a Tom Glavine. It appears he will come about 300 wins short of Tom Glavine and may not be anything more than a “Quadruple A” pitcher.
With a day off today, maybe the Yankees can maneuver the rotation so that they do not need a fifth starter this week but if they do need someone to fill in for Kennedy, the Yankees may make a call that will wrench the gut of every fan, player and coach and recall Igawa for Triple A to give it another go.
Everyone seems anxious to see Chamberlain in the rotation and see these four major league quality pitches that are in his arsenal including his near triple digits fastball and filthy slider that has been on display out of the pen. However, I don’t think anyone thought they would feel they needed Chamberlain in the rotation faster than his fastball can leave his hand and cross home plate.
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