2007-08-22 04:37:58 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Baseball
Joba Chamberlain has the ability and the tools to become an elite MLB pitcher. At 6'2" he is the ideal height for a pitcher, and with his high 90's fastball he can bring the heat. He also throws a slider that is close to the speed of a fastball, and breaks so late that many hitters cannot detect that it is a breaking pitch. He has shown that he has the stuff to challenge some of the best hitters in baseball, at just 22 years old. As for injuries, he looks like he can stay healthy, and the Yankees have in effect the "Joba rules," which are a set of rules saying that he can't pitch 2 consecutive days, etc. so that he does not get injured in his rookie year. Finally, he cannot get away with just a fastball and slider if he does indeed become a starter, although he can as a reliever. However, he already has a changeup developed, as well as a curveball, so with a little more work on those pitches, yes, he does have the necessary skill to become an elite major league starter or reliever.
2007-08-22 06:11:31 · answer #1 · answered by sportsrefuge.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I truly do. This guy has amazing stuff, and I think It will carry over into his career as a starting pitcher. Hell, he'll probably end up replacing Mussina.
Joba Chamberlain fact:
There are no successful hitters in at-bats against Chamberlain, just batters Joba chooses not to strike out.
2007-08-25 11:30:18 · answer #2 · answered by Crusader 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, he has the talent. But pitchers are all subject to a lot of physical stresses. There are lots of seemingly sure shots who have ruined their arms and never reached their potential. Ask Cubs fans about the heartbreak of they've had with Prior and Kerry Wood.
2007-08-22 13:10:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I think people are getting way too excited about this kid. He hasn't even been in the major's a month and he's already the next franchise pitcher...He doesn't even pitch consecutive days...
I need to see more from him before we start annointing him the Savior.....
2007-08-22 12:57:58 · answer #4 · answered by Your Olympic Hero 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely. Brian Cashman is so high on this kid that he said by next year he could become Mariano's full time setup man. I say in the future he's gonna be the closer. I've heard he could become a starter which is not a good decision.
2007-08-22 11:47:52 · answer #5 · answered by Naman B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think he'll be the ace of that staff, but he should become a front-of-the-rotation starter. He's definitely their best pitching prospect next to Philip Hughes.
If he can work on that changeup, he'll be very difficult to hit. He has a great fastball, a nice curve, and a nasty slider that will get him plenty of strikeouts.
2007-08-22 11:47:34 · answer #6 · answered by Craig S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well he obviously has the talent but alot of pitchers do
it comes down to him working hard and staying out of trouble
he wont be the ace but will be a good complement to phillip hughes
2007-08-22 13:06:12 · answer #7 · answered by Simon K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think he can because from what ive seen, he is not overthrowing and has a very smooth delivery, which will prevent any injuries (the only thing i can think of that can stop his progression). and his slider is more than enough to complement the heat.
2007-08-22 12:58:24 · answer #8 · answered by MP31 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most definently..With time. He knows how to pitcht he ball well. Go yankees!
2007-08-22 11:44:15 · answer #9 · answered by emmie love 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think he has a bright future ahead of him.
2007-08-22 12:56:29 · answer #10 · answered by Scooter_loves_his_dad 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋