What is Joba Chamberlain’s best role?
One thing the Yankees have to decide is what role is best for Joba Chamberlain. Do they want him as a reliever or a starter? Frankly, I think he should stay in the bullpen as a potential future closer.

Mariano Rivera will soon turn 40. How long can he continue to pitch at such a high level? They keep going back to the well with Rivera, but I’m sure that the well is starting to dry out a little bit. If Rivera disappears via talent drop-off or injury, or if he decides to retire, I’m sure the Yankees can go out and get a free agent, but Chamberlain might be the smart option there.

Chamberlain is a guy who can go four or five good innings, but I don’t believe he really has the stuff to be a strong starting pitcher in the long term.

He doesn’t have Sabathia’s changeup, or Pettitte’s cutter or control, or Burnett’s curveball. He’s just a strong young kid who can throw the heck out of the ball. He has a good fastball and a decent slider. He reminds me a little bit of Goose Gossage, though his slider isn’t as good.

I also don’t think Phil Hughes is the answer as a future starter, as he gets a little too nervous in that situation. I think he looks much better in the bullpen.

If you’re looking for a potential starter, I personally think Dave Robertson might be a better bet than either Chamberlain or Hughes. He has a nice curveball, changeup and fastball. Once he learns to control the fastball he could be a successful starter.

Back to stay?
I don’t know if the Yankees are kings of baseball again, but they are getting closer to being the dominant force in the sport once again. A lot of credit has to go to the management of Brian Cashman and the Steinbrenner family. Spending money is one thing, but you have to spend money to get the right players. Not just expensive free agents, but the right free agents.

Sabathia, Teixeira and Burnett have panned out – at least so far – and they are the building blocks the Yankees want to keep their control over the American League.

With a stable of stars in place, the Yankees have a lot of flexibility. They have their main guys so they can give their young players time to develop, give them the opportunity to mature in the minors and make sure they’re ready when they get to the bigs.

But if they find they have a particular need, they can trade that young talent for immediate help. It’s a nice situation to be in.

Do the Yankees have the best team money can buy? Maybe they do, especially this year. But they’re simply playing within the system, and they’re doing it the right way, the successful way.

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