Where Have You Gone, Joba Chamberlain?

Written by Josh Katz Friday, 02 April 2010 09:38

I remember it like it was yesterday. Twas August of 2007 when Justin Louis Heath Chamberlain burst on to the scene like the Cheesy Gordita Crunch, captivating Baseball fans of all ages and fan allegiances. Who was this chubby Native American from Nebraska, so young and full of energy? He donned a flat brim cap atop his round baby face. More gas behind his arm than a Hess truck. He pumped his fist, slammed on his chest and hollered after a big strikeout or double play ball while simultaneously irritating and baffling hitters. Joba jerseys and t-shirts flew off the shelves like Korbel on New Years Eve. Slogans such as “Joba Rules” and “Joba the Hut” were on every billboard in New York City. Dude threw 101 MPH and was off the field just as quickly as he was on. He drew comparisons to Mariano Rivera, and brought energy to an underachieving Yankee club that lacked a competitive fire unlike the Boston Red Sox, who rattled off two World Series titles in four years. He threw high and tight on hitters, often drilling a foe or two and was not timid around the ever so friendly New York media. Love him or hate him, Joba seemed to have the “it” factor that many ball players spend their careers chasing after. The sky seemed to be the limit for the flame-throwing righty, who won over Yankee fans in less than a month. But nowadays, Yankee fans need to have two Excedrin Migraine handy every time Joba takes the mound. Oh, where hast thou gone, Joba Chamberlain?

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact moment when the wheels fell off the Joba Express. Many would argue that the Cleveland debacle was the beginning of the end, when gnats swarmed the field like it was Normandy Beach. Some would argue that he had too much pressure at the tender age of 21 and could not handle the hype. Others, including myself, blame the Yankee front office for the mismanagement of Chamberlain. The many roles of Joba Chamberlain have played a part in his fall from grace. Starter? Reliever? 8th inning guy? Even Chamberlain has no idea what his role is anymore. The only thing Joba knows is that his pitch count is always around 80 after three innings of work, he gets hit harder than ever before and has become human, all in the span of 3 Major League seasons. The debate will continue of what Joba should be in his role with the Yankees. Everyone and their mother think they know what Joba should be. But the bottom line has never been clearer: The Yankees have ruined Joba Chamberlain, simple as that. No matter what Joba ends up doing with the Yankees, he will be less effective and more disappointing than he ever before. This guy was supposed to be the heir-apparent to the best closer we have ever seen, and now? Well now, who knows? He’s had an awful spring and will start the season in the bullpen, while Phil Hughes takes the fifth starter role. My advice for Joba? Go on a retreat. Rent a cabin for two weeks in the Adirondacks, get yourself a stash of Native American peyote and find meaning again. Because whatever Justin Louis Heath Chamberlain has become in March of 2010 is a headache and a half. For the sake of my team, I hope he figures himself out, and quickly.