This "Joba Plan" suddenly seems like an awfully smart idea.
The whole point of Joba Chamberlain converting from a starter to a reliever in the Major Leagues was so that he could help the Yankees, instead of wasting away innings in the Minors. And on this day, he did just that. Chamberlain pitched two shutout innings in relief of a shaky Mike Mussina, Jason Giambi hit a three-run homer and the Yankees cruised to yet another victory on Saturday, a 12-6 decision over the Mariners.
Chamberlain entered the game in the sixth inning with the Yankees clinging to a one-run lead, and he proceeded to retire the first three Mariners he faced in order. From there, he completed his prescribed workload in stride, pitching two shutout innings in all.
In those two innings, Chamberlain threw 26 fastballs (15 strikes), 11 sliders (seven strikes) and three curveballs (no strikes).His 40 pitches his most in a big-league game.
