The Phenomenon Of Joba Chamberlain

Unless you've been living under a rock this summer, you know about Yankees hurler Joba Chamberlain. In case you have been under a rock, why not get to know about the next big thing, we like to call, Joba.

Before the 21 year old righty was firing in 100 mph fastballs to major league hitters, Joba Chamberlain grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. His mother and father divorced at the age of three, and Joba went on to live with his father and sister, Tasha. The family lived in poverty throughout Joba's childhood.

After Chamberlain graduated High School, he took off for college. He played Division II for the University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers, before transferring over to the Division I University of Nebraska-Lincoln Cornhuskers. The Cornhuskers reached the 2005 college baseball world series. He finished the 2005 season with a 10-2 record to go along with a 2.81 ERA, including 5 double-digit strikeout games. His 2006 season was limited due to triceps tendinitis, although he still managed 102 K's in 89.1 innings pitched.

The 2005 third team All American was drafted to the New York Yankees with the 41st overall pick. Although he did not pitch in the Yankees system during '06, he dominated the Hawaii winter league, posting a 2.63 ERA.

After a successful off season, Joba traveled through the Yankees farm system rather quickly. After dominating A-Ball, Chamberlain would be promoted to double aa, where he would go on to pitch for the U.S. team in the 2007 All Star Futures Game. On July 24, 2007, Joba the Hut was sent packing once more, this time to AAA Scranton-Wiles Barre. The very next day, he would make his debut start, striking out 10 in 5 IP. After dominating in the bullpen for the rest of July, the phenom was called up for his final stop, on August 7th, 2007. In just one season in the Yankees organization, he had already reached the big time.

Up till August 23rd, Joba has not yet allowed a run. His K/BB ratio is 14/2, and he has only surrendered 3 hits. Chamberlain has hit 100 mph, most recently on August 22nd, against Vladamir Guerrero.

Although this young stud has been making major league hitters look foolish coming out of the pen, the Yankees still plan to make him a starter, to one day pair up with Phil Hughes to anchor the staff. Because of this, the Yankees have implemented the "Joba Rules." They say that Chamberlain will only come into a game to start an inning, and that he must get a day of rest for each inning pitched, both prior to and following the game in which he pitches. This is used to protect his arm because he has never relieved before in his career.

Awards

2005 3rd Team All-American
2005 1st Team All Big 12
2005 Big 12 Newcomer Pitcher of the Year
2005 2nd Team All Midwest Region
2005 Big 12 Pitcher of the Week (3/1/05)
2005 National Pitcher of the Week (3/1/05)
2005 Big 12 Pitcher of the Week (4/25/05)
2006 1st Team Preseason All-American
2006 Hawaiian Winter Post-Season All-Star
2007 FSL Pitcher of the Week (5/14/07)
2007 FSL Pitcher of the Week (5/28/07)
2007 EL Pitcher of the Week (6/18/07)

Yankees Acquire Wilson Betemit From LAD

This deadline, the Yankees finally got the man they've been trying to get since last year's trade deadline, utility infielder Wilson Betemit. Last year, they tried to acquire Betemit from Atlanta, but lost out to LAD. This year, they finally got their man.

However, Betemit did not come at a low price, as the Bombers were forced to part ways with hard throwing righty Scott Proctor. "I hate leaving here," said Proctor, who cleaned out his Yankee Stadium locker before the team's game against the Chicago White Sox. "It's a great organization and you hate that it's come to this, but Betemit's a good player and hopefully he can help the team here. On the flip side, I hope I can go there [to Los Angeles] and fill a major role."
Proctor was 2-5 with a 3.81 ERA in 52 appearances for New York this season, in 54 1/3 innings. His K/BB ratio was 37/29.

The switch-hitting Betemit, 25, was batting .231 with 10 home runs and 26 RBIs in 84 games for the Dodgers, and adds versatility to the Yankees' bench. He is also a career .263 hitter. Although he has not played first base in the big leagues, Joe Torre is going to try and expand Betemit's value, by teaching him 1B.

This looks like a good deal for both sides, and hopefully it'll work out well.