Bay Area Baseball

Chamberlain threw a simulated game with no issue and is set to return.

With Yankees stud pitched Joba Chamberlain ready to come off the disabled list, New York is faced with a tough choice. Opinions are split on whether he should return to the starting rotation, or be sent back to the bullpen. Chamberlain, who famously dominated the 8^th innings in 2007 and early 2008, was moved to the rotation in June. He was just beginning to settle in as a starter before heading to the DL with rotator cuff tendonitis.

While a strong argument can be made for Joba returning to the bullpen since he has had great success in that role, the logic behind such an argument is greatly shortsighted. The team has had bullpen problems recently but even more so in the starting rotation. Joba has proven that he can be a successful, even dominant starter and that is what he should remain. Inserting Chamberlain back into the rotation makes the most sense over both the short run and the long run.

In the short run New York is 11.5 games out of first with less than 30 games to play, they need to think about what is best for Joba’s development. Chamberlain is not going to pitch them into the playoffs with shutdown 8^th innings with a starting rotation of Mussina, Pavano, Ponson, Rasner and Pettitte. Even if they somehow were to make it to October, Joba would be most effective as one of their three or four starters. Sending him to an 8^th inning role would be a waste of the 2008 season as far as development for him. Long term he will be a starter; he has three outstanding pitches and has the ability to maintain his velocity over seven innings. He is only 22 years old and is still improving; it is far too soon to think that his recent health problems will limit him to a Kerry Wood type conversion.

The return of SS Troy Tulowitzki has Colorado thinking playoffs.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have been at the head of the National League West for nearly all of this 2008 season. They have certainly established themselves as the frontrunners for the division title behind starters Brandon Webb, Dan Haren and Randy Johnson. Much has been made about the LA Dodgers and their acquisition of outfielder Manny Ramirez, who has been outstanding. It was certainly one of the biggest moves of the trade deadline. What could be seen as a bigger move when it is all said and done is the non sale of Colorado Rockies stars. The team decided to hang onto closer Brian Fuentes who has 26 saves and a 2.73 era. They also held on to their top player, outfielder Matt Holliday.

Behind the two the team has reestablished itself as a bona fide contender in a division where the head of the pack has not pulled away. Despite a 64-72 record Colorado is only six games out of first place with just about a month left to play. While they still have a great deal of work ahead of them, the reemergence of starter Franklin Morales or an increased consistency from Jorge De La Rosa could be all the team needs to start up the necessary hot streak. They also have the benefit of the schedule where they completely avoid the NL East and Central contenders Philadelphia, New York, Florida, Chicago and Milwaukee.

Colorado’s destiny is in their hands as they have six games against Arizona and three vs Los Angeles. They certainly have their work cut out for them, but with the return of SS Troy Tulowitzki and consistent contributions from young players Ian Stewart and Chris Iannetta, don’t count them out yet.

Bowden has struck out 130 in 144 innings pitched at AA and AAA while walking only 29. 

Red Sox Nation holds their breath following the crushing news in Boston yesterday of Josh Beckett’s visit to Dr. James Andrews. Considered the “surgeon of superstars,” Andrews is one of the specialists used when pitchers have serious elbow problems. He specializes in Tommy John surgery, a repair that would most certainly end Beckett’s 2008 season and most likely much of 2009.

Should the Sox lose Beckett for the remainder of this season, it would likely be the straw that broke the camel’s back. While Jed Lowrie and Coco Crisp have been able to fill in for injuries to Mike Lowell, Julio Lugo and J.D. Drew, replacing Beckett is something that seems impossible. Beckett, whose well known postseason successes are at thing of legend in Boston, combined with Curt Schilling, another postseason hero, are the two men who carried the team to their last two World Championships, and neither would be available should Beckett go down.

Boston would likely look within to replace their ace, although Tigers lefthander Kenny Rogers has cleared waivers and could be an option. Rogers has had limited success this season however, putting up a 9-11 record with an era north of 5. Most likely General Manager Theo Epstein would look to his minor league system to again come through for him. Clay Buchholz is the obvious choice as far as experience but he too has struggled mightily this year. While he has the talent to potentially step in for Beckett, his lack of command is a serious issue. Righthander David Pauley has had success at AAA Pawtucket, going 14-4 in 25 starts, but was shelled in his only major league start this season. Knuckleballer Charlie Zink also had great success for the Paw Sox, but he too was ripped in the Red Sox – Rangers shootout a couple of weeks ago.

Their other option is to look again to their bountiful 2005 draft and call up highly touted prospect Michael Bowden. The 6-3 righty has moved from AA to AAA and has been outstanding putting up a combined 2.62 era with just 29 walks in 144 innings. His command throughout his minor league career indicate that he is ready, and bringing him up for the stretch run could be a risk that the Red Sox will need to take if they want to have a chance this year.