Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes Make Their Pitches for Yankees’ Fifth Starter Role
Five pitchers are competing for the final spot in the Yankees' rotation, but according to the New York Daily News, the true competition comes down to Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes.
Chamberlain and Hughes have pitched as starters and relievers in the past, but only one will have the opportunity to complete the Yankees' rotation in 2010. Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland thinks the battle will be good for both pitchers.
"For me to say who's the clear favorite — right now I can't do that," Eiland told the New York Post. "Time will tell. We have interesting guys, and this is going to be fun to watch. Competition brings out the best in guys, and we'll see who pulls ahead of the pack."
Chamberlain and Hughes are among a crowded field of pitchers vying for the final rotation spot, as Alfredo Aceves, Sergio Mitre or Chad Gaudin also could also earn the fifth starter's job with a strong spring training performance. Aceves, Mitre and Gaudin lack the high-profile status of Chamberlain and Hughes, but if any of the pitchers give the Yankees the best chance to win, Joe Girardi will give the best pitcher the ball every fifth day.
"They're kind of under the radar," Girardi told the Daily News. "They don't have to talk about it. They can just go out and do the best that they can. The Yankees have shown over the years that we're going to put out the best nine every day. We're going to put out the best five starters we can and the best seven guys in the bullpen. They understand that."
