Chamberlain showed up to spring training overweight -– again. And now, he’s not talking about it, the Boston Herald reports.
Many of the questions of late have surfaced over Chamberlain’s listed postseason weight (230 lbs.) and whether or not he is heavier heading into spring training. The exact number will never be known, since Chamberlain has made it quite clear that he’s done discussing the topic.
“This is the last time I’m going to answer this question,” Chamberlain said. “I know you guys have to ask it. I feel great. I’m stronger, physically. I’m better in my bullpens, right where I was at the end of last year.”
Another member of the Yankees organization who has been rather quiet about the topic is GM Brian Cashman.
“He’s obviously heavier,” Cashman said. “That’s as much as I’ll say.
“He’s a good kid,” he added. “He does work hard, his bullpens look fantastic but, yeah, he’s heavy … we’ll just leave it at that right now. Anything else we’ll deal with ourselves and between each other, and certainly not in the public arena.”
What does Chamberlain contribute to his weight gain? Muscle mass. The Yankees pitcher said he spent much of the offseason bulking up.
“I would probably say I’m in better shape than I have been in a couple of years,” he said.
Despite the pitcher’s unwavering confidence in his health, the Yankees’ hush-hush approach to the media attention could indicate that there is a problem with Chamberlain’s weight. This could just as easily serve as the motivation he needs to prove himself and improve on last season, who had a 4.40 ERA overall and a 5.30 ERA at home.
