J-o-b-a Spells Relief

Joel Sherman of the NY Post reports that although Joba Chamberlain will prepare as a starter during spring training, he will be starting the season in the bullpen. Team officials confirmed Chamberlain's status.

That means Ian Kennedy will be the 5th starter to start the season and the Yankees will use the beginning months to determine if relievers not named Mo or Joba can do the job so that Chamberlain goes back to the rotation.

If that doesn't happen, the Yankees could opt to keep Chamberlain in the pen for the full season. There's no question that the pen will be a lot stronger with the rookie (yes, he still has rookie status) out there.

As for our poll, we asked you what you thought Joba Chamberlain's role should be in 2008. 56 of you responded as follows:

Full-time Starter 27% (15 votes)

Full-time Set up Man 38% (21 votes)

Split between Starter and Bullpen 36% (20 votes)

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