Joba Chamberlain A Padre? I Like To Think So!

New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain wants to be part of a starting rotation again.

Yankees general manager Brain Cashman and manager Joe Girardi laughed at the right-hander’s desire.

Feb 26, 2013; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Joba Chamberlain (62) throws against the Philadelphia Phillies during the bottom of the foruth inning of a spring training game at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

As of now, the plan for Chamberlain is to help the Yankees out of the bullpen.

However, Chamberlain wants to start, whether it is with the Yankees or another team.

“I’ve been in the bullpen a while but am I confident that if I got a chance to start again somewhere, wherever that’s at, do I think I could do it? Without a doubt,” Chamberlain told Newsday.

The eyebrow lifting line from Chamberlain’s quote is, “If I got a chance to start again somewhere, wherever that’s at…”

This tells me Chamberlain is not fully satisfied in New York and would definitely consider a move elsewhere to be a starter.

How about a move to Southern California?

The San Diego Padres are reportedly still in the market for a starting pitcher.

The 27-year-old Chamberlain wants to be a starter.

It just seems like the perfect match.

Chamberlain’s contract with the Yankees is set to expire at the end of the 2014 season. If dealt to the Padres, he could still be in the Padres’ price range, if the Friars elect to sign him to a long-term deal. The 2009 World Series champion is set to make $1.88 million this year.

That definitely works in the Padres’ budget

The six-year veteran has a cumulative 21-13 record with 3.73 ERA and 9.1 SO/9 compared to 3.5 BB/9.

Chamberlain hasn’t started since 2009 where he went 9-6 with a 4.75 ERA in 31 starts.

He has pitched the last three seasons in relief.

The only question that surrounds the burly pitcher is his health. He hasn’t been fully healthy since 2010, and has been struggling to recoup from shoulder surgery. Chamberlain vows that he’s healthy now.

Personally, I think he is worth the risk.  He’s young and cheap.

He also throws hard and has a live arm. The sky is really the limit for Chamberlain.

If the Padres acquire Chamberlain as a starter and things don’t pan out, the Padres can move him to the bullpen where he has proven success. Sorry Joba!