Joba's Promotion

Written by Greg Fertel | 10 June 2007

After dominating high-A Tampa to the tune of a 2.03 ERA, a k/bb ratio of nearly 5 to 1, a groundball/flyball ratio of 2.04, and a WHIP of 0.90, Joba Chamberlain has been promoted to AA Trenton. Chamberlain's promotion was inevitable given his impressive performance in high-A, and it is time for him to face some new challenges in AA. In Trenton, he will rejoin his 2006 draft-mate and good friend Ian Kennedy, making the stacked Trenton rotation even better. There are currently 6 starters in Trenton, and one of Brett Smith or Jason Jones will probably move to the bullpen, or possibly one of those guys or Alan Horne will be promoted to Scranton. It is very exciting to see our 2006 draftees doing so well, and hopefully McCallister and Betances can perform at the level they are capable of. It may take Joba a few starts to adjust, but I see no reason why he won't be able to dominate AA with his high-90's fastball and great control. If the Yankees were a little more aggressive, Joba could even earn a September callup. The way Joba is looking so far, he is moving up prospect lists, and could be a top 30 prospect by year's end.