WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR JOBA?

This next season is big for Joba Chamberlain. He goes into free agency in 2014, so this is the year to make his mark. I have always liked Joba. He is young and incredibly talented. He has an undeniable energy and enthusiasm for the game. 

If our starting rotation remains the same, Joba will no doubt play an essential role in our bullpen. The combination of Joba, David Robertson and Mariano Rivera will once again come into play and an important part of that is making sure that Joba is at his very best. The Yankees will need him to come in and get them out of the inning as quickly and effectively as possible. 

Going into free agency with a terrible season behind you is not ideal for any player. The Yankees are less likely to bring him back if Joba performs poorly. He has no choice but to be exceptional this season.

But I can't help but wonder, does Joba have a future as a Yankee? I know 2013 isn't even here yet but we are already thinking about 2014 here at BYB because that's when the payroll situation becomes even more tricky. The Yankees are going to be even more careful with their money next year as they are this year which is hard to imagine right now.

Let's say, just for the sake of argument that Joba has a phenomenal 2013 and he puts up great numbers, will the Yankees even bring him back? It's a tough call. Joba will be able to test the free agent waters for the first time along with almost half of our bullpen. The Yankees have a lot of bullpen help stashed down in the minors like Mark Montgomery and Dellin Betances, which would allow them to continue to focus on the payroll. Are Joba's days here in the Bronx numbered?

I don't know if Joba has a long term future here but I do think that Joba is capable of having an incredible season and I really am pulling for him. I’d like to see Joba finally live up to his potential. I know he has the ability to do much more than he has done but has been hit with a string of bad luck. I’d love it if this was the year that ended any doubts and he becomes the player I know he can be.

--Erica Morales, BYB Writer
Twitter: @e_morales1804



Please comment, we have DISQUS, it's easier than ever. Let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.