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Or so we've been told by so many experts. As recently as two weeks ago, Goose Gossage said that putting Chamberlain back in the bullpen is a "no-brainer" (for just a few of many other examples, check here, here, here and here).
Granted, it's still early in Chamberlain's time with the Yankees. But nobody ever said Joba should start forever. What we said was that he should start until he proves that he can't; that the Yankees should continue conducting their little experiment.
I don't mean to gloat. For one thing, I'm not exactly pulling for the Yankees. And for another, I've been wrong about many dozens of things over the years. One thing I've tried to do, though, is admit my mistakes and try to learn from them. There are literally dozens of professional writers and other media types who were adamant about Chamberlain belonging in the bullpen.
I won't ask them to admit their mistakes, because that's not my place. I do hope that guys like Mike Francesa will discover a teaching moment at some point. Maybe during Joba's next start.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Rob Neyer
Neyer is a senior writer at ESPN.com. He began his career with legendary baseball author (and now Red Sox executive) Bill James, then joined Stats Inc. and wrote about MLB, the NFL and the NBA. Neyer joined ESPN.com in 1996, and it's believed that he's written more words for the site than anybody.
Neyer moved to Kansas City in 1976, just in time for the Royals' first division title, and fell in love almost immediately. He attended the University of Kansas the same four years as Danny Manning, and is now happy to wait another 20 years for the Jayhawks' next championship.