Competition Breeds Excellence

The most compelling story line of the Spring is sure to be the competition for the fifth spot in the Yankees rotation. Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes are expected to be in an even battle. Whoever pitches better during the course of the exhibition season wins the job. It's been over four years since we first starting hearing these two names, since they were considered the future of the staff. The Yankees are confident that one of them will step up, win the job, live up to the potential and spend the entire season in the rotation.

The main question is, what happens to the player that loses the competition?

The most likely answer is a move to the bullpen, where both players have had success in the past. Another possibility is sending the runner-up down to AAA where he can stay stretched out as a starter and continue to develop pitches. This could prove very useful in the event of an injury.

So, who is more likely to win the spot?

Well, it was reiterated today by Joe Girardi that it's a completely equal competition, neither player has the leg up right now. Here's my evaluation of each players chances:

Joba Chamberlain - Has 43 starts and 281 big league innings under his belt. During that time he's compiled a 15-9 record with a 3.61 ERA and 285 strikeouts, solid numbers for any pitcher in their first three seasons in the majors. Working out of the bullpen he has 27 holds and one career save. He's also put up some very concerning stats - 27 HR allowed, 121 walks and a rising number of hits allowed. Certainly, the bouncing between bullpen and rotation and all the 'Joba Rules' didn't help. Now that he's free of those restrictions the 24 year-old should respond well - a power pitcher doesn't need those types of limitations. In the rotation he would be able to show off his entire repertoire - 97+ mph fastball, devastating slider, 12-6 curve and a developing change.

Phil Hughes - Has 28 starts and 192 big league innings on his resume and put together a 13-10 record, 4.20 ERA and 177 strikeouts in that time. In the bullpen he has 18 holds and three career saves (all accumulated last season). Last year he worked masterfully out of the pen, but he struggled after September and ended up allowing six earned runs in six postseason innings. Hughes has been very inconsistent as a starter, showing flashes, but posting bad numbers overall. He definitely gained a lot of confidence last season and that's a huge step for a 23 year-old. Possesses a 91+ mph fastball, deadly curve, a developing cutter and a change up. Hughes' most valuable assets are his command and poise, he seems to be mature beyond his years on the mound.

I give the edge to Chamberlain. He's had more success than Hughes as a starter in their brief time in the majors and as a power pitcher he is more able to rely on his stuff. Hughes' fastball leaves less room for error, but he does have far better control and keeps his emotions in check. Both pitchers have the capability to post outstanding numbers.

Clearly the team isn't getting greedy and is only expecting one of the two to perform up to expectations. Whoever ends up claiming the spot, it's a win for the Yankees either way and they'll address all the other questions that arise when the time comes.