I'm not exactly sure what the Yankees are trying to do with their young starter Joba Chamberlain. Last season his pitches were monitored very carefully under the "Joba rules". This year they are taking their babysitting role to a whole new level.

    On August 6th Joba Chamberlin was 8-2 with an ERA under four. He was looking like the hard throwing starter the Yankees envisioned when they brought him up from the minors.

    Chamberlin is 0-3 in his last 5 starts. He has also seen his ERA balloon from 3.58 to 4.45 since August.

    The Yankees have pulled back the reigns on Chamberlin hoping to preserve his arm. What they have done is damage this young man emotionally. I can't imagine what is going through Joba's mind. The Yankees have limited his starts to three innings his last three outings. He has allowed 2 runs in each of his last three starts.

    I'm not that surprised considering the Yankees don't have much experience in raising pitchers from their farm system. Their two best pitchers were free agent pick ups this off season (Sabathia, Burnett), or they sign free agents from Japan (Wang), or steel them away from the Mets (Cone), or the Blue Jays (Key).

    All this babying is affecting his ego and his arm strength. With Phil Hughes dominating the 8th inning their isn't much room for Joba in the bullpen so where is he to go? Here is an idea: let pitchers pitch. Don't over use him but don't limit him.

    The real test will be how he performs in the post season. Until then Yankee fans will have to enjoy watching Joba throw three innings every 5 days.