"I told them from the get-go whatever they want me to do,'' Chamberlain said Tuesday. "If it is starting, yes. If it's staying in the bullpen. ... I'm fine, too.''
"If it comes down to it, if I'm going to get switched, then I've got to do some things to get ready,'' Chamberlain said. "If I'm going to stay where I'm at, I'm fine, too.''
"You have to change your approach mentally I think a little bit, I think that will be the biggest adjustment,'' he said.
"It will be interesting to see what takes place,''Regardless of whether you feel Joba should be a starer or a reliever, the one thing we can all agree on is that he's a class act. Remember these words are not coming from a 34 year old veteran, this is a 22 year old kid. Pretty impressive if you ask me. Tyler Kepner also had an article on the subject and said that when reporters asked Chamberlain if he preferred to be a starter or a reliever, Chamberlain answered: “A pitcher. I honestly don’t care.”
4 Comments:
Just to play devil's advocate, as much as Joba comes up with these "Oh gosh I'm so lucky/money doesn't matter to me/I'll pitch wherever" lines. Don't forget when he didn't sign in 2006 for some extra dough and when his contract was renegotiated in March (only done upon player request). As much as his agent may have had to do or didn't have to do with this, when it's time to negotiate a contract again, especially if he keeps this level of play up whether it be in the 'pen or rotation, I think money always plays a role no matter what the player says (i.e. Johnny Damon). But as long as the front office realizes this (which I am sure they do)fans won't have to worry about Joba spurning them for more money when the time comes as long as they offer a respectable contract. Obviously this is a long term and very hypothetical situation, but just wanted to play a little devil's advocate.
I understand what you're saying, but I don't see how money has anything to do with this. His comments were not about money, they were about where he wants to pitch, and again his answer was the right one.
And about agents in general, what agent is going to allow 20 yr old their client to take less money, when they know the market is what it is for pitching? The agents control these young players totally.
Oh I know this has nothing to do with the money/contract situation Greg. I just find it almost a little odd that Joba always seems to say the right things, and it's strange and almost sad now a days that that can be considered odd. Joba is just such a unique sports figure in NY that from day one the tri-state area has latched on, supported, rooted and admired him from day one. I can't remember this happening with any athlete (besides Mets fans who do this with players like Benny Agbayani and Todd Pratt all the time), even Jeter I don't know if he got this unconditional support from the NY fans that early on. But you know what, he certainly has earned all he's gotten so far.
Oh I see what you mean, and yes it's quite remarkable how quickly he's gotten that unconditional support. I also cannot remember this happening with any other athletes in recent memory.
I think part of it is his talent and another part is how he does seem to always say the right things.
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