8th Inning Isn't Joba's Yet

From Joel Sherman:

Unlike with the fifth starter's job, the Yankees are comfortable going into the season without delineating a primary set-up man for Mariano Rivera.

It had been believed that if Joba Chamberlain failed to win the last rotation spot, he simply would become the main eighth-inning reliever. But manager Joe Girardi has said publicly that Chamberlain must earn that position, and several Yankees officials insisted to The Post that is not just said for effect or as a motivational ploy toward Chamberlain, a player the organization does worry about when he gets too comfortable.

Instead, early in the season, Girardi is leaning toward looking at multiple options and letting the results dictate how he proceeds.

...

"Guys will step up and let us know who should pitch in the eighth," pitching coach Dave Eiland said.

Sherman mentions that much of this is due to the "positive vibe" the Yankees have about Chan Ho Park and David Robertson. But regardless of their vibes, if the Yankees have a lead in the 8th inning on Sunday in Fenway, Joba will be the guy who gets the call, so I still think it's his job to lose.

That said, I'm glad the Yankees are at least publicly taking this stance. Not because it will help Joba, but because it shows that winning is still the only thing they care about. I'd give Joba some time to settle in a prove himself, but if the 8th inning isn't a comfortable inning by late April and Joba is pissing away leads, I'd like to see the Yankees put their money where their mouth is and give someone else a chance.