The Joba Question: Starter or Reliever?

This has been a big question the whole offseason. Recently, Joe Girardi announced his starting rotation for the start of the regular season, which included Joba in the 5th spot, and expecting him to start about 30 games.

So is this the right decision? Should Joba be a starter or reliever? Let's examine...

Joba - Starter Edition

Joba has 4 great pitches, namely his fastball and curveball/slider. Through the course of a game, Joba seems to only get stronger, as evidenced by his start at Fenway last year during a 1-0 win against the Red Sox. Joba, although a 5th starter this year, could be a number 1 or number 2 guy in the rotation his entire career if he is allowed to.

Joba's inning limit this year is around 150 innings. Hopefully by next year, Joba will have a limit between 180 and 200 innings, so he can be used more like a normal starting pitcher. So by next year, he could be throwing 200 innings per year for years to come, and probably at high success.


Joba - Relief Edition

Using Joba in relief would bring back memories of Mariano Rivera and John Wetteland in 1996. In '96, if the Yankees were winning after 6, the game was basically over. Rivera would pitch the 7th and 8th, while Wetteland would pitch the 9th. Joba could be used in the same role as Rivera in '96, and being the ultimate set-up man to Rivera. The Yanks have many questions in the bullpen going into spring training, with Brian Bruney and Damaso Marte battling for the 7th and 8th innings, and Mark Melancon waiting in the wings.

Joba would also be able to use his 2 best pitches exlusively, and would not see batters a second time in a single game. He could also mold into Mo's successor. We all know Joba can be successful in this role, posting a 0.38 ERA in 19 games as a reliver in 2007.

The Debate

If Joba was used in the bullpen this season, he probably would only reach about 100 innings at the most, which would hinder any chance of developing into a starter by next season. Also, the Yanks have many relief prospects, such as Mark Melancon, who could see time in the Bronx very soon. Placing Joba in the bullpen this year would also giving starting chances to Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, and others.

So what do you think? Would you rather see Joba pitch 200 innings per year as a starter or become Mo's possible successor in the bullpen?

I personally am torn on the decision. While I believe a strong bullpen is important for any title contending team, seeing Joba dominate for 200 innings in the upcoming years is a very tempting offer. Or Joba could dominate in the bullpen in 2009 and make every Yankees game a 6 inning affair.

Hopefully, the Yankees management has made the right decision...