Arizona Diamondbacks offer a deal to Joba Chamberlain
By Jovan Alford
Sep 15, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Joba Chamberlain (62) pitches during the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
According to ESPN.com’s Buster Olney, the Arizona Diamondbacks have offered a deal to Joba Chamberlain.
Diamondbacks have offered Joba Chamberlain a one-year deal worth close to $3 million.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 10, 2013
You might be asking yourself a three million dollar deal to do what exactly. Chamberlain would most likely be a reliever. So far in Chamberlain’s career he has been in a starting pitcher and a reliever.
He hasn’t started in a game since the 2009 season so we can rule out him as being a starter. Now Chamberlain being a reliever is a whole different story. Chamberlain’s fastball is currently clocking in at 94.7 miles per hour which isn’t bad but it is a good sign.
Last season with the Yankees, he had a 4.93 ERA with one save and 38 strikeouts. Also last season, he appeared in 45 games, had five holds, gave up 47 hits, walked 26 batters, and gave eight home runs.
A Joba Chamberlain signing is a low risk and high reward. If he pans out then he could be a force in the bullpen with J.J. Putz and Heath Bell.
Update on Joba Chamberlain report from MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert:
High-ranking #Dbacks official says no offer has been made to Joba Chamberlain.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) December 10, 2013