It’s early in Yankees camp but reliever Joba Chamberlain’s weight is already a hot topic, with the 25-year-old righty showing up noticeably heavier than last season.
Analysis: It has been a rapid fall from grace for Chamberlain, who was considered to be one of the top young arms in the game just a few years ago. Projected to be nothing better than a 7th inning man in the Bronx this year, an out-of-shape Joba could cause his pecking order in the bullpen to slip even further. Chamberlain did have a rebuttal to the added weight controversy, telling reporters that the extra pounds are the result of an offseason workout regimen.
Projection: Fat or muscle, don’t expect Joba to offer fantasy owners more than a few holds and some mid-inning strikeouts this year. Barring an injury to Rafael Soriano or Mariano Rivera, even a revived Chamberlain will find it tough to get any statistically important opportunities out of the Yankees pen.
