NIGHT STALKER Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 Editor's Note: This story appears in the Dec. 17 edition of ESPN The Magazine. IT'S 9:31 A.M. in the off-season, a time when most ballplayers are still deep in REM sleep, but I'm curious to see if Joba Chamberlain lives up to his rep as the King of Text Messaging. So I fire off a quick one to the Yankees' prize righthander. Four minutes later, the light on my cell phone flickers. It's Joba, awake and typing, an indefatigable force of thumbs. I text A LOT. About 100-200 a day! Add it to the legend: Chamberlain broke into the big leagues on Aug. 7, faced 67 hitters and sent approximately 7,000 messages before allowing his first earned run. No wonder he's NEXT. Impressed, I ask him how fast he text messages. Probably faster than I pitch. Is it true, I wonder, that he texted Clay Buchholz the night the Red Sox righty tossed a no-hitter? The two pitchers became fast friends at the 2007 All-Star Futures Game in San Francisco. And on Sept. 1, while Buchholz was shutting down the Orioles, Chamberlain was serving a suspension for throwing two fastballs over the head of Boston's Kevin Youkilis a few nights earlier. He was free to go home after pregame practice; instead, the 6'2", 230-pound fireballer elected to stay and watch his teammates play the Devil Rays from GM Brian Cashman's box, chatting merrily while simultaneously working his Treo. I texted Clay that day! Before the game, actually. I just wished him good luck. Then after the game I wrote, "glad u got that out of your system." My turn. I ask Joba which big league hitter had the best swings against him last season. It's kind of a trick question, because there were probably fewer good swings against Chamberlain than against any other pitcher in the majors in 2007. Opponents hit only .145; he struck out 34 of the 91 batters he faced. Mike Lowell was the toughest hitter for me. Sliders and fastballs. I couldn't get him out! In keeping with his buoyant personality, Joba loves exclamation points. They're his favorite form of punctuation, popping up in the flurry of texts he has sent to teammates such as Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Roger Clemens this off-season. He's bold like that. In mid-November, the 22-year-old punched out a text to Mike Mussina to let Moose know he'd just jogged five miles. The kid challenged the vet: One day next spring, they'll run against each other until one of them cries uncle. All those exclamation points are fitting for a player who has already gained mythic status in the Bronx: Fans latched onto his name and potential even before he threw a pitch. Chants of "Joba" rattled through Yankee Stadium this season the way "Maximus" flew around the ring in Gladiator. Chamberlain relishes the spotlight (as long as it doesn't attract a swarm of bugs). And he has become an integral part of the Yankees clubhouse, thanks to a demeanor that's equal parts Jeter, with his transcendent confidence; Clemens, with his ability to energize everyone on the field; and Mariano Rivera, with his stoicism on the mound. Talent evaluators seem certain that, whether he's taking the ball every fifth day or coming out of the bullpen in tight situations, Chamberlain has the goods. And even though he was a starter in the minors, he's willing to accept any role -- which is good, since the Yankees haven't decided how to use him next year. "I'm just a kid from Nebraska," he often says, with no apparent ego. Credit for that humility goes to his father, Harlan, a man who has suffered the crippling effects of polio since childhood and who raised Joba on his own after he and the boy's mother divorced. Quick story: Joba had left-knee surgery as a sophomore at Nebraska, and he spent his first hours of recovery sprawled out on the couch at their Omaha home. At 5:30 in the morning, Harlan hobbled into the living room on crutches and saw the bag of melting ice on his son's swollen knee. "We need to change that," he said. Then, taking the bag between his teeth, he labored slowly to the kitchen for a refill. At that moment, Joba understood the depth of his father's love. This season, he flew Harlan east of Chicago for the first time in the man's life, to shake hands with Clemens and Reggie Jackson, to meet "Mr. Torre" and to watch Joba pump 100 mph gas. Father and son text "every once in a while," Joba says via text. Which reminds me: It's time for one final topic before carpal tunnel sets in. A colleague of mine claims to have seen Joba at a UFC bout the other night, so I ask the pitcher if he's a big fan. Immediately, the exclamation points start flying. It was awesome! It def is getting bigger than boxing! Even had a couple guys from Nebraska fighting! There is so much more that goes into it than boxing. You got the martial arts aspect, ground and pound. It's just so complex in all areas of training! It figures the training interests him. Around the Yankees clubhouse, Joba's workout ethic is known as "Roger-like." In fact, he plans to visit Clemens this winter and maintains, confidently, that he can go toe-to-toe with The Rocket in the gym. "If he can get me to throw up, it would be the first time," Joba said in September. My thumbs are tired, but I'm curious if he incorporates UFC training (minus the punching) into his regimen. I've thought about it! You def have to mix it up. Seven texts in a half hour, and I'm not fooling myself; like a chess master who plays multiple opponents, Joba was probably texting five other people besides me. I need a break, so I tell him I'll send more later. Sounds good. I will be ready! Buster Olney is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbn007 Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 This kid is really a breath of fresh air. The Yankees don't have many like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GimmeShelter Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 This kid is really a breath of fresh air. The Yankees don't have many like that. I know it's way early but I think he's gonna be Tom Seaver like good. It's a shame his innings will need to be monitored if he's in the rotation as I think by play-offs he'd get the ball game one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIGHT STALKER Posted December 6, 2007 Author Share Posted December 6, 2007 I know it's way early but I think he's gonna be Tom Seaver like good. It's a shame his innings will need to be monitored if he's in the rotation as I think by play-offs he'd get the ball game one. Wow, that's saying a lot. Funny how this kid practically came out of no where. Hughes was the big ticket name before a couple of injuries set him back somewhat...maybe with the attention seemingly all on Joba, Hughes can relax and run with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbn007 Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 Wow, that's saying a lot. Funny how this kid practically came out of no where. Hughes was the big ticket name before a couple of injuries set him back somewhat...maybe with the attention seemingly all on Joba, Hughes can relax and run with it. Have to disagree a bit. Joba was not an unknown. In College, by his senior season, he was a consensus top 10, maybe even a top 5 pick. His issues were weight and his knees. This allowed him to fall all the way to the Yankees at #41, in the supplemental round. The Yankees also passed up on him earlier in the 1st, selecting Ian Kennedy. He was well known by the scouts, and his fast rise is surprising, but not totally unexpected. It was projected around the draft time in 2006 that he would be a 2008 arrival in the Majors. He was that polished. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anskyruben Posted December 7, 2007 Share Posted December 7, 2007 Joba is GOD. That is all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai Jet Posted December 7, 2007 Share Posted December 7, 2007 Joba is GOD. That is all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor99 Posted December 7, 2007 Share Posted December 7, 2007 Joba is GOD. That is all. I guess he'll be saying hi to George soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arsis Posted December 7, 2007 Share Posted December 7, 2007 I guess he'll be saying hi to George soon. **** nom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-Rhodes25 Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 JOBA! JOBA! JOBA! all hail Joba Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anskyruben Posted December 9, 2007 Share Posted December 9, 2007 You can laugh all you want. Joba is the real thing. There isn't a prospect in the Mets or BloSux organizations that can touch him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadianJet Posted December 9, 2007 Share Posted December 9, 2007 Very Cool, I will definitely have to pick that issue up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GimmeShelter Posted December 9, 2007 Share Posted December 9, 2007 You can laugh all you want. Joba is the real thing. There isn't a prospect in the Mets or BloSux organizations that can touch him. Clay Buchholtz......he of the no hitter. Joba is the deal but so is Buchholtz. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYjet10 Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 I hate at how ppl can say bucholz is just as good. yes hes a good pitcher but joba is better. One no hitter doesent make you better than another pitcher. Last year up until the bug investment at jacobs field JOBA was absolutely positively 100% SHUT DOWN! JOBA is better PERIOD! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYjet10 Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 Joba as a starter this year will get 16-20 wins an era under 2.00,and will throw a NO HITTER! GUARANTEED!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toon88 Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 I hate at how ppl can say bucholz is just as good. yes hes a good pitcher but joba is better. One no hitter doesent make you better than another pitcher. Last year up until the bug investment at jacobs field JOBA was absolutely positively 100% SHUT DOWN! JOBA is better PERIOD! ummm...what? what did the bugs invest in? stocks? bonds? Joba as a starter this year will get 16-20 wins an era under 2.00,and will throw a NO HITTER! GUARANTEED!!! era under 2.00? uh, ok. now we know why you talk hockey most of the time...please keep it that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadianJet Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 Just picked the issue up:cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Dierking Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 Joba as a starter this year will get 16-20 wins an era under 2.00,and will throw a NO HITTER! GUARANTEED!!! All I can say is WOW! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbn007 Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 Joba as a starter this year will get 16-20 wins an era under 2.00,and will throw a NO HITTER! GUARANTEED!!! With all due respect, but did you get hit in the head with a hockey puck? How many folks in the Al, starting pitchers, have an ERA under 2.00? And how many of them have Joba's limited experience base? Thought so. I love teh guy as much as anyone, but please, let's be semi-reasonable. I can see him approaching the 16 win mark, but I would be pleasantly surprised if his ERA was below 3.00 when all is said and done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadianJet Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 With all due respect, but did you get hit in the head with a hockey puck? How many folks in the Al, starting pitchers, have an ERA under 2.00? And how many of them have Joba's limited experience base? Thought so. I love teh guy as much as anyone, but please, let's be semi-reasonable. I can see him approaching the 16 win mark, but I would be pleasantly surprised if his ERA was below 3.00 when all is said and done. and if he has a 2.00 era, I am guessing he would have slightly more than 20 wins (assuming he doesn't get hurt). Sorry man, but a 3.00 ERA would be pretty darn good for Joba in his first year as an MLB starter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbn007 Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 and if he has a 2.00 era, I am guessing he would have slightly more than 20 wins (assuming he doesn't get hurt). Sorry man, but a 3.00 ERA would be pretty darn good for Joba in his first year as an MLB starter. That's why I said I would be pleasantly surprised if he accomplished this feat. Realistically, I would guess an ERA in the 3.40-3.80 area. I believe he is that good, and for a rookie like Joba (experience-wise), that would be fabulous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Dierking Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 That's why I said I would be pleasantly surprised if he accomplished this feat. Realistically, I would guess an ERA in the 3.40-3.80 area. I believe he is that good, and for a rookie like Joba (experience-wise), that would be fabulous. A sub 4.00 ERA would be awesome. The guy has barely 100 professional innings. I am sure the majority of his outings will be very good. But he will also have some where he will get "shelled" Ore at least shelled from his perspective. It is the part of being a young pitcher. You are going to have the occassional outing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbn007 Posted December 11, 2007 Share Posted December 11, 2007 A sub 4.00 ERA would be awesome. The guy has barely 100 professional innings. I am sure the majority of his outings will be very good. But he will also have some where he will get "shelled" Ore at least shelled from his perspective. It is the part of being a young pitcher. You are going to have the occassional outing. I guess in some 14-15 weeks, we will start to find out how good he really can be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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