Joba Chamberlain and expectations

Playing for the New York Yankees isn't easy. Dealing with exorbitant expectations and tabloid media while producing on the field is a job description most ballplayers can't handle. Joba Chamberlain burst on the Gotham scene last season, and delivered in dominant fashion. His personality (his Dad has referred to him as a "Clown") will help him deal with the voracious press corps. His talent will pave the way for on-the-field production, but nothing will prepare him for the never ending stream of over-the-top expectations.

The Village Voice gives a historical perspective,"Chamberlain looks to be the most intimidating right-hander that the Yankees have had in more than half a century. "In his velocity and his fearlessness," says baseball writer Roger Kahn, "the pitcher he most reminds me of is Allie Reynolds, who was the ace of Casey Stengel's five consecutive World Series winners from 1949 to 1953." Like Reynolds, who was part Creek Indian, Chamberlain is Native American on his father's side—the Winnebagos of Nebraska—and, like Reynolds, he can both start (which he did in college, for Nebraska) and relieve (which he's been doing for the Yankees). "A big difference between them," says Kahn, "is that Chamberlain is eight years younger than Reynolds was when he came to the Yankees. Another difference is that he throws even harder than Allie."

The New York Daily News sets up the future, Mark Feinsand writes, "It is the troika of talented young pitchers the Yankees are counting on to be the foundation of the next dynasty."

Joba Chamberlain has a lifetime total of 24 innings in the big leagues, apparently the rest will be history.

Photo/Sports Illustrated