Yankees' nightmare

The Yankees had a 3-0 lead in Arlington Texas last night with the linchpin of their future dealing from the mound. It promised to be a good start to a grueling road trip as Joba Chamberlain's consistent excellence is money in the bank. Then the unthinkable happened.

The Rangers started peppering the field with line drives in the fourth and knocked the Chosen One out of the game in the fifth putting five runs on the board. The crooked number didn't tell the story.

YES reports the action: "The trainer is on the way to the mound...What exactly is going on with Joba Chamberlain?" Joba's angst filled expression while he gestured to his right shoulder said it all. Superman cringed.

Amidst all the bluster of the Yankees' heralded youth movement, Joba was the legit next big thing. He looked hype in the face and delivered dominating heat. He isn't supposed to be human. A legend was born.

Chamberlain's transition from dominating bullpen savior to top of the rotation anchor went faster than anticipated. It wasn't supposed to be this easy, but the kid is special. Last night reality reminded us that nothing is easy.

Photo/Newsday