Joba Chamberlain Takes Page from Sam McDowell

Yankees starter Joba Chamberlain -- with his promising form of two years ago still eluding him -- has taken a page from the life of former major league strikeout artist "Sudden" Sam McDowell.

Perhaps he should put the page back.

Under the watchful eye of pitching coach Dave Eiland, the 23-year-old Chamberlain has been expending maximum effort by heaving about a dozen, 80-yard longballs from the outfield to backup catcher Francisco Cervelli as part of his pre-start warmup throws. As demonstrated by McDowell, who played for the Yankees in 1973-'74, the practice stretches the muscles and tires the arm to help reduce overthrowing during the game.

The problem is that it worked for McDowell, but not for Chamberlain, if there's any indication in Chamberlain's last outing versus the Mets, when he he hit two batters and walked five in the process of throwing 100 pitches before being yanked at the end of the fourth inning.

Watching Chamberlain warm up from the outfield, it's a wonder he has anything left for the game. Like McDowell, however, who won 20 games for the Indians in 1970, Chamberlain was in effectively wild in the outing, giving up only one hit as the Yankees went on to win the 9-8 thriller.

Speculation continues to mount that unless Chamberlain finds himself soon, he may be found back in the bullpen, which would be a severe setback in his development but potentially a practical necessity for the Yankees if the team is to remain at the top of the American League Eastern Divison.

Phil Hughes is waiting in the wings.

Scranton Next Stop for Yankees SP Phil Hughes?

Injured Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes -- now in a rehabilitative throwing program at the team's training complex in Tampa -- may be among a handful of players who may appear within the next couple of weeks or so at Triple A Scranton-Wilkes Barre, according to a speculative report by The Sunday Voice.

"Nothing is set in stone and the Yankees have not announced a full rehab plan for Hughes and his rib injury, but it's safe to speculate that he could make a Triple A start or two on his way back to Yankee Stadium," according to the report by Voice staff writer Chad Jennings.

It was noted that Yankees manager Joe Girardi has indicated Hughes might return in August, though it is not clear how much the 22-year-old, 6-foot-5 former first-round pick may be vulnerable to a setback.

Meanwhile top pitching prospect Alan Horne -- previously the subject of numerous rumors as the July 31 trading deadline approached -- remains in Scranton for conditioning of what he described as an arm that felt "dead" after he was removed from a June 29 game at Yankee Stadium.

Some observers theorized Horne at that time was being showcased to be traded, though his mysterious injury may have dampened any such talk.

Also remaining at Scranton is former Japanese standout Kei Igawa, who likely could not be considered much more than a major league bust at this point. However, the 28-year-old lefty has an 8-3 record for the Triple A club with a respectable 3.80 ERA and 87 strikeouts in 106 innings. He would be a probable callup when rosters are expanded in September, perhaps sooner if necessary.