Joba Chamberlain to open season in the bullpen

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports, the Yankees say young right-hander Joba Chamberlain will work up to being a starter by starting the 2008 season in the bullpen.

With Joba only being 22 years of age, there's a higher risk of damage to his arm if he pitches a lot more than his 112.1 IP in 2007. The Yankees are counting on the rotation of Chien-Ming Wang, Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy to stay healthy before sliding Joba into the mix, plus, he's an almost untouchable setup man to Mariano Rivera.

Phillies interested in Yanks' Mussina

With the Yankees due to have Chien-Ming Wang, Andy Pettite, Philip Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy in their starting rotation in 2008, it leaves Mike Mussina and Kei Igawa without a starting job.

According to Bob Matthews of Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, the Philadelphia Phillies are showing "mild interest" in Mike Mussina. I can't see how that would be a good career move for Mussina, especially trying to pitch in one of the biggest launching pads in baseball.