Down Goes Joba

(Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
Joba Chamberlain will end his season, after opting for Tommy John Surgery

Yesterday, the Yankees took another hit to their bullpen when Joba Chamberlain opted to get Tommy John Surgery. Joba will join Pedro Feliciano, and Rafael Soriano on the DL.

Joba has torn ligaments in his elbow and will have surgery on Thursday.

Soriano is currently out for 4-6 weeks with shoulder problems, and Pedro Feliciano, who hasn't even pitched this season, is also out until July.

Like most pitchers, Joba will go into hibernation for 12-14 months. Tommy John is arguably the most popular and controversial surgery for pitchers. Many pitchers who come back from the surgery though, don't have as much success on the diamond.

Some notable players who have had Tommy John Surgery in the past few years are Stephen Strasburg, AJ Burnett, Brian Wilson, Adam Wainwright, and Tim Hudson.

This season, Joba was having a pretty good start. In 28 and 2/3 innings, Joba had only given up nine earned runs. He had  24 strikeouts and only seven walks, and had only  blown one save. Joba was also  2-0 and had a 1.05 WHIP.

Despite winning last night's game, the Yankees have lost control of first place in the AL East. With another hit to their bullpen, the Yankees really need better pitching by their starters.

The Yankees didn't make any huge offseason moves, so will they pull a blockbuster trade midseason? Fans are just waiting to see what GM Brian Cashman has up his sleeve's.

As for starters, rumors have been flying around saying that the Yankees are really trying to add Josh Johnson, of the Florida Marlins, or Felix Hernandez, of the Seattle Mariners, to the team.

For the relievers, the Yankees have considered trading back for Kerry Wood, who also had the famous surgery years back. Also, with Phil Hughes return soon to come, will the Yankees move Phil to the bullpen. Ivan Nova, who has pitched in place of Hughes has been pretty good, including last night when he pitched seven innings and gave up only two runs.

Until the Yankees get some help in the bullpen, it looks like David Robertson and Boone Logan will be the go-to guys. The Yankees really need some solid starting pitching in order to re-pass the Red Sox for the division lead.