OK, OK, maybe it was worth rushing Joba Chamberlain into a starting role this season. His filthiness during his relief appearances has already carried over to his starts, a couple months sooner than I expected.

Chamberlain earned his first win of the season as a starter, pitching 6.2 innings of six hit, no run baseball in Pittsburgh last night. Joba's ERA in his five starts is 1.80 and the Yankees are 4-1 in those games. Discussion over.

Naturally, here comes Joba-mania:

Fake Teams attempts to prove that he's already a Top 20 pitcher. Hard to disagree with this evidence.

Derek Jeter forgets his previous opinion on Joba as a starter. Unlike the captain, he's clearly not overrated.

River Avenue Blues gets his sarcasm on: "So this Joba guy. He sorta sucks. He can’t win any games. He can’t pitch out of the sixth inning. And, as I said to my dad this evening, without him in the bullpen, the Yanks don’t know what to do with the 8th inning. Wait. Wait. What are you saying? Joba pitched 6.2 shut-out innings tonight? Joba struck out seven while walking just one? Joba gave up only six hits, only one for extra bases? I’m not sure what to make of this."

I wasn't one of those saying he'd never turn into a starting gem, I just wasn't among those thinking it was a good idea to make the transition midseason. Still early, all signs point to stardom.

Yankees 10, Pirates 0

*****

Rebuilding Year? Twins Think Not Eight straight wins for Minnesota after beating a former Cy Young winner for the second consecutive night in San Diego. The Twins, like the Royals, are making the most of their National League tour and now are within just a game of the first place White Sox. Having lost Johan Santana and Torii Hunter, the Twinkies figured to be near the basement (not by me, however) alongside Kansas City. It's hard to point to one player in particular, but Carlos Gomez' development and 3-for-4 hitting Wednesday night, continue to keep Minny in the Central race. Twins 9, Padres 3

Royals Propose New Realignment Maybe the Brewers could head back the American League and Kansas City could take their spot in the NL Central? It's worth proposing if you're the Royals owner as the team moved to 12-3 in interleague play. Of course, it helps to play teams like Colorado who can't muster much offense against any pitching staff. Royals 4, Softies 2

Speaking Of Changing Leagues... Barry Zito might be better off in the American League. He had his best start of the season last night against Cleveland, throwing 6 2/3 of four hit baseball and allowing just one run. Above all else, his zero walks is the eye opener. Zito's ERA is now down to a robust 5.91. Giants 4, Indians 1