Joba Chamberlain was once one of the most effective relievers in baseball. At one point, people were even speculating that he could be the heir to the Mariano Rivera throne for the New York Yankees. A combination of injuries and ineffectiveness has put a stop to that talk, and the Detroit Tigers are now hoping Chamberlain can return to form in 2014.
Chamberlain has lost about 15 pounds since last season. He claims he feels healthier than ever.
“I’ve probably lost 15, 20 pounds,” he told George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press. “But it’s good weight. It’s one of those things, now just being healthy and not having to worry about my ankle, now worrying about my elbow, just doing the things I need, it’s been a great off-season.”
Joba now has a personal cook to prepare his meals, and he is also feeling great about an addition to his body that would never have been possible in New York — a grizzly beard.
New-look Joba Chamberlain: "I can have a beard now. I'm excited about that. First time in my life." pic.twitter.com/TO3fX2boui
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) January 25, 2014
We know the stuff is there, but Chamberlain needs to stay healthy if he ever wants to be an effective back-end reliever again. Keeping some weight off should help.
H/T Big League Stew
