The Bronx Stop: A Yankees Blog

Just caught this over on Yahoo! Yankees News.

"We're right on the schedule that's going to lead us up to the opening of camp," Eiland said. "It's a real good situation here."

Phil Hughes and Jeff Karstens also are working out with Eiland, and both have thrown two mound sessions. Other pitchers, including Ian Kennedy, who don't live near the Yankees' facility are taking part in throwing programs at home.

"It's running along smooth like it always has here," Eiland said. "I've already talked to all the veteran guys, too. We're all on the same page. We're all preparing to get started."

Eiland thinks the early hands-on sessions with the young pitchers are important.

"Veteran guys, they know what they need to do," Eiland said. "This is Joba's first major league camp. This will be Ian's first major league camp. Phil's going into camp as a member of the team. Now going in, I'm going to know exactly what these guys have been doing for the past month. And I'm preparing them for the program that we're going to be doing in spring training. So that's huge. It's a huge advantage."

Eiland is entering his first season as Yankees pitching coach. He worked with Chamberlain and Hughes in the minors and spent time with them with the big league club last September.

"You prepare guys and you do the work that you have always done to get them ready to pitch," Eiland said. "Obviously, they're pitching at the highest level now, but they can't be somebody they're not. So you still prepare them and get them ready to attack hitters with their equipment. The game is still the same. You're just facing the best of the best now. You make adjustments. You just don't make any major changes."

Great news obviously. With Eiland in as pitching coach, do not be surprised if all three of these young gun's awe people this year.

P.S. The article also mentions Joba starting the season as a bullpen member but I am predicting the Yankees let him start and see how he does. If he does great, look for them to use him sparingly throughout the season in preparation for the playoffs. Go Yankees 2008!!!

UPDATE: Bryan Hoch adds more depth to the Chamberlain bullpen situation.