Quick Bit Batch: Joba, Wild Card, Prospects, Sweeny

Here’s a quick batch of bits to start off your day:

1. Joba Chamberlain threw a 35-pitch bullpen session yesterday at Yankee Stadium. For the first time since his injury, Joba threw sliders and curveballs. Everything was reportedly fine, but Joba’s return is certainly taking a while (he hasn’t even seen live hitters yet). At this point, you have to wonder if he’ll even return at all (unless it’s for the playoffs) or, if he does return during the regular season, will he return as a reliever or as a starter (reliever seems more than likely)?

2. Next up, George King does his best to remind us that the Red Sox are not the only team the Yankees have to deal with for the Wild Card. Minnesota and Chicago are currently duking it out for the AL Central (White Sox are up by 1 game) and once that’s figured out, the second place squad will likely challenge both the Sox and the Yankees for the WC. I think it’ll ultimately come down to Minnesota, the BoSox, and the Yankees. The White Sox having the necessary pitching and hitting to take the AL Central from the Twins.

3. If you’re interested in learning more about this year’s draft and the prospects the Yankees picked up, please check out Lane Meyer’s (NoMaas) take, here. It’s a very detailed analysis of the Yankees’ picks (there are other draftees besides Gerrit Cole, apparently) and it’s just a good read.

4. We’ve got another good read over at fullcountpitch.com. The guys over there got in touch with Sweeny Murti (WFAN) and have an interview up with his perspective. Murti gives his take on a variety of issues regarding the Yankees 2008 season, so feel free to stop in and check it out.

Back with more later…