Lack of control an issue?

Last season, Joba Chamberlain walked six batters in 24 innings.

In 26 innings this season, he has walked 15 batters, including four tonight.

Since the transition process began©, Chamberlain has walked eight batters in 7 2/3 innings.

For whatever reason, Chamberlain was nibbling around the plate all night and went to 3-0 counts on three different occasions. He got into deep counts and has been since he's been removed for the eighth inning spot.

Obviously, Chamberlain will not be a successful starter if he throws 38 pitches in the first inning consistently. I hope much of his performance tonight can be attributed to nerves.

On the other hand, this start was on par with the efforts Phil Hughes or Ian Kennedy would turn in. Deep counts and long innings personified their starts before succumbing to injury.

(Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)