Justin Louis Chamberlain, better know as Joba Chamberlain, burst onto the New York Yankees scene in August 2007 with an electrifying run during the last quarter of the season. Serving as Mariano Rivera's set up man, he was 2-0 with and 0.36 ERA. During that time, he was unhittable in the eighth inning, and his arrival and performance saved the Yankees season, and propelled them into the playoffs.

The Yankees were 17-2 in games in which he pitched. Opponents batted .145 (12-for-83, 1 HR) against him. He struck out 34 batters in 24 innings, and did not allow a run in his first 15.1 major-league innings.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the second longest scoreless-inning streak for any pitcher in Yankees franchise history to begin his Major League career.

His youthful exuberance, blazing fastball, and intimidating presence on the mound aroused the fans, gave the team new life, and shined a bright light on the Yankees future. This, however, gave the Yankees an unusual and unique dilemma. Should they keep this kid with overpowering stuff in the bullpen, or put him in the starting rotation which was his initial role?

Initially it was believed that whatever position Chamberlain wanted is where he should go. During the off-season he stated in an ESPN interview that his desire was to start, but he was willing to do what ever was necessary to help the team. This would suggest that he should be a starter.

Now, however, it is understood that being the eighth inning setup man for Rivera is the best place for Chamberlain this year. With Chamberlain  in the eighth inning and Rivera in the ninth inning, the Yankees have the best 1-2 punch out of the bullpen, and one of the best in recent memory.

Chamberlain has only pitched in 21 regular season games, but it is pretty obvious that this kid is special. In 25 innings, he has 36 strikeouts and only seven walks. In 2007, he posted a remarkable 0.75 WHIP, which basically means that, on average, he did not walk or allow any hits in an inning that he pitched.

This display of control and efficiency is uncanny for a young pitcher, especially one pitching under the pressure of playing in Yankee Stadium in a pennant race.

With more and more emphasis and importance on late inning relief in today's game, the set-up man has increased in importance, and they are making more dollars. Brian Fuentes, the Colorado Rockies set up man, will make $5.05 million in 2008. According to the players union's annual study of MLB salaries, relievers had an average salary of $1,433,992 last season, up from $1,316,384 in 2005.

The Baltimore Orioles clearly believe in the importance of having strong relievers. They signed Danys Báez to a three-year, $19 million contract; Jamie Walker for three years and $12 million; and Chad Bradford for three years and $10.5 million. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed Justin Speier for four years and $18 million, while the New York Mets signed Scott Schoeneweis for three years and $10.8 million.

The bridge to the closer is one of the fastest growing jobs in today's market. With Chamberlain, the Yankees have one of the best. It is hard to find a team that would not want Chamberlain pitching the eighth inning for them right now. On many teams he would be the closer.

The Yankees should keep this gem in the spot he has shined in thus far. His presence virtually allows the Yankees to play a seven-inning game. Reminiscent of the Rivera-John Wettleland days, and the "nasty boys" of the '90s Reds, Norm Charlton, Rob Dibble and Randy Myers.

So the eighth inning job is the best place for Chamberlain right now. Late inning relief is extremely important in baseball today, and the Yankees have one of the best young arms in the game today excelling at that position. There's no reason to change. As the old saying goes, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."