Hughes vs. Joba

The following are some statistics to enter into the case of which pitcher should play eighth-inning anchorman and which should start, Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes.

At first I favored Joba for the eighth-inning fireballer role, since his strikeout ability makes him an obvious choice for quick outs. Hughes had always been a starter and had the ability to go deep into games, although his statistics were inflated by early career injuries. But Hughes' recent dominance has made me reconsider.

Consider this: Since moving to the 'pen, Hughes has struck out 21 through 16-and-two-thirds innings.

Here's the breakdown:
CHAMBERLAIN, 2007: 19 games, 0 starts; 0.38 ERA; 24 innings, 34 Ks; 0-2 (great "reliever" year)
HUGHES, 2007: 13 games, 13 starts; 4.46 ERA; 72.2 innings, 58 Ks; 5-3 (a "starter" year)

CHAMBERLAIN, 2008: 42 games, 12 starts; 2.60 ERA; 100.1 innings, 118 Ks; 4-3 (half-and-half year)
HUGHES, 2008: 8 games, 8 starts; 6.62 ERA; 34 innings, 23 Ks; 0-4 (bad "starter" year)

CHAMBERLAIN, 2009: 18 games, 18 starts; 4.05 ERA; 95.2 innings, 86 Ks; 5-2 (full "starter" year)
HUGHES, 2009: 22 games, 7 starts; 3.70 ERA; 56 innings, 58 Ks; 4-2 (half "reliever" year)

I think the research shows that relievers tend to have better statistics in the Ks-per-inning and ERA ranges. Chamberlain's statistics ramp up just like a line chart as he moves from reliever to starter. Hughes' are more subtle, but being a reliever has obviously suited him well.

Who is better for the team? No easy answer here.