By GEORGE A. KING III

May 31, 2008

MINNEAPOLIS - Beginning Tuesday, Yankee fans won't have to wait until the late innings to experience Joba Mania.

With the Yankees officially announcing yesterday that Chamberlain will start Tuesday against the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium, the buzz created by the cult hero who is known by only a first name with a 98-mph fastball and filthy slider will smother The Bronx from the first pitch.

"It will help and be comforting," Chamberlain said of having the Stadium's denizens supporting him Tuesday night.

Chamberlain, who has been stretched to 55 pitches (27 in the bullpen Wednesday after 28 in the game) in three relief outings, will be on a 65 to 70 pitch count Tuesday.

Manager Joe Girardi said there were a "ton of factors" that went into the decision but didn't want to list them all. One was keeping Andy Pettitte, who will start Monday against the Twins, on regular four days rest. Another was the pros and cons of Chamberlain making the big step on the road as opposed to at Yankee Stadium.

Had Chamberlain, who threw in the bullpen yesterday and will do a lighter workout tomorrow, been tabbed for Monday's start, he would have been able to make it with his father, Harlan, watching. Now, Chamberlain and his pop are contemplating the family being in The Bronx Tuesday.

The conversion from stud setup man to starter has been the biggest topic in the Yankees Universe since Chamberlain surfaced last year in the bullpen after starting for most of the year in the minors.

Now, after three 51/3 innings in three relief outings, Chamberlain has been deemed ready to take the ball every fifth day.

Much has been made that Chamberlain will need to use his curveball and changeup as a starter. Yet, he said yesterday he isn't going to abandon his patented heat.

"I have to locate my fastball and when the time comes to the other stuff, I will use it," Chamberlain said.