By GEORGE A. KING III

June 13, 2008

OAKLAND - Those who believe everything that is wrong with the Yankees stems from Joba Chamberlain being moved from the bullpen to the rotation should remember this: The Yankees are 1-1 in Chamberlain's two starts.

Chamberlain's third start is tonight in Houston against the Astros, where he will be allowed to extend to 95 pitches after throwing 62 and 78 in his initial two games when he went 21/3 innings against the Blue Jays and 41/3 frames versus the Royals, respectively.

"He will never be on an unlimited (pitch count) but he will be caught up," manager Joe Girardi said of Chamberlain's count in regards to the other four starters.

Mentally and physically, Chamberlain has made the conversion even if there is a lot left to learn.

"You want the opportunity to get deep in the game and give the ball to the bullpen," said Chamberlain, who has no decisions and a 4.27 ERA as a starter. His ERA in 20 relief appearances was 2.20.

Chamberlain says his body is responding well to the increased physical work during and in between games.

"My work load is heavier than it was in the minor leagues," Chamberlain said. "I am doing better than expected."

Girardi, pitching coach Dave Eiland and Chamberlain have emphasized using his 95-mph fastball and filthy slider, but slowly the curveball and change-up are surfacing.

As for what we can expect from him at the plate, Chamberlain said: "We are going to find out. I hit as a freshman and sophomore (at Nebraska) but that was a long time ago."

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Jorge Posada is like a lot of other Yankees when it comes to arriving in Houston at 6 o'clock this morning (for the opening of a three-game series) after a night game on the West Coast.

"These are things they can control," Posada said. "There shouldn't be any team getting anywhere after 3 a.m. How about taking care of the players? You don't sleep on the plane, you rest. It's happening more and more because they want (to sell tickets)."

Posada tried to talk his way into the lineup last night but Girardi cautiously used Jose Molina to catch Andy Pettitte. Posada caught the first two games of the series and said his right shoulder is fine.

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The season is over for RHP Jonathan Albaladejo, on the DL with a sprained right elbow since May 10. A stress fracture has been found in the hinge. . . . According to the Yankees, Phil Hughes, who underwent X-rays on his fractured right rib yesterday, was cleared to begin a throwing program in about two weeks. Girardi said Hughes will need about six weeks after he starts throwing before he would be ready, so don't look for his return to the big leagues until at least the middle of August.