Right-handed reliever Joba Chamberlain didn’t just return to familiar territory as a Nebraska native whose contract was selected by the Royals on Monday. He was reunited with one of the most influential coaches of his career.
Royals pitching coach Dave Eiland was the Yankees minor league pitching coordinator in 2006 when Chamberlain was drafted. They were with the parent club in 2009, when the Yankees won the World Series.
Chamberlain worked as a starter that year, posting a 9-6 record and picking up a victory in the World Series.
“If anybody knows me, it’s him,” Chamberlain said.