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Heyman: Chamberlain Agrees To Deal With Tigers

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- He drove Yankees fans crazy for years. Now he'll try his luck in Detroit.

According to CBSSports.com and WFAN baseball insider Jon Heyman, reliever Joba Chamberlain agreed to a contract with the Tigers on Thursday.

Various online reports indicated the deal is for one year and $2.5 million.

Chamberlain never realized his promise during his seven-season run in New York, going 23-14 with a 3.85 ERA in 260 appearances, including 43 starts. Initially, the Yankees couldn't figure out what they wanted him to be -- a starter or a reliever -- but once he was put permanently in the bullpen, Chamberlain struggled with injuries and inconsistency.

The 28-year-old right-hander posted a 4.93 ERA in 42 innings last season, and likely will now serve as a set-up man for the Tigers.

The Yankees still need to fill several spots in their bullpen. They've yet to replace retired Mariano Rivera, though David Robertson figures to be the odds-on favorite to assume the closer's role, and have yet to retain the services of lefty specialist Boone Logan, who is a free agent and getting interest from several clubs.

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