Hank Steinbrenner disappointed by Yankees' start

5/2/2008 9:15 PM

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -Yankees co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner said Friday he's unhappy with New York's play so far this season and vowed the team would stick with its plan for reliever Joba Chamberlain.

``I'm very disappointed with the way the season has gone, period,'' Steinbrenner said at the team's spring training complex.

New York beat Seattle 5-1 Friday night to improve to 15-16, good for fourth in the AL East. Steinbrenner said before the game he's looking for a spark from the team.

``The injuries have been a killer, too, there's no question about that,'' Steinbrenner said. ``It happens to one team every year, sometimes more than one team. And it just appears to be our year. It's something you've got to deal with in every sport.''

Third baseman Alex Rodriguez (quadriceps), catcher Jorge Posada (shoulder) and pitchers Phil Hughes (rib) and Brian Bruney (foot) are all on the disabled list.

Steinbrenner said the Yankees will not change their plan for Chamberlain due to Hughes' injury or a struggling rotation. Chamberlain could move from the bullpen to a starting role later this year.

``There's no question, you just can't stick him in there right away,'' Steinbrenner said. ``He's got to be brought along properly. You have to stick with it (the plan).''

Steinbrenner has clamored for Chamberlain's immediate inclusion in the rotation in the past.

Opening-day starter Chien-Ming Wang was the winning pitcher in six of the Yankees' 15 wins.

``We just can't win one out of five games, every time Wang pitches,'' Steinbrenner said. ``It's not going to work. It's not a good win percentage. Starting pitching is where it's at, especially in the postseason. At this point, we'll see if we even make the postseason.''

The Yankees likely will have to depend on their minor league system to fill in for the injured players.

``I really don't think there's a choice at this point,'' Steinbrenner said. ``We'll have to see what our guys can do.''