New York Yankees Are Wise to Rig Fifth Starter Competition
New York Yankees fans are used to rotation battles in Spring Training. More specifically, New York Yankees fans are used to rotation “battles” in Spring Training. I’m referring to the “competition” between Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain prior to the 2010 season. Sergio Mitre and Chad Gaudin were also in the running, but let’s be serious. Neither one ever stood a hint of a chance. Anyway, it seems like the New York Yankees may be rigging another “competition” in Phil Hughes’ favor. That is the word according to Joel Sherman.
As of right now, Hughes is supposed to compete with Freddy Garcia for the fifth spot in the rotation. Sherman essentially says that Hughes can only lose the competition if he falls flat on his face – no stuff, no production, nothing suggesting an ability to hold down a rotation spot. Even if Garcia out-pitches Hughes during Spring Training, the last rotation spot still goes to Hughes. Again, that is according to Sherman, but I can’t say I disagree with that speculation. That is certainly what I am hoping for at least.
Hughes getting the final spot in the rotation would be the first big decision that went my way – this and trading A.J. Burnett (I kind of see the two as related though). Obviously Brian Cashman doesn’t sit down with the Steinbrenners to discuss how they can make Craig Williams happy, but fans want to love the players that play for the teams that they love. And reliable as he was last year, I just don’t love Garcia. You could certainly argue that Hughes has not given me much of a reason to love him either, but at least the potential is there. Hughes still has two years in pinstripes before he can test free agency and it wouldn’t be crazy to believe that he has a future with the team as a mid-rotation starter.
As a matter of fact, Sherman cites Cashman referring to Hughes as a top-of-the-rotation starter. I’m not going to let my enthusiasm go that far, but I’m still sipping on some of the Kool-Aid. I probably won’t be able to convince too many people to hop over to my side of the table by recalling his one inning of relief work in Game 5 of the ALDS, but you can’t deny that he looked sharp as a tack. Russell Martin even mentions how good Hughes has looked so far noting a heavier fastball and a quicker arm (I would prefer the mechanical analysis to come from the pitching coach, but he should certainly have a good read on the quality of his stuff).
So now all Phil Hughes has to do is not implode. Hopefully the real Phil Hughes – the one that prospect huggers originally fell in love with – will be unleashed in 2012, giving the New York Yankees the most quality and depth of just about any other rotation in the bigs.
For more discussion regarding the New York Yankees and Generation Trey, follow me on twitter @craigmwilliams.
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Maybe the injury last year was the best thing that could have happened to Hughes craigwilliams.He came in more focused,in better shape,and if he regains his fastball and control of his other pitches,well yes indeed he will be the 5th. starter,because he’s an homegrown kid and if he,and Garcia pitch about the same they’ll give it to Hughes as it should be.You know Graig,they might just be building up his trade value.He’s worth much more as a starter,and with two years before free agency his best value is now.
I could see that. I’m definitely buying the idea that they’re going to use him in the rotation this year, but I don’t think it is out of the realm of possibility that they eventually look to trade him – esp. since he’ll be a year from FA after 2012 and Dellin Betances and Manny Banuelos figure to be closer to obtaining a rotation spot. Hopefully Hughes cooperates though.
Well, I’m with you, my off season was made when Burnett was traded. But I’ve read that Garcia can’t be traded until June, so that gives Hughes 3 months.
Garcia would have to give the Yankees his permission if he is to be traded before then.