With the rotation set, what is Phil Hughes' state of mind? I still think he has an All-Star future. Can he handle another year in Triple-A, or will the Yankees try to find him a spot in the bullpen? I know the injury bug will probably create an opening, but I'm wondering what the team is doing to keep him from moping into 2009.
-- Andy C., Syracuse , N.Y.
Obviously, the re-signing of Andy Pettitte pushed Hughes back from what could have been a spot in the rotation, but he was going to have to compete to win that job anyway. Since Hughes was heading into camp ready to battle the likes of Alfredo Aceves and Ian Kennedy, not much should have changed with his mind-set. He should know he still has something to prove to a lot of people.
He'll be slotted for the Triple-A rotation on paper, but as we've seen time and time again, those things have a way of changing. Hughes still projects as a quality Major League starting pitcher, and the Yankees are going to give him chances as long as he remains healthy. For the purposes of 2009, he probably will be among the first in line to be called up when a need arises.
General manager Brian Cashman was asked about this topic recently and pointed out that Hughes has worked hard this winter, clocking three days a week at a California workout hub after the Arizona Fall League, and he has already reported to Tampa , Fla. , in advance of Spring Training.
"He's trying to put distance between the DL stint and get back on the field," Cashman said. "He went and had a successful, healthy Arizona Fall League. He got after it in a physical way to put himself in the best position to take that mound every five days. I believe when he's able to do that for an extended period of time, his development can be finished off."
While Hughes has been derailed by injury, the Yankees admit they may have rushed Kennedy to the big leagues, persuaded by his strong three starts at the end of 2007. But Cashman sees Kennedy as mentally tough and being on a mission now, fueled in part by his strong showing in the Puerto Rican Winter League.
"I don't worry about the confidence factor at all," Cashman said. "I think they both know what we think about them as assets for this franchise. I think what's more important is what's going on in their world."
It seems that the Yankees' pitching is arguably one of the best in the league. However, it doesn't seem like their offense has greatly improved. I know they added Mark Teixeira, but they've also lost Bobby Abreu and Jason Giambi. So why do we keep saying that the offense is so much better than last year?
-- Bennett W., Washington , D.C.
留言列表
