Not a sure bet, but a glimmer of hope

John Danks
2007: 1.54 WHIP, 5.50 ERA, 7.05 K/9
2008: 1.23 WHIP, 3.32 ERA, 7.34 K/9

Hughes
2008: 1.71 WHIP, 6.62 ERA, 6.09 K/9

While there is plenty of blame to go around for the Yanks' failed season, the player who most underperformed my expectations was Phil Hughes. Granted, Jorge Posada was a close second, but at least Jorge managed to be league average in his 168 ABs.

Hughes' injuries seemed as baffling as frustrating, and with the injury bug also biting No. 5 ranked prospect Alan Horne and ace CMW, the Yanks just didn't have the depth to overcome the hole in the rotation.

Think about it this way: if Hughes makes 15 more starts and goes only 5.1IP he adds 80 innings of work. That would replace Sidney Ponson.

But Danks made a big turn in a year, as did Edwin Jackson, Scott Baker, Ervin Santana, and Joe Saunders. One successful young pitcher is the difference between ending the season in September and playing into October.

about 1 year ago jscape2000 5 comments 0 recs |

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the shit part

is that it’s hard to tell what he’s done injured and healthy. did he struggle when he came back in 07 bc of lingering hammy issues? did he struggle after his first April start this year bc of the rib?
we’ve seen his flashes of brilliance intermixed with poor games now and then. the no-hitter in Texas actually might’ve been a detriment bc it built up the expectations of fans too much.
still, he had a better rookie year than a lot of great pitchers. one of these years, he’ll get it, just like Danks, Santana, Sabathia, etc.

by Travis G on Oct 6, 2008 2:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Quick question ...

Has anyone caught wind of a yankee fan package in honor of the Yankee Stadium? My husband’s buddy told him about it and I would love to buy it for him for our anniversary. Problem is I can’t find anything about it – hah! All I know is you’re suppose to be able to buy a minute from the 21st and you get like a certificate that you own that Yankee moment in time. My husband was totally digging it, but I can’t find it anywhere!

by Cass on Oct 6, 2008 11:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

confession time

when we bet on Lester v Hughes for this year, I thought the odds were in your favor

I liked Lester, and thought he was undervalued by Yankee fans, but I had no idea that he would perform as he has. He is an ace. I figured good chance that he would become a reliable no. 3

with your expectations tempered for next year, you may enjoy a similar revelation with Hughes. He seems to have the talent and the mental make-up

Cheers. And I will let you out of your bet

by Frank Malzone on Oct 7, 2008 1:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs