Hughes shows his potential

by Travis G on Sep 25, 2008 2:17 AM EDT

This is what we thought we'd see a lot more of from Phil Hughes in 2008. He matched AJ Burnett inning-for-inning in a pitcher's duel that showcased two top talents. Both allowed two runs over eight innings, and while Burnett struck out 11 (and Hughes six), Hughes was more efficient, throwing just 100 pitches without a walk (compared to Burnett's 117). He threw 71% strikes (which is very high), and gave up just five hits. This was the Hughes who dominated the IL playoffs for Scranton the last few weeks (20 Ks in 13 innings).

His fastball velocity wasn't great (averaging 90.2 MPH), but he located it well with good movement, and because of his easy motion and plus-plus curve, the hitters reacted like it was 95 MPH.

Juan Miranda got the first two hits of his career, even including a double off a lefty(!) which ignited the Yanks four-run 10th inning.

The big blow was Bobby Abreu's grand slam in the 10th. He's now at 99 RBI.

- Hank doesn't like the division set-up in MLB. And I frankly agree with him. It should be just one 14 team league with a balanced schedule (do we really need to play Baltimore and Toronto 38 times?). The playoffs would be simple: #4 vs. #1, #3 vs. #2. I know it's convenient to be saying this the first year the Yanks miss the playoffs, but I've believed this for a while. It would create matchups as such: Yankees at Anaheim and Boston at Tampa, while the NL would feature Milwaukee at Chicago and the Mets at Philly. Would anyone argue those aren't the four best teams in each league?

That Hank is likely saying this out of frustration clouds the fact that he's probably right.

(Thanks to Jason B for the link)

- Sidney Ponson will start in place of Andy Pettitte on Saturday in Boston. He's suffering from a 'tired' shoulder. Sunday may have been his last major league game.

- Ian O'Connor thinks Arod won't be a Yankee for the duration of his 10-year contract. He probably will though, but I'd be pleasantly surprised if he did get traded at some point. I'll get into this topic in the off-season - we have months to discuss and dissect every problem, solution, signing, trade, player, team and moment.

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i know it might make some people unhappy here...

but Bobby’s making it awfully hard for the Yanks not to re-sign him. I have stated before, if they can lock him down to maybe two years, with a club option on a third I would be all for it. If he’s looking for three or four years guaranteed, forget it.

The Jayfiss Report ...one fan's rants

by NumberSeven on Sep 25, 2008 11:54 AM EDT reply actions

Frankly ...

Abreu has been our most consistent outfielder this season. We should make an attempt to resign him. I content that if it weren’t for Abreu, we’d be a hovering around the .500 mark.

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Sep 25, 2008 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

I still say let him walk

35 yr old DH’s who happen to play RF should not be getting another offer from this team. Abreu is part of the problem – not the solution.

They may bring him back, but it would be a really dumb mistake. They have enough DHs on the team.

by anaconda on Sep 25, 2008 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm split

I really am unsure at all of how to look at this. Abreu gets on base, works the count, steals, gets timely hits and does a pretty good job in the outfield. Unfortunately, at the age of 35, he is just an injury away from being out for a significant portion of time. However, he doesn’t have a track record of injuries, so there is really no basis for me to say this. I don’t know where to go with this one as this will probably be the toughest decision during the offseason. We have both Damon and Nady for next year, and the problem is in center. I have a feeling Abreu will want more then 2 years, which will probably cause us to let him walk. He certainly is still productive, and will make a great addition to another team.

by MartyMcFly on Sep 27, 2008 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Ugh

29 Year old RF’s who are coming off of fluky career years should not be counted to replicate them.

Last year Xavier Nady was a worse fielder and worse hitter than Abreu.

by 3460kuri on Sep 25, 2008 12:35 PM EDT reply actions

agreed

X will be a good hitter, but not in Abreu’s class. the obvious solution is Manny, who actually IS a better defender than Abreu and will hit way more than him (.398/.491/.757 in 180 AB with LA).

Tex would also help, but he’s not THAT much of a better hitter than Giambi. what he would bring though is a better bat and a much better glove.

if Abreu and Giambi leave, we’ll be missing a lot of offense. we’ll need to get at least one of Manny/Tex.

by Travis G on Sep 25, 2008 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions