Just in case you missed it, Phil Hughes, the Yanks first pick in the 2004 draft, will make his debut in pinstripes tomorrow night. Hughes decided to stick with jersey number 65, even though he was offered number 19. But don’t let the offensive lineman’s number confuse you, as far as he’s concerned, he’s here to stay:
“I’m going to go up there and pitch to the best of my ability, and I don’t have any intention of coming back,” Hughes said.
Hughes has dominated every level of the minor leagues, and although he had a rough Spring Training, he’s bounced back in AAA. In his last start, he pitched 6 innings of shut out ball, striking out 10, walking none, and allowing only two hits.
Here’s a glimpse of Hughes in action last year:
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This must be pretty exciting for you guys Brian. A pitcher that younger then you? Is that even possible on the Yanks?
I think Hughes is gonna be great, hopefully the media doesn't stack too much pressure on him right away. I remember the White Sox were playin in New York in either 03 or 04 and they called up a younger pitcher, Neil Cotts, to make his first start ever in Yankee Stadium. Cotts got absolutly rocked and hasn't been a starter the rest of his career. That won't happen with Hughes, but it just shows you how tough New York is.
Judging from that interview, he seems to (a) have his head screwed on straight and (b) have a little bit of an attitude, which is good when you're dealing w/ the pressure and the press in NY.
He knows he's good. It's not going to be a self-confidence thing with him. People who don't really believe in themselves are the ones that wilt under scrutiny.
The guys over at Bluebirdbanter.com have a pool going on Hughes' line tomorrow. My guess was 5 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 K, 2 BB, 5 hits, and a 90 pitch count.
I think if you are a Yankees fan, this is a must-watch game. Hughes is the most anticipated "true" Yankee to join the team in years (Melky, Cano and Wang were sort of quiet arrivals).
I doubt he'll be here long. He'll be back in the minors soon, so enjoy it while it lasts!
I don't want to make any predictions. I just want to soak it in. Still trying to barter with Mrs. DF over dog-walking duties so I can go to the game.
You're absolutely right. In the past 11 years the Yanks have had 3 true phenoms make it to the bigs, Jeter, Soriano and now Hughes.
As opposed to the over-hyped players of the 80's, Kevin Maas and Hensley "Bam-Bam" Muelens being the most notable.
I picked up Hughes for my fantasy team... just in case he's as good as advertised.
I did the same when the Phillies brought up their phenom pitcher Cole Hamels. So far that' worked out pretty nice for me...
I don't know what to expect tonight, but I do think he's going to be at the top of the Yanks rotation by the all star break. You may need to have a little patience.
Hamels is the real deal.