Phil Hughes 2010 Projection
Well, I waited until the Yankees announced who the fifth starter would be and I paid for it. When I was writing up all of my predictions many moons ago, I figured Hughes would take the 5th spot. Obviously nothing was settled. So I would like the record to note that I did in fact make a prediction that Hughes would be the fifth starter quite a while ago! However, there is no proof. Oh well, I’ll live.
The kid has potential. He may be held on a count, but I’m still expecting big things. He was great in the setup role last year, and has shown that he can be an effective starter. He’s still young and does not have a great deal of experience, bt I’ll take his talent over experience.
Wins: 15
Losses: 10
ERA: 3.47
Complete Games: 0
Innings Pitched: 170
Strikeouts: 189
WHIP: 1.24
Official breakout year. If the Yanks decide to keep him in the rotation for the entire season, I will make my first bold prediction of the season right now: Phil Hughes will be in the top 2 in wins for the Yankees this season. He without a doubt has the talent to do it. He shut down hitters last year with relative ease. Of course, it was in the set up role, which is known as being slightly easier because you only have to throw about 20 pitches at most, but he exceeded while doing that. Plain and simple, he has the talent to win 15 games, hopefully he puts the package together. Personally, I think he will.
Do you think the Yanks made the right move naming Hughes a starter? How do you think he will perform?
Photo courtesy of Zimbio.com
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I believe this is the “safest,” but not the smartest move by Joe. I say safe because, unlike Joba, this guy can control a pitch much better and also has a greater arsenal of pitches than Joba. In Joba’s defense, Hughes doesn’t have the power or clout that Joba brings to the mound. I will have to agree that Phil Hughes is the better candidate for the 5th starter position but don’t expect anything spectacular from this guy – at least during the regular season. Then again, it is a 5th starter position so an average yet consistent pitcher should be adequate enough. My final thought: Trade both these guys for a solid pitcher, Cliff anyone? lol
I guess Joba will always be the confused, not-quite-there-yet, bastard child mascot of the yankees bullpen =P.
I believe Phil was the smart move. He has the attitude of a starter and learned last year how to be tough and to throw strikes. This spring he mastered a changeup and had a plan that he followed. He now has 4 pitches, four seam fastball, cutter, curve and now a workable changeup. I think that by next year he will be the #2 starter and within three years should be the opening day starter. Like Mike Mussina he will continue to develope situation pitches to make him a 20 game winner. He will have a great career and become a Great Yankee.
Joba started in a great situation, but did not mature into a starter. His fastball has been in the 90-92 range as a starter and did not have the control that Phil has developed. I also think his outside activities did hinder his ability to be the starter that he could be. He needs abour 3-4 months at AAA to bring his head and attitude to where he could be a good starter. Not everyone can be a David Wells, Eat, Drink and then Pitch like a Great Pitcher. A more humble Joba would be a better Joba.
hughes 14-7, 190 K, 63 BB, ERA 3.30,1.30 WhIP, 198.0 IP
198 is WAY too high. They’re gonna keep him on a leash…
198 IP is possible if that is including postseason. Rumor has it that his leash will be stretched to about 170-175 IP for the season. Depending on the season he has, might be more, might be less. Yankees front office tends to play around with these ‘rules’ as season progresses.
I think some of those projections are a little ridicuolus. I think Hughes will go 13-8, 3.85 ERA, 155 K, 66 BB, 170-175 IP. Projecting Hughes to have anything over 14 wins and 160ks is a little crazy.