A Case For Hughes
I think it is safe to say that Hughes is back to the form we glimpsed in early May and while I know it won't happen, Joe Torre should really think about using him as a playoff starter.
We know what Mike Mussina is at this point, he is a pitcher who when he is on can pitch six innings or so of effective baseball. Hughes has a much higher upside and he could take over a game and dominate it. I guess we might see that if Clemens can't go, but my suspicion is that Cleveland would select the longer ALDS format and therefore the Yankees will need only three starters in Round 1.
Interesting conversation between Sterling and Waldman tonight speculating on the playoff roster. They felt that the Yankees would take only 11 pitchers and include Sardinha on the roster. The 11 pitchers were: Wang, Pettitte, Clemens, Mussina, Hughes, Rivera, Joba, Viz, Farnsworth with the final two spots coming from Villone, Ohlendorf or Veras. Based on how he was used and how he performed tonight, I would bet Veras is in the lead right now. They also said that Kennedy won't pitch in the first round, but might be used in later rounds if the Yankees get there. He will travel with the team except presumably October 6th, when he is due to be married.
I will check in tomorrow night with some observations from down the thirdbase line at Camden Yards.
Comments
I can't imagine Veras has that much of a lead over Ohlendorf right now. Veras has been shelled in certain situations where Ohlendorf has pretty much been consistent at getting outs. He should be given multiple innings this weekend.
Posted by: Tripp | September 28, 2007 08:51 AM |
One thing about Hughes that is bewildering is his velocity. Before his call-up, I cant count how many journalists and broadcasters stating that he throws mid-90's with ease. While I don't subscribe to the velocity=everything formula at all, I just find it odd that he has yet to throw with the same velocity that a 45 year old Clemens can muster.
That aside, results are results.
Mussina and Hughes are similar in that you don't really know what your going to get. Id still rather see Moose in a playoff start however. I guess we'll see how tonight goes for Mussina.
Posted by: Ian | September 28, 2007 07:53 PM |