Sep
24

Game 158: Hughes FTW

By Benjamin Kabak

It’s been a while since Phil Hughes knocked down a W in the Majors. In fact, his last Big League win came on September. 27, 2007 when he and the Yanks downed the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 3-1. Tonight, in his final start of the year, Hughes will aim for his first win of the season.

Of course, it won’t come easy. Hughes is going up against Yankee-killer A.J. Burnett. On the season, Burnett is 18-10 with a 4.18 ERA, but against the Yanks, he’s 3-1 with a 1.78 ERA in 30.1 innings. In a way, this is an important start for Burnett because, with an opt-out clause, he can become a free agent this year. The Yanks are sure to be potential suitors for the power-throwing right hander who has just reached a career high in innings pitched.

But Burnett may not be all that the Yanks have seen this year. He’s long struggled with his health, and against teams that aren’t the Yankees, he’s 15-9 with a 4.64 ERA in 180.2 innings this year. Those are fine numbers, but they’re hardly worth the money and years Burnett will be seeking on the open market. Caveat emptor.

The Yanks aren’t doing much to help out Hughes earn that win. They’re tossing out the Spring Training lineup. That’s what happens when the team gets eliminated from the playoffs.

Gardner CF
Cano 2B
Abreu RF
Nady LF
Giambi DH
Betemit 3B
Ransom SS
Miranda 1B
Moeller C

Hughes P

Notes: Word out of Yankee camp is that Andy Pettitte will not make his final start of the season on Saturday. In his stead, the team will throw Sidney Ponson. Couldn’t they have found someone else to make that start? Phil Coke? Ian Kennedy? Joba Chamberlain? The Yanks have practically guaranteed no reason to watch Saturday’s game.

Posted on Wednesday, September 24th, 2008 at 6:20 pm in Game Threads.

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450 Comments »

eVizions says:

Wow, does that lineup suck. Anyone think we’ll score more than 2 runs?

I think they can squeeze 4 at best

 
 
Ivan says:

Yea with a lineup like that and Burnett pitching, I think Hughes might have to get his next victory next season.

 
Jamal G. says:

It pains me that people are seriously considering an A.J. Burnett signing for the Yankees.

This guy is not durable. He will be 32-years-old at the start of Spring Training in 2009 and has only pitched in excess of 180 innings thrice in his career. He has started 30 or games only twice in his career. His Major League career started in 1999.

His 1.35 WHIP this season ranks as the second most since his 2003 campaign with Florida (1.57). His 2.62 K/BB this year has not been that low since he posted a 2.51 mark back in 2005 (Marlins).

A.J. Burnett is a great middle-of-the rotation starter, but not at the cost of Type-A draft compensation and the valid concerns one should have about his durability.

Jamal G. says:

*Sorry, I read his career marks wrong. His 1.35 WHIP ranks as the worst since his 2003 season, not his second worst.

where have you been lately?

Jamal G. says:

We started filming that NYU student film I got cast in, schedule has been a tad hectic this past week.

 

“NYU student film”

heh heh… yeah, I got you…
(wink wink)

Jamal G. says:

Heh, I’m completely lost.

Jamal G. says:

Oh, I get you now. ;)

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Jack says:
 
radnom says:

This raises several questions….

1. You work in an office at 8:30 p.m.?

2. You thought clicking something that ended in porn.jpg would definitely be SFW?

hahaha

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ivan says:

Im not an AJ Burnett fan either and he is overrated. Nevertheless I wouldn’t be surprise if he is on the yankee team. Sabathia is not a lock being a yankee and Sheets as much as I like him might be more risky than AJ.

 
 
 
Barry says:

Even though it’s not their best lineup there are plenty of teams playing worse lineups everyday.

 

Dumbass LoHuder of the Day:

“And I’m just stunned that Andy the gamer isn’t insisting on taking the ball. What, no glory left in it for him? He was okay to play all of the last games but not this one?”

 
David Brown says:

I cannot blame the Yankees for sending out a spring training lineup, nor for starting Ponson in Boston. There is only ONE game that really matters, and that is the Mussina game in Boston. As for Burnett, I think he will be staying in Toronto (From everything I read, his wife likes it there). I just read a very interesting piece at http://www.foxsports.com. The topic is will Arod finish his career in the Bronx. They don’t seem to think so,. nor do the people who voted in a poll about it. My opinion is he will. Comments?

Jamal G. says:

I don’t really give a shit where he finishes his career. I just want his significantly above-average years to be spent in the Bronx. If he ever deteriorates to the point of a twenty-five-homeruns-designated-hitter type, then I’d join the rest of the idiots who want him off the team yesteryear.

 
Ivan says:

I can’t wait when A-Rod has that WS ring and people start eating crow like a mothafucker.

 
 
Ivan says:

O yeah I just saw that movie American Gangster last week. I thought it was terrific and the scene where Denzel blow that dude’s head off in broad daylight in front the crowd was just crazy.

Jamal G. says:

You now seeing American gangster is not a shameful as Mike not seeing the Usual Suspects until a few weeks ago, but still.

Oh, I saw Righteous Kill, kind of a disappointment to me. I loved the acting (especially by Carla Gugino, you may remember her from Entourage, she plays Vince’s former agent, Amanda), but I saw the twist coming from three miles away.

In fact, the twist was so obvious that the movie should have been called:

Righteous Kill: The Kansas City Shuffle.

Mike just saw Usual Suspects a few weeks ago?

What rock has he been under?

 
 

why don’t we just call him a cholo instead (I kid)

 
 
 
Ivan says:

Speaking of movies, did anybody see the trailer for the Movie Max Payne?

Yo that movie looks really good. Besides, I love video game alot as well.

Jamal G. says:

Yeah, that, Watchmen and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button are the ones I’m really looking forward to seeing.

Joseph P. says:

You should read Watchmen first. There is no possible way they can make the movie anywhere close to the comic.

Jamal G. says:

Yeah, a couple of my comic-book friends always give me shit because I’m so interested in movies like 300, Watchmen, and Sin City, but I never read any of the graphic novels.

Joseph P. says:

Not graphic novels. Comics. Graphic novels is just a glitzy marketing phrase (or so say Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore, etc.)

Jamal G. says:

Oh, I thought there really was a difference. So there really is no difference between those thicker comics than the slimmer ones?

Joseph P. says:

In content, yes. In medium, no.

Most of the thicker comics you were were normal-length issues originally. Watchmen is a series of 32-page comics, for instance.

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Accent Shallow says:

The movie is gonna make me so mad. Oh well, I’ll always have the comic book!

(Here’s hoping the movie’s good)

 
 
 
 
Pedro says:

That right there is exactly why we need to ship Betemit’s ass as fast as we can. A backup infielder who can’t play any position in the infield.

 
Jake H says:

I agree. That was terrible defense right there.

 
Ivan says:

I thought Rios had that one.

 
Jamal G. says:

Shouldn’t the market value for Mark Teixeira be closer to Alfonso Soriano’s 8/136 than the 10/200 that’s being floated around?

If you’re Tex’s agent, wouldn’t you ask for the moon?

You never get what you don’t ask for.

 
Chris says:

It probably is. Boras loves to throw huge numbers out there to make a splash.

 
RobC says:

Tex is a .300 hitter with some pop in the bat who plays great defense and is under 30 y/o.
How many players like that are available?

 
 
Ivan says:

Hey where’s Mike at?

 
Ivan says:

draw an x on Sheets who is basically the same pitcher like Burnett.

 
Ivan says:

Yo could they stop showing the scores for Bos and TB. I really don’t care now that the yanks have basically nothing to play for.

 
Ivan says:

Nice A-bat by Ransom.

 

“Watching” on Gamecast… Handsome Cody Ransom’s headshot looks like he’s 16, not 32.

And Juan Miranda looks like a chunky Jaleel White.

 
 
 
Rob D. says:

Uber-lurker and infrequent poster here, but I need to say…that pitch is why is still believe in Phil.

 
Jake H says:
 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

Hello, Phil Hughes. Been a while.

 
Ivan says:

Wow Hughes just bitch smacked Snider with them curveballs.

Too bad he only throws 91 MPH fastballs. This guy sucks chunks. Trade/DFA him immediately.

A.D. says:

maybe Boof Bosner is available

Rob D. says:

Well, he would greatly increase our comical name rating.

 
 
Rob D. says:

Haha…I’ve had that stupid argument way too many times to count the last year.

 
 
 
 
Infamous says:
 
Accent Shallow says:

That bender . . . Jesus God, baseballs should not move like that.

 
scottnar says:

I know it’s early but the kid looks good. that curveball is nasty. i think all the phil haters want him to fail, they are just waiting for a blowup inning to come and post i told you he doesn’t have major league stuff

A.D. says:

we know Phil can pitch in sept….its the rest of the months the jury is still out!

 
Ivan says:

Lanny is comming soon. Just wait.

MORE THAN ELLEVEN PITCHES THRU TWO INNINGS WTF THIS GUY SUCKS!!!

No stuff, he’s a bum, SHOULDA TRADED FOR KING FELIXX!!!

Sincerely,
Lanny

Accent Shallow says:

I was under the impression that the Yankees offered him more cash than the Mariners.

Not much you can do there, huh?

 
 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

That’s the reason I don’t believe in sac-bunts with batters as fast as Brett Gardner. The likelihood for a DP is quite improbable. Also, if he does ground-out, he could just as easily steal second base with no issue.

 
Ivan says:
 
Rob D. says:

Why would you throw that ball?

Joseph P. says:
Rob D. says:

That was the worst kind of stupid…that’s the kind of play my Little Leaguers make.

 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

LoL @ A.J. Burnett’s reaction to Marco Scutaro: “Really, fuck-head?”

 
Ivan says:

Yankees making AJ look good again.

Ivan says:

Good Nady. That was good hitting there too.

 
 
Austin says:
 
Accent Shallow says:

X gonna give it to ya. X gonna give it to ya.

 
Rob D. says:

That wasn’t a bad pitch at all…good hitting by Nady.

 
Bruno says:

“Couldn’t they have found someone else to make that start? Joba Chamberlain?”

That would make too much sense…..

Chip says:

I’d rather give IPK a chance to look good rather than trot Ponson out there. In fact, I’d cut Ponson right now just to tell the world, “yes we do know he sucks”

 
 
Austin says:

Jesus, Hughes has some nasty stuff.

 
Ivan says:
 
Jamal G. says:

Chase Utley just hit HR #33, awesomeness.

 
Accent Shallow says:

Base hits against Burnett? Figures that the B team can do it. Ugh.

 
Jamal G. says:

Pedro was so right, Wilson Betemit has no place on a contender as a bench player.

Manimal says:

I still don’t like him. I think its that grimace after every swing. It makes him look like he did something wrong ever swing.

A.D. says:

the grimace is so goddamn annoying when he strikes out, and almost comical when he’s getting a hit

 
 
Pedro says:

Please don’t tell me you think he’s valuable because of that last double. What about the fact he can’t play D for shit, in any IF position? Or the fact that he has a sub .290 OBP for the season?? He’s no good, and the stats back that up.

Jamal G. says:

Like Mike said before, name me three better backup infielders in the A.L.

Mike A. says:

Forget the AL, in the bigs.

Alex Cora, Jed Lowrie, and Justin Masterson (if he played shortstop, which he totally could if he wanted to.)

For Diamond Cutters, I’m Peter Gammons, ESPN.

Steve H says:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Manimal says:

Look at gardner and his .208 avg.

 
Manimal says:

Leiter/schilling is the answer.

Huh, that’s funny… what was the question? I’m curious, since I just name dropped Schilling and Leiter as examples of pitchers who struggled through multiple years of injuries before getting and staying healthy (in reference to Pavano)…

 
 
A.D. says:

MIRANDA pretty much the definition of clutch

 
Ivan says:
 
Harry G says:

7 retired in a row by the Phranchise. He looks really good but where’s the heat? I remember John & Suzyn raving about him throwin 94-95 or even 96 at his no-hitter turned disaster last season in Texas… Tonight everything’s 90 or 91. Was the gun in Arlington messed up? Or have Phil’s mechanics changeed a bit as a result of his injuries?

Austin says:

Well you gotta take into consideration hes been out most of the season. Even with those minor league starts his arm just might not be at full strength.

 
Manimal says:

Everything was hot that day(including the gun) He tops out at 94-95 when hes really pushing it. But the couple of MPH doesnt matter when you have a amazing change and curve like him

 
A.D. says:

prob a mech change where he gets better movement taking some off, but honestly who knows, there have been may a post debating this topic

 
Jamal G. says:

Every Fastball has had 5-6 inches of break, it looks like he is just throwing his Two-Seam Fastball, which explains the 89-91 MPH readings.

 
 
Manimal says:
 
A.D. says:

Gardner is OPSing .867 with RISP….until that at-bat

Manimal says:
A.D. says:

ballpark, around .800, I was looking at baseball reference, which doesn’t update that quick

Manimal says:
 
 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

Fucking Carlos Delgado.

What the fuck is wrong with Carlos Zambrano? I thought he got over that emotional BS.

 
A.D. says:

hook is working tonight

 
Jamal G. says:

Phil Hughes’ Curveball is sadistic. His last two hammers have broke 18″ a piece.

 
 
Manimal says:

Phil Hughes has the arm, has the pitches, has the location, and he certainly carries himself well, he just needs a good game plan and so far today, hes been working quickly and dominantly. Nice.

A.D. says:

and the eyesight, with those specs

 
 
Ivan says:

Phil doing his thang.

 
Manimal says:

Anyne else think that because abreu is playing, that means hes not coming back next year?

Accent Shallow says:

They haven’t really given Abreu much time off this year. I wouldn’t read too much into it.

Manimal says:

153 out of 158 games played so far. Your joking right?

Accent Shallow says:

Given him 5 games off so far this year. That’s a lot?

 
 
 
 
Accent Shallow says:

Burnett really seems to be getting the high strike.

 
Ivan says:

AL East best division in the MLB bar none.

 
Chip says:

Well so much for nibbling around the strike zone, 40 strikes against 16 balls so far. That’s just domination

 

It just hit me that the bombers are 9-1 over their past 10.

Chip says:

Amazing what having another two healthy starters (Hughes and Pavano) will do for the consistency isn’t it?

Manimal says:

Did you just say Pavano was healthy. Ohhh you did.

A.D. says:

knock on woo….actually who cares at this point….unless the option is picked up, then knock on wood

 
 
 
 
Mac says:

Man.

If only Hughes (and Joba and Wang) had been healthy all year…

 
Ivan says:

When will people understand that Hughes had one bad month in April pitching inly 22IP.

Jamal G. says:

When stupidity ceases to exist?

 
Manimal says:

I think we established Hughes was better that CC was that month.

 
Accent Shallow says:

Yeah, but he was awful that month. Other than his first start (also against Toronto) he was getting smacked around, couldn’t find the plate with a road map, not getting Ks.

Honestly, I was relieved to hear he had a busted rib, because he was so bad I would have started to worry about his future had he been healthy.

Good to see he’s back.

 
 

I would’ve gone with the curve to get the K, but ok…

 
Jamal G. says:

Third time through the order, Hughes mixing in his Changeup.

 

69 pitches through 5…damn

 
Mike A. says:

Phil Hughes is a bust.

Steve says:

If he had a bust, I just might marry him.

 
 
E-ROC says:

Fastball, cut fastball, curve, slider, change…..am I missing something? Wow!

Ivan says:

He doesn’t throw the Slider anymore. He replace it with the Cut-Fastball.

E-ROC says:

Oh ok. Gameday is saying that he was throwing sliders against Inglett in the 5th inning?

 
 
 
Steve says:

Don’t look now, but Hughes has out pitched Burnett all night.

Whats the old saying . . sometimes the best moves . . . . . how does that one go again?

Jamal G. says:

“Some times the best moves are used to ridicule the fucking morons that inhabit our great sport.”

Yeah, something like that.

 
 
Accent Shallow says:

Baseclogger does his thing.

 
Jamal G. says:

LoL @ the Mets’ chances in October with Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey and whoever can stand on a mound.

Steve says:

and they’re pitching their arms off trying to get there, which is really smart with a 24 year old and a guy you just signed for 124 million.

Mike A. says:

Good thing they gave Minaya that extension. Now he can see how that Luis Castillo contract works out.

Jamal G. says:

And you have the nerve to say my dig at Joe’s fantasy team was low? ;)

 
A.D. says:

4 years, before the season is over….just unnecessary, dont think the phones are going to ring off the hook for him

 
 
 
 

OMG Betemit is like so unvaluable!!1111!!! Ugh!1111!!!!11!

Ivan says:

He was 2 for 2 before the DP.

 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

Apparently even more overt sarcasm is necessary, Pablo.

 
 
Jamal G. says:
Mike A. says:

Took Oli 105 pitches to get 13 outs, yet someone’s going to give him $60M this winter.

Ivan says:

There always idiots out there.

Hopefully not us.

Reason #1 to retain Brian Cashman: No WAY does he buy the Oliver Perez Spin Machine bullshit.

 
 
 
 
Chip says:

At what point to we come up with a nickname for the physics-defying event known as Phil Hughes’ curveball? I’m all for The Elbow of God (Mo)

Jamal G. says:

I like describing his Curveball as sadistic. Just sounds bad-ass.

Mike A. says:

It doesn’t buckle knees, it breaks hips.

 
 
Chip says:

Like it has an evil mind of it’s own

 
 
A.D. says:

could be the hook of god…..or the sledge (hammer)

Steve says:

How about “More curve than Vida Guerra’s ass”

 
 
Accent Shallow says:

Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves here, guys.

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:
 
 
 
Ivan says:

I didn’t know Hughes could pitch well.

Steve says:

As we all know, minor league stats simply don’t translate.

 
 
Jamal G. says:

There’s a vacuum out in center, Vernon Wells. Don’t you know that?

Steve says:

Brett Gardner makes shit happen.

 
 
Mike A. says:

“It’s odd a guy named Miranda would bat left”

***30 seconds of crickets***

“Wanna explain that one, Michael?”

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

His humor is just above our heads. Did you know he went to Fordham?

Steve says:

The fact that he doesn’t have any kids gives me hope for the gene pool.

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

I don’t know why, but I think it’s so weird that Kay, Waldman and Sterling are all single. Isn’t there just something awkward about that?

Steve says:

Frightening as what I’m about to say is, Sterling is married with kids. Triplets, I believe.

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Steve says:

“Hey, is his sister Carmen?”

***30 seconds of crickets***

“You know, the one with the hats”

***60 seconds of crickets***

 
Mike A. says:

Miranda rights, like when you get arrested. You have the right to remain silent…

Jamal G. says:

Heh, seemed like you just got angrier having to type that garbage.

 
 
 

… Because, as I’m sure you all know, Miranda derives from the ancient Sanskrit word Mor-Hu-Ahn-Dah, which of course means “He who hefts the club to strike at the Wooly Mammoth with his Right Hand”.

So, Miranda being a lefty is full of delicious irony.

For CenterStage, I’m Michael Kay, YES.

 
 
Jamal G. says:

Why the fuck is Carlos Zambrano hitting ninth when he’s in the lineup?

**Michael Kay: “Interesting that a guy named Miranda bats left-handed.”

Al leiter: “Can you explain that one?”

MK: “Miranda rights…”

AL: “Yeah, I know what they are…”

MK: “Well, if you have to explain it, it loses all it’s humor.”

AL: “Yeah, but…[it wasn't fucking funny, fucking douchebag]“

 
Ivan says:

I would love to see Kay doing jokes at the Apollo Threathe.

A.D. says:

yikes on the mental thought

 
Mike A. says:

“Hi fans, welcome to amateur night at the Apollo Theatre, I’m Michael Kay. Can anyone here tell me the 3 things you can’t give a black person?”

Jamal G. says:

Angry patron: “Mutha fucka, you breathe you die.”

Live from the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, it’s Krusty’s Komedy Klassics!

 
 
Jack says:

Hey Mike, what’s the difference between a black man and a park bench?

Mike A. says:

I know the answer to that, but I won’t say it here.

Jack says:
 
 
Jamal G. says:

This response is almost as awkward and bad as random calling Ben’s mom a MILF.

Jack says:

No, someone giving the punchline would’ve been akward.

Jamal G. says:

True.

That random thing was pretty fucking bad. That’s one of those things where you are literally stopped in your tracks in embarrassing laughter and shock at what you just read.

 
 

that was realy awkward. I still shudder from that.

 
 
 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

It’s amazing that Alex Rodriguez is suffering through a pretty decent slump right now, but still leads the A.L. in VORP.

 
Jamal G. says:

Oh fuck you, you old washed-up prick.

 
Yankees=warriors says:

It just occurred to me…did the Yankees have a rookie hazing day this year, or did I just miss it?

 
Mike A. says:
Chip says:

Still moved 18″ according to Gameday, looks like he just guessed right and it was a bit up

 
 
Accent Shallow says:
 
 
Ivan says:

Looks like Rolen was looking for the Curveball.

 
scottnar says:

hopefully they can get him a run. he’s pitched so well tonight it’d be a shame to not get one victory on the year

Jamal G. says:

This game is example #098765432134567890**keyboard crashes** why the W-L stat is “teh epic stupid!!11!1!!”

scottnar says:
 
 
 
Chip says:

I’d like to see him come out for the 8th, he’s only at 92 pitches and the curve is still biting

 
Steve says:

Who would you say is Hughes best MLB comp?

I’ve always thought he reminded me most of John Lackey.

Chip says:

Dare I compare him to Barry Zito? It’s tough I know because he sucks so badly now (and he’s left-handed) but I think that shows both his ceiling and floor. And yes, Hughes has MUCH more movement and location than Zito but that big curveball just reminds me of him

 
Accent Shallow says:

Mussina. Low to mid-90s fastball, nasty curve.

Steve says:

Excellent control as well. Just like Moose, sometimes too good.

But Moose always threw so many types of pitches, that one doesn’t quite work for me.

Accent Shallow says:

If he can get his change to be as high-quality a pitch as the curve, I’d say Mussina would be dead on. You’re right though, I forgot about that.

 
 
 
 
Patrick T says:

I would too, but there’s no chance.

 
Jack says:

Didn’t someone say “Call me when he goes seven” in his last game thread?

 
Hitman says:

Hughes’s fastball goes down 2 mph every season. In 2006 it was 94, in 2007 it was 92, in 2008 it’s 90 mph.

Steve says:

You do realize he throws a 2-seamer and 4-seamer, dont you?

I think Hitman’s head just exploded after learning that knowledge.

 
Hitman says:

His 2 seamer sure looks pretty straight then. Is he saving his 4 seamer for a rainy day cause literally every fastball was clocked at 90 mph tonight.

 
 
 
Patrick T says:

I can’t fathom why Burnett’s still out there. Do they realize how fragile he is?

greg says:

his last start as a Blue Jay… not their problem anymore

 
A.D. says:

they figure hes gone after this year anyways, CC syndrome

 
 
Ivan says:

Burnett should give the yanks some money for making him a rich man after the 08 season.

Chip says:

They might give him that money :)

I think your smiley face was supposed to be a frowning face.

 
 
 
scottnar says:

why are we so fixated on how fast his fastball is. farnsworth throws the ball 99 MPH. is he an effective MLB pitcher? location location location

Mike A. says:

Because it’s the easy thing to nitpick. If he was throwing 94, they’d pick on his changeup. If he had a good change, they’d be bitching about his pickoff move. It’ll never end.

Personally, I hate the way that Phil Hughes isn’t Chinese.

 
scottnar says:
 
 
Hitman says:

Yeah because we all know how successful guys are when they throw 90 mph in the american league.

 
 
Ivan says:

Wow Hughes coming back.

 
A.D. says:
 
Patrick T says:

Wow. Hughes still out there.

 
Baseballnation says:

Its obviously 90 because the guy missed…. Oh yea thats right the whole season. Blame hi for not having arm stregnth or top stamina yet? Here’s this, I promise it won’t be 88 next year or 86 for that matter next year after next. Happy? It’s amazing how fantastic Burnett is against the yankees riht… Iswear it’s a mindset the yankees have against power pitchers that’s so maddening.

Jamal G. says:

They’ve had some consistent success against Josh Beckett. He of fourth fastest Fastball in the Majors (94.3) this year.

 
 
Ivan says:
 
Patrick T says:

8 pitch inning. I think I’m in love.

 
Bryan says:

This is exactly what Hughes needs to do next season, just buckle down and throw, hes got the stuff, he just needs to attack batters.

Steve says:

Its the glasses. That was the answer to everything.

It worked for Rick Vaughn.

Jamal G. says:

Rick Vaughn threw harder than 91-MPH, who cares is it was fictional, he’s got more talent than the guy who wasn’t dealt for Johan Santana.

Steve H says:

That’s why he was in the pen in the playoffs. Just like Joba, they moved their best pitcher to the pen. Makes sense, right?

 

Lisa, I want to buy your rock.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

Burnett will be pitching for the yanks next year

Steve says:

Sounds good to me. I only want AJ if its the consolation prize for CC.

It happens to be a well known baseball fact that you can’t have more than one pitcher who goes by his initials in your starting rotation. Bad karma.

We also need a guy named Whitey, Lefty, Sparky, or the Duke (or some Spanish translation of one of those names) on our staff.

HUGE karma points there.

Steve says:

I like the way you think, kiddo.

We have Aceves, and I think his nickname is El Paton (Big feet). Thats a start.

 
 
 
Accent Shallow says:

Just get him out of the AL East, for crying out loud.

Also, tell the Jays to trade Halladay to the NL, please.

 
Mike Pop says:

ya okay dude he wants to be on a contender.. and once he is 14 and 3 for us next year with a month to go you’ll be saying wow im wrong

Mike A. says:

If AJ Burnett is 14-3 with a month to go next year, I will buy you and a guest dinner at the eatery of your choosing. No joke, I give you my word.

 

And I contrast your claim with this:
1) Baltimore ain’t that bad, they can be a contender with some decent additions (like Burnett). The Markakis/Jones/Huff/Roberts/Mora and Cabrera/Guthrie/Liz/Sherrill cores are solid.
2) Burnett has a home in the Washington D.C. area, and he’s spoken about moving closer to home.
3) Peter Angelos is going to have a ton of money he’s going to want to spend, and he’d love to sign a “Yankee-killer” to a fat contract. He’ll outbid us, if we put in a bid (which we shouldn’t.)

Steve says:

I think BALT was 3rd or 4th this year in Runs scored.

Very under rated lineup.

 
 
 
 
 
Steve H says:

Who else thinks Lanny has been lurking all night, waiting for Phil to fail so he could post. He must be livid with how well he’s pitching, what a Yankee fan?

 

Alright, now lets get a run and get this kid an 8-inning win full of dominance.

 
Ivan says:

Where are you Lanny. Where the fuck are ya. When Hughes sucked, we were here. Now when Hughes pitches great, your no where to be found. COWARD!!!

Geno says:

There are so many Lannys though…

Steve H says:

Agreed, though Lanny is #1 at making no fucking sense when it comes to Hughes. Of all the shit you can/want to say about Hughes, when Lanny said Hughes’ stuff was just average, he showed his total lack of baseball sense.

 
 
mustang says:

I’m not Lanny, but I have been at times on Hughes’ case and he is pitching well. BUT, and you knew one was coming, it’s a meaningless game in Sept. If He did this in April we wouldn’t even be having this discussion.
Lets put this in the right context.

Mike A. says:

If he did this in April, you’d just be saying it was meaningless game at the start of the year, let’s see him do it down the stretch in September.

;)

Yeah. Let’s see him do this shit in March during the World Baseball Classic, where the games mean EVERYTHING.

mustang says:

You know what I mean.

 
 
Steve H says:

And if it was June, it’d be a meaningless game in the middle of the season, not an important month like April where you need to get off to a good start, or September where you need a strong finish. The guy is still a kid, and has pitched less than 40 innings this year. For anyone to call him a bust is ridiculous. Someone PLEASE go look up what Halladay did in 67 innings as a 23 year old (with 150+ ML innings already under his belt). Too bad the Jays didn’t label him a bust and send him our way. He pitched much, much worse than Hughes, how’d he turn out?

mustang says:

I NEVER said to give up on the kid, but when he sucked he sucked. And making ridiculous excuses (weather, umpire, etc.) is as ridiculous as calling him a bust.

Steve H says:

When he sucked, he sucked, agreed. You don’t fall into the crowd that said to give up on him, but there are plenty out there (though not tonight). 99% of all pitchers, ever, have periods of sucking when they are young. Joba hasn’t yet and may fall into that 1%, but who knows, he still could. Halladay had 150+ innings under his belt, yet at 23, had a whip over 2, and an ERA over 10.

mustang says:

“but there are plenty out there (though not tonight)”
Your right and that’s one of the reasons I checked in because I have been very hard on Hughes.
I agree that young pitchers need to develop I just thought that two of them at the same time was too much.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
mustang says:

Actually three if you count Joba.

 
 
 
 
 
mustang says:

Mike A. I would not because I saw the kid do it in the playoffs, which carries a lot of weight with me. But one good start the day after they get erased does not make up for a failed 2008. Still it does give us some hope for 2009

 
 
 
 
Manimal says:

Twice his yearly average of IP in a game for sure. 9th inning? Why not, unless hes seriously fatigue just toss him out their first base runner and take him out.

Patrick T says:

No way Girardi takes that risk after the shit that happened to him in Florida.

 

If we get the lead, put Joba in there to ice it out. No reason to screw with his confidence by risking a fatigue-induced hit.

 
 
Ivan says:
 
scottnar says:

great AB betamit, he’s awful

 
A.D. says:
 
Ivan says:

Danm I thought he made it.

 
Patrick T says:
 
scottnar says:

they should give that assist to the pitcher, zaughn took about 4 seconds to get rid of that

 
Manimal says:

this inning is so typical 08 yankees

 
Patrick T says:

Ah well. Great start for the Phranchise nonetheless.

Steve H says:

Yeah, we’re out of the playoffs anyway. Much happier to see 8 inn/2 er and the no decision, than 6 inn/3 er and the win. Very promising night regardless of the outcome.

 
 
Ivan says:

So Hughes goes winless. Well at least he lowered the ERA.

mustang says:

Sorry again he pitched great.

Ivan says:

I was saying that not to diss the guy.

 
 
 
Manimal says:

Veras is in. Yankees lose. See you guys tomorrow.

 
Mike A. says:

Jose Veras is Girardi’s Scott Proctor.

 

do they want to fucking lose this game or what?

Pedro says:

Does it matter anymore? If Girardi wanted to win, he would have pinch hit A-Rod for Betemit.

 
 
Jamal G. says:

It’s funny how two really nice years got Vernon Wells a 7/126 deal.

And that the Jays will get about two good years out of those seven.

Perfect symmetry.

 
Steve says:

Remember that when PITT is asking the moon for McLouth this off season.

He’s had one good year, this one.

Steve H says:

And it’s really only half a good year. Second half he’s at .278/.366/.448 with a 90 ops+. So he’s been below average. No thanks.

 
 
 
Ivan says:

Check this out, Hughes threw 100 pitches, 71 of them were strikes wow.

I hope you’re watching, Ian. Trust your shit.

Don’t remember who on ESPN said it, but they actually dropped a old baseball saw that makes a little sense: You can’t strike a guy out on Strike 1.

Make your pitches, challenge the hitters, throw strikes. If they hit some, they hit some; that’s what you’ve got a defense for. Stop trying to throw three straight out pitches, just get ahead and then make them chase your pitch.

 
 
 
Pedro says:

It was great to watch Hughes dominate tonight. We really needed our young pitchers to come through, to help support this youth movement. Now if only we could start Kennedy on saturday and have him toss 6 strong innings, that would be great.

 
Mike A. says:

Juan Miranda in the house.

Pedro says:

Against a lefty!! If he could do that consistently (hit LH pitchers)…

 
 
scottnar says:

totally off topic but are the Mets planning any kind of ceremony sunday when the doors at shea close?

Mike A. says:

To celebrate what history? When the Beatles played?

scottnar says:

ha ha, thought maybe they would hand out 8-balls to fans over 18 to commemorate the ‘86 team

Mike A. says:

It would be fitting. Hah. That musta been a fun clubhouse.

scottnar says:

totally, all hanging out all the time together partying

 
 
 

They’re gonna highlight the top 25 moments in Shea Stadium history. 5 of them are music concerts and 12 of them are from the ‘74 and ‘75 Yankee home games.

There’s also a nice Anthony Young 27 straight losses retrospective.

 
 
Jamal G. says:

I bet you they don’t sellout the entire weekend.

 
 
Jamal G. says:

I don’t know which made me feel worse about the human race: Yankees’ fans saying that Joe Girardi needs to play the “kid” Cody Ransom, or Mets’ fans advocating the more playing time for Argenis Reyes.

Jamal G. says:

It would probably have to be the dumb Yankees’ fans, at least Luis Castillo has 17-SB and a .356-OBP.

 

Luis Castillo=Argenis Reyes?

let’s make that Castillo > A. Reyes

 
 
Accent Shallow says:

At least his name sounds like “Our heinous Reyes”, which is pretty effin’ hilarious.

 
 
Jamal G. says:

I really hate sac-bunts with a guy that has Gardner’s speed. But runners on first and second with nobody out and this late in the game, I can understand it.