May
09

Game 30: Yanks look to Hughes for continuation of last night

By

Phil Hughes has yet another chance to make a big impression with Yankees fans. He already ingratiated himself with the fanbase on April 28, shutting out the Tigers and breaking a four-game losing streak. Staff ace CC Sabathia snapped a five-game skid last night, and tonight Hughes could continue the turnaround. If successful he’d hand the ball to Joba Chamberlain in hopes to start a winning streak. Nothing could remove the sting of the current losing streak quite like a triplet of wins from the $161 million man, followed by the two home grown phenoms.

Last time out Hughes wasn’t that great, as he allowed seven hits, four walks, and four runs, three earned, through just four innings. That it came against the Red Sox made matters worse. The start was marked by some command issues, but that can be expected from a young starter. He still flashed his stuff, though, maintaining the fastball velocity and curveball break we saw in Detroit.

Tonight marks Hughes’s fourth start against the Orioles since his debut in April 2007. He hasn’t fared particularly well, allowing 10 runs, nine earned, over 16 innings. He’s also walked six in that span while allowing 21 hits. That he has struck out only eight, just 4.50 per nine. Thankfully, Hughes looks like a different pitcher than he was at this point last year, so the results could be markedly different than they were last time, when he allowed five runs in 5.1 innings, striking out just one.

Adam Eaton has had limited exposure to the AL during his career, having pitched for Texas one year between stints with San Diego and Philadelphia. He’s made two starts against the Yankees, allowing five runs over 10.2 innings, walking seven to eight strikeouts. His last appearance against them came in 2006 with Texas, when he lasted just 3.2 innings. The Yanks would love that to happen again. Not only would it be good for morale, but it would take some pressure off Hughes. Not that Hughes can’t pitch under pressure, but it’s always nice to stake your young starters to leads.

While it’s understandable that the Yankees swapped David Robertson for Brett Tomko (and DFA’d Eric Hacker), the roster still isn’t optimal. The bench right now consists of Kevin Cash, Angel Berroa, Ramiro Pena, and Brett Gardner. In other words, there’s not a significant advantage to pinch hitting for Francisco Cervelli. This kind of bench is serviceable (but by no means good) when Melky is the worst hitter in the order. The Yanks could still use a decent bat to pinch hit, which makes me wonder why they don’t swap out Ramiro Pena for Juan Miranda if they’re not going to DFA Berroa. Pena can always be recalled if there’s an injury to A-Rod, which I suppose is the rationale for keeping Berroa around at this point. Also, there’s still no word on the 40-man move to accompany Tomko’s addition. I’m not sure if they can put Kennedy on the 60-day, since he wasn’t on the active roster. If that does in fact disqualify him, look for Nady to slide to the 60-day. Otherwise, count on Kennedy.

Lineup:

1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Johnny Damon, LF
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B — felt good to type that for the first time this season
5. Hideki Matsui, DH
6. Nick Swisher, RF
7. Robinson Cano, 2B
8. Melky Cabrera, CF
9. Francisco Cervelli, C

And on the mound, number sixty-five, Phil Hughes.

Categories : Game Threads

301 Comments

  1. jsbrendog says:

    LETS GO HUGHES!!! im wearing my hughes shirt on my couch

  2. Time to string along some victories, especially with the Jays series coming up.
    I wish Longoria didnt play in the division, hes slowly becoming one of my favorite players.

  3. Last night of Gameday. Woo!

    C’mon, Phil! Help me remember my last night at UConn w/a W from the Yanks!

  4. John says:

    From PeteAbe: Teixeira is 5 for 8 with a homer against Eaton. A-Rod is 2 for 3 with a homer and Swisher is 2 for 4 with two homers.

    SWEET!!!

  5. Jamal G. says:

    lso, there’s still no word on the 40-man move to accompany Tomko’s addition.

    Hey, Joe, are you getting senial in your ripe, old age of your late-20′s?

    While it’s understandable that the Yankees swapped David Robertson for Brett Tomko (and DFA’d Eric Hacker)

  6. Joey H says:

    Nice news that Bruney will play catch from 90 Feet on Monday. And had a painless game of catch. Lets hope this is a sign of the pieces coming together.

  7. Accent Shallow says:

    Adam Eaton is such a punching bag that this almost feels like a reverse lock for the Orioles.

  8. Joey H says:

    Oh and in 2003 Josh Beckett had very Yellow teeth like he chain smoked cigarettes.

  9. The Artist says:

    To answer your question Joe

    “In case you were wondering, they could not put Kennedy on the 60-day DL as he was not on the major league roster.”

    http://yankees.lhblogs.com/200.....t-orioles/

    Also, and perhaps more importantly:

    “Brian Bruney played catch today and felt fine. He’ll play catch from 90 feet on Monday to test his arm and then they’ll decide what the next step is.”

    Whew! Anytime you hear ‘Elbow flexor’ and ‘setback’ you immediately start expecting the worst.

  10. So, how the hell can we not put Kennedy on the 60-day DL, but we put Brackman Obama on the 60-day DL when he was out with TJS?

    Why can’t we call Kennedy up to the big leagues for a day and then 60-day DL him? What kind of crap is that? We just get stuck with a dead spot on the 40-man… what a load of crap.

  11. Accent Shallow says:

    If he was DLed in Spring Training, he’d still be on the ML roster.

  12. Accent Shallow says:

    Derek,

    Did you have to wait 8 pitches to do that? We want Eaton in this game as long as possible.

  13. I enjoyed this:

    David Ortiz – BOS, 2009 wOBA: .293
    Kevin Millar – TOR, 2009 wOBA: .382

  14. Mike Axisa says:

    Nice hack Damon.

  15. Alex S says:

    bad looking swing by damon

  16. Accent Shallow says:

    Sheesh, Tex.

  17. Nady Nation says:

    Tex could reeeeally use a day off.

  18. Ivan says:

    Yay Hughes is gonna pitch.

  19. Jamal G. says:

    Arguably the best 3-4 in MLB popping up against Adam Eaton? The hell?

  20. Ivan says:

    I will say this, if I don’t see at least 5 runs by the 5th inning by the yanks, I am gonna very tight.

  21. Jamal G. says:

    Uh, Kay, who wasn’t “sure about [Adam Jones'] offense”?

  22. Ivan says:

    Can’t be hangin curves to Jones rite now.

  23. eric says:

    bottom of the lineup is gonna carry them tonight (no numbers, just a hunch)

  24. Mike HC says:

    Hughes is my sixth starter on my fantasy team, but I benched him for today’s game. I hope I end up being pissed that I did not fully believe in him on the road against the Orioles.

    • Mike HC says:

      His stuff really looks nasty tonight, as it did in his last two starts. I feel better and better about this guy everytime I see him pitch.

      • andrew says:

        I’m not willing to commit to Hughes being nasty tonight with two runners on in the first.

      • Accent Shallow says:

        The cutter was moving, but it didn’t look like he was able to do anything with the change/curve.

        • Mike HC says:

          Yea, he is having a bit of trouble controlling the off speed pitches, but I think that will come as the game goes on

  25. Awwww, Jeets was smiling at ARod…

    BFF’s

  26. Ivan says:

    Careful here to Huff.

  27. A.D. says:

    Stop throwing shitty curves

  28. Mike HC says:

    Way to jinx it Kaye … “The Yanks aren’t worried what they are going to get from Cervelli behind the plate,” and on point, he lets one by him (thankfully the runner did not advance.)

  29. A.D. says:

    Not the worst walk to give out.

  30. Accent Shallow says:

    Time to command the off-speed pitches, please.

  31. Mike HC says:

    Very nice

  32. Ivan says:

    Not bad.

  33. John says:

    4 popouts in a inning

  34. Ivan says:

    Would u guys agree, that Hughes stuff is back to his 06 season?

  35. Nick says:

    Love how Hughes points up whenever the ball is hit into the air, even if it is deep in the outfield, hes really into the game

  36. Accent Shallow says:

    “Driven deep to right! Caught by Markakis well short of the track . . .”

  37. Ivan says:

    Yo I,ve neva played any Halo Games in my life until yesterday when I bought XBOX 360. Man I gotta tell ya, I knew Halo was gonna be good but not this good and I bought Halo 3.

    • JobaWockeeZ says:

      Lol same reaction I had. One of the best games I’ve ever played. It never seems to lose interest unlike other games.

  38. Speaking of irony. Orioles fans holding up syringes.

    Orioles fans, meet Rafeal, Brian and Miguel.

  39. Accent Shallow says:

    Did Kay just say that Eaton has the stuff to be a big time winner? Really? High 80s, average off-speed stuff?

  40. Mike HC says:

    It is only a matter of time before we get to Eaton

  41. Accent Shallow says:

    Oh, Robbie . . .

  42. Accent Shallow says:

    How did Robbie not get to that?

  43. Nick says:

    that seemed like it was hit slow enough for a play

  44. Ivan says:

    Bitch ass hit by Luke Scott.

  45. eric says:

    Cano doesn’t like to dive

  46. Bob Stone says:

    What happened to “can’t miss – sure star” status for the BoSox’s Jon Lester. he got beat up again today and is 2-3 with a 6.31 era. Could it be that young pitchers take a while to develop? Like Phil Hughes who is three years younger?

    • Mike HC says:

      Yea, I think there are a couple of factors at play. One is that the league makes adjustments to you, so stuff that worked last year may not work as well. The other is that Lester had a huge innings jump from two years ago to last year, so it could be fatigue or an injury. It could also be that he is just warming up and is getting off the slow start. I’m sure there are other possibilities as well. Or maybe, hopefully, he just sucks and got lucky last year, ha.

  47. Mike HC says:

    We should have the “are you officially a Yankee debate,” after a play a new free agent either makes or does not make. I mean, is A-Rod an official Yankee yet?? I’m not sure how much I love the, “is this guy an official Yankee thing.” To me, you’re officially Yankee if your pay check comes from the Yankees.

  48. Jose says:

    Sometimes I wish this team showed some sort of hustle. Look at Bobby Abreu, he leaves the Yankees and is a stealing machine.

  49. Nick says:

    wow couple of dumb singles

  50. Ivan says:

    Come on.

  51. Matt-Pitt says:

    Ahhh, not a good start to the inning. Not sure if I liked the pitch selection there. Lets go DP ball, Hughes.

  52. Mike Axisa says:

    Shitty little grounders with eyes.

    Shut ‘em down Phil.

  53. Mike Axisa says:

    Sheesh, nice throw Swish.

  54. Nick says:

    what the hell is going on

  55. Matt-Pitt says:

    Wow, that was just awful.

  56. Accent Shallow says:

    3 seeing eye singles and some sloppy D.

  57. Ivan says:

    uhhhh.

  58. Matt-Pitt says:

    On the replay, looked like Tex didn’t even have to dive for that.

  59. Bob Stone says:

    That was an ugly play

    • The Artist says:

      1-Ball under Tex’s glove

      2-Swisher doesn’t need to throw the ball

      3-He air mails the throw he didnt need to make.

      4-Hughes isn’t paying attention

  60. Mike HC says:

    It is pretty basic for an outfielder that your throws should be about shoulder level so the cut off man can grab it if necessary, but Swish plays the game with a bit of reckless abandon. You gotta take the good with the bad I guess.

  61. Accent Shallow says:

    Please, hit the banjo-hitter on 0-2.

  62. The Artist says:

    That was as bad a Baseball play as you’ll ever see. 3 fuckups on the same play.

  63. Ivan says:

    WHAT DA Fuck is goin on man!!!!

  64. Mike Axisa says:

    Christ, you can’t let Izturis reach when you have an 0-2 count on him.

  65. Matt-Pitt says:

    0-2 count on 2 guys this inning and gives up a single and HBP… Just a really bad inning and we don’t even have an out yet. Need to get outta this inning with just giving up 1 or 2 more runs. C’mon Hughes.

  66. Nick says:

    they gave hughes an earned run for that?

  67. Accent Shallow says:

    This has the potential to get really ugly.

  68. Matt-Pitt says:

    Hanging his curves… Can’t do that on 0-2 counts either. Hughes is having a tough time finishing hitters early. Hope he improves on that throughout the game.

    Come on DP.

  69. Will says:

    I dont understand why that first run was earned.

  70. Bob Stone says:

    Ugh!!!

  71. Accent Shallow says:

    What a mess.

  72. Mike HC says:

    The Yankee defense is not helping anything right now

  73. Nick says:

    i cant even watch

  74. Matt-Pitt says:

    Wow… This is extremely sloppy… Wake up guys.

  75. Ivan says:

    Well everything is goin right.

  76. Mike Axisa says:

    What an ugly inning.

  77. NYFan50 says:

    Sigh.

  78. BigBlueAL says:

    OK I’ll be the first to say it, when will Wang be back????

  79. Bob Stone says:

    That first run should have been unearned – it was a throwing error – maybe the scorer will change it.

    This is getting very bad

  80. Matt-Pitt says:

    Man, this is awful…

  81. Ivan says:

    Well at least Hughes gave up a his first hard hit ball in this inning.

  82. Iowa Yank says:

    Is the battery a little too inexperienced?

  83. NYFan50 says:

    Hughes can’t put anybody away. 0-2, 0-2, 0-2 come on.

  84. Matt-Pitt says:

    Please, just hold it to 4. Our offense can comeback against, Eaton.

  85. The Artist says:

    I think they all have Swine Flu.

  86. Ivan says:

    Hughes must be lookin in the sky saying, WHY!!!!

  87. Cripes.

    Wildness from Hughes I can deal with.

    Bad defensive plays from Swisher, Cervelli, and Tex, who are all good fielders… ugh. Way to support the kid, fellas.

  88. zs190 says:

    Golly jee, I guess we’ll see Brett Tomko tonight =(

  89. giselle says:

    what the hell is going on right now?

  90. Mike HC says:

    I think Joe P might have picked the wrong game to eat pomme frites during … even Yankee fans can’t catch a break

  91. Nick says:

    this stuff seems to happen only when hughes pitches, his numbers are so much worse than what they should be, first three hits potential outs.

  92. Nick says:

    i have just thrown up

  93. Criminy.

    Yes, I’m pulling out words that haven’t been said in a generation.

  94. Matt-Pitt says:

    Wow… Hughes… What an awful inning. He goes 0-2 on what… 6 guys? Doesn’t put 1 of them away. You gotta finish man, you gotta finish hitters off.

  95. Accent Shallow says:

    Jeez, looks I was right about the reverse lock.

  96. Ivan says:

    Ugly, just Ugly.

  97. giselle says:

    whats up the lack of finishing pitches after 0-2 counts?

  98. Well…awesome.

  99. Mike Axisa says:

    Back to back wins would have been nice.

  100. RunnerS122 says:

    He’s pitching strikes but just can not put a hitter away

  101. Bob Stone says:

    Home run – Ouch – I could feel that something bad was going to happen but this is just too much – Hughes hasn’t pitched as badly as the line score will show.

  102. Iowa Yank says:

    Edwar is up? why not tomko

    • Arman Tamzarian says:

      That makes no sense, you have Aceves and Tomko, and you get Edwar up early

  103. Mike HC says:

    Trying to find some good news … Eaton is not exactly shut done and the Orioles bullpen is terrible. If you are going to give up 7 runs, it is better to do it early. This way, there is plenty of time to come back … Yanks 12 – Orioles 10, hopfully

  104. Mike Axisa says:

    Wow, how the hell did Huff hit that out? It was off his shoes.

  105. John says:

    Come on Offense, we will hopefully get Eaton the second time around.

  106. Nick says:

    Hughes…….

  107. At least it’s Adam Eaton pitching so the Yankees still do have a chance.

  108. Andrew says:

    Peace Phil. I don’t even want to hear your name for the rest of the year. You have a lot to work on, my dude. You have to locate your off speed stuff, you need to throw your 2 seamer more because your 4 seamer is extremely straight, you have to be able to put players away when you get them down 0-2… etc…

    Disappointing.

    • JobaWockeeZ says:

      Yeah all Phil Hughes fault. It’s not like the defense has been bad this inning your anything.

      • Andrew says:

        lol…

        Jesus. Some people will never stop making excuses for Phil.

        • JobaWockeeZ says:

          LOL. Jesus you didn’t watch the inning. Stop making me look like an idiot because you’re epically failing.

      • JobaWockeeZ says:

        your or anything.

      • Brazilian Yankee says:

        The D was bad, but common… Hughes is to blame here. He was far from good today.

      • A.D. says:

        Honestly his defense didn’t help but he gave up lineout in the first, didn’t finish any hitters off, and weak or not gave up a ton of hits. It was a poor performance by Phil, a few defensive plays could have made it a performance that was better, but still not good.

        • JobaWockeeZ says:

          And I’m not saying the defense is all to blame. But the defense could have saved a couple runs from happening. Putting all the blame of Phil doesn’t make sense.

          • A.D. says:

            I agree nor was the orignal posts overreaction to not see him in the bigs again, for me blame is #1 Hughes, #2 defense.

      • Will says:

        Dont you hate when people who don’t know what theyre talking about post comments like that?

      • Accent Shallow says:

        Lost in all the craziness, he does have to put hitters away when he has them 0-2. He had 4 batters that inning 0-2 and let them reach.

    • Mike HC says:

      Definitely disappointing, but I don’t think it is catastrophic. I think Hughes will get it figured out before the year is over .

    • Matt-Pitt says:

      To a certain degree you are right but damn man, been on the ledge at all? Kid is still young and his defense didn’t exactly help him out that inning.

      The only thing there that I completely agree with is the 0-2 counts. He went 0-2 on 6 guys that inning, he has to be able to finish them off and he didn’t on one of them. Then again, not exactly like he was throwing some bad pitches. Jones double was probably a ball but got the hands through quick enough and Huff’s homerun was at his feet. Sometimes you gotta tip your cap to the O’s. Bad outing for Hughes but to say you don’t wanna hear his name again is a bit much… Relax.

  109. Drew says:

    Just got in. This is not what I was hoping to see.

  110. Bob Stone says:

    Hughes is already up to 50 pitches in an 1 and 2/3 inning

    • Andrew says:

      yeah and be down 10-0 before the inning ends. Good call. Like others have pointed out, this game is still within reach with Eaton and the O’s bullpen looming. Have to stop the bleeding now.

  111. Doug says:

    Well, that got out of hand really fast.

    I’m done with this game guys, multiple history papers are calling.

  112. That comebacker is what, the 4th ball this inning (on either a pitch or a hit) that’s hit a fielder’s glove and not been caught?

    Ugh.

  113. Nick says:

    dave eiland is a piece of shit plain and simple, does he work with pitchers?

  114. Drew says:

    Just realized it’s the second inning! damn.

  115. A.D. says:

    Looks like ’08 Hughes, can’t finish off any hitters.

  116. BigBlueAL says:

    Girardi looks like he wants to beat the shit out of Hughes.

  117. Accent Shallow says:

    Jesus Christ, it’s like 2008 all over again.

  118. The Artist says:

    Why pull Hughes? Let him throw 100 pitches and save the bullpen.

    • Bob Stone says:

      I agree completely – Let him be his own mop up pitcher

    • Mike HC says:

      Every pitch does not count the same first of all. Trying to consistantly get out of jam is far more stressful. Two, he just was not pitching well and the Yanks still are trying to win the game. Lets get some outs

  119. VO says:

    Edwar Ramirez in the freaking 2nd inning? WTF

  120. A.D. says:

    Why is Edwar coming up, they have Tomko & Aceves for this EXACT situation.

  121. Nick says:

    am i the only one that hates seeing hughes not pitch well, just feel bad for him

  122. Mike Axisa says:

    Edwar? Aceves has to be fresh, he last pitched when Hughes did.

    • Mac says:

      I think Girardi was looking for a K to end the inning. And then bring in the long man.

  123. John says:

    how do you walk a guy with a .250 OBP

  124. KW says:

    Hughes is getting terrible support, but geez, a lot of the blame has to be on his shoulders too. Huff hit that curve because that’s hit out pitch, or at least his pitch on out counts, and people are sitting on it. We saw the same thing last year.

    He’s gotta take one for the team…

  125. The Artist says:

    You know who’s fault this is? Joe P.

    He takes last night off, we win and play great. He watches this game and the fucking wheels come off.

    HEY JOE! WHY DON’T YOU TAKE THE REST OF THE FUCKIN SEASON OFF, HUH??

  126. BigBlueAL says:

    WOW. The Mavs just got screwed by the ref.

  127. Waiting for Lanny…

    • KW says:

      can you blame him if he says nonsensical stuff? The yanks have started off this game in a terrible way.

      • No, but I blame him for (of course) being absent last night during a good win.

        • KW says:

          I think it’s just natural for fans not to really post on message boards if things are going swimmingly. They’re too busy enjoying the win (as I was). Bad nights bring out the complaining (which is warranted).

  128. Dorian says:

    Am I right in my assumption that Phil was just a little unlucky tonight?

  129. Bob Stone says:

    Hughes could have given up that hit – We didn’t need Edwar for that!!!!

  130. Arman Tamzarian says:

    Okay, this is bad management, there is no reason for Edwar here

  131. Jamal G. says:

    Uou know what? Usually I have no issue with giving Phil Hughes an excuse (piss-poor defense) but not tonight, he fucking sucked; pitch better next time, asshole.

  132. VO says:

    This game isn’t over. We are going to come back and win this thing.

  133. Stryker says:

    well that was embarrassing.

  134. The Artist says:

    OK, I’ll be the first.

    Bust.

  135. Bob Stone says:

    Finally – It’s over. Oh well . . . it’s only eight runs. The Yanks can score more than that – I hope.

  136. KW says:

    man,t he yanks have gotten 0 production (outside of one very fine start) from the hughes/wang combo. yikes!

  137. NYFan50 says:

    Is it just me, or does Hughes just suck in the stretch?

  138. A.D. says:

    It still boggles my mind that Aceves isn’t in, only rational reason is Edwar could get ready sooner and they wanted to get Hughes out ASAP.

  139. BigBlueAL says:

    So has the euphoria of last night worn off already???? Thats the most disappointing thing to me. Instead of building off of last night, this happens tonight.

  140. Drew says:

    Another good Melky AB

  141. K.B.D. says:

    It’s games like this that make me wish I didn’t care about the Yankees at all. I get far too irrationally angry about this kind of thing. It will undoubtedly ruin my Saturday night.

  142. I’m with everyone else–I don’t get using Edwar in that spot. Either let Hughes reach 100 pitches and take it on the chin to save the ‘pen or bring in AA.

    • KW says:

      I think he’s coming in anyway. The way I see it, Aceves can probably go 5-6 tops, which would put us in the 7th or 8th. why not use edwar now to try to stem the tide? Chances are he’ll be used later on anyway in what may be decidedly even lower leverage situations.

    • Mike HC says:

      I don’t think it is a good idea to keep your young prospect out there when he is getting shellacked. I mean, this is not some veteran who has been there before and should have to work out of it himself. This is our future here and he should be handled accordingly.

  143. $799 a month would get me off the fence.

    To the side of not buying a Range Rover.

  144. Bob Stone says:

    What a catch by Mora- It looks like it’s going to be one of those nights

  145. The Artist says:

    OK, since this game is teh shit, I have a question for everyone.

    Most of the people who post here are anti B-Jobbers, as am I. But we’ve seen Mo look horrendous so far this year. We think Mo will get better, but what if he’s done?

    Assume that its July 1st, Mo is obviously done and we need a closer. Wang is ready and Hughes is back on track. Do you move him to the bullpen then? If not, who’s your closer?

  146. Man. What a horrible day for my nephew.

    First he loses an entire slice of his manhood while everyone stands and watches and shouts MAZEL TOV, and now this!

  147. Bob Stone says:

    Excellent question in a hypothetical case. I want Chamberlain to start too, but if Mo were done or ineffective I would want Joba as closer. Others here have proposed Melancon and others but I don’t think anyone else in the Yankee orgainzation is ready to take for Mo – Not even Bruney. Let’s just hope that Mo returns to form. I think he will.