Phil Hughes: "Last Year Was a Failure"

Unlike a year ago, when Hughes arrived in spring training guaranteed a spot in the Yankees rotation and showed up overweight, the right-hander reported last month lighter and in better shape. Hughes is competing with Ivan Nova, Freddy Garcia and Michael Pineda for those three spots. And while general manager Brian Cashman has repeatedly said the Yankees view the 25-year-old Hughes as a starter, he does have more bullpen experience (49 games) than the others combined. “I try to throw as well as I can. If that’s competing, sure,’’ Hughes said when asked about the fight being on his mind. “It’s always there.’’Two years ago, Hughes won 18 games, dominated the Twins in the ALDS and then was spanked twice by the Rangers in the ALCS. Last year his velocity never showed up and he spent close to three months on the disabled list with an inflamed right shoulder. When he returned, he was pedestrian and finished the year 5-5 with a 5.79 ERA. Two weeks after digesting last season’s disappointment, the 6-foot-5 Hughes went to work on his body, which was listed by the Yankees last season at 240 pounds.It was something I wanted to do,’’ Hughes said when asked if the Yankees talked to him about weight, as they did with Sabathia. “Last year was a failure and I didn’t want to do that again. It’s on me.’’  Full Story


"Last year was a failure." Uhhh yeah you can say that again Phil. Get the fuck in shape and start pitching like you did two years ago when you won 18 games for us. I think Nova and Pineda will lock up the 3rd and 4th starting spots in the rotation behind C.C. and Hiroki Kuroda. As far as I'm concerned, the fifth spot is Hughes to lose (like that rhyme?). And I don't mean any disrespect to Freddy Garcia, he's just ten years older. Garcia very well may beat out Hughes and put him back in the bullpen. At 25 though, it's about time the 2004 first round pick returns to All-star form to have a breakout season. Cut out the Captain Crunch like C.C. did and you're golden Phil. Another word of advice, don't ever wear this shirt again.