Sunday, March 9, 2008
YES: Hughes works four hitless innings
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) - Making his first appearance of spring training since surgery on his right knee last November, Matsui went 0-for-3 with two groundouts and a flyout as the designated hitter.
But Hughes, part of a package the Yankees initially offered to Minnesota for ace Johan Santana this offseason, pitched four hitless innings at Hammond Stadium. The 21-year-old right-hander, who went 5-3 with a 4.46 ERA as a rookie in 2007, retired his first nine batters before walking two in the fourth. He struck out one and threw 56 pitches.
Hughes has pitched very well so far this spring. Every March I say the same thing but I am serious this time: I’ve never been so excited for a season to start.
Next up, Joba will start against the Reds in a rare spring training night game on Monday.
Comments
People who don’t follow the Yankees’ minor league system have no clue about how good Hughes is. They are about to find out.
That’s not quite true. I know a fanatical A’s fan (I didn’t know they existed either) who recently told me he believes Hughes is going to be a force to be reckoned with. Personally, I believe Joba has a higher ceiling but Hughes looks good thus far.
I’m very excited about the big three, and I’m also encouraged by Mussina and Igawa’s recent success. I think Moose can bounce back with a little health. He was pretty unlucky last year. If he starts 25-30 times, the Yankees are in great shape. Igawa has also been throwing ok, I thought he was a lock to start in AAA but if he keeps “pitching” they may have to keep him around for long relief.
The pitchers have a good chance to surprise a lot of teams, and if the team scores a few less runs than expected they’re still going to win plenty of games giving the team from Bahston a run for their money.
I believe Joba has a higher ceiling
So Joba is a first-ballot HOF but Hughes doesn’t make it until year 2? 
Yankees win 107 games this year, bank on it. Or mock me in September when they lose their 56th game, your choice.
Sorry ml242 but Igawa has not been “throwing ok.” Walking three men in an inning is not ok - even if he didn’t surrender any hits. If anyone still left on the roster can bank on a ticket to Scranton Wilkes Barre, it’s Mr. Kei Igawa.
Come on IE, tell us how you really feel.
He’s right, Igawa’s downright awful. Does anyone know if tonight’s game is televised?
haha, i had heard that he threw multiple scoreless innings, but I guess I should have gotten more details.
that skinny toad!
joe uncool!
O Kei can you see (the plate)?
hmm, definitely early season for heckling.
I dunno, Jonathan, I think you’re right - I always look forward to the start of the season, too, but this season is the most excited I’ve been about a season since, like, 1998, I think.
This has to be the funnest Yankees team in YEARS.
yeah, i saw the FSN Twins broadcast yesterday and he was clearly not OK.
he’s changed his arm angle to overhand and is still very wild. the only reason he wasn’t lit up was probably because he was TOO wild lol.
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