SHE SAID: Phil on Fire

The 2007 playoffs. I remember them well. I had a ticket to both rounds and a ticket to the World Series. Sadly, we all know the Yankees did not make the World Series that year. But they did manage to win game 3 at home when Phil Hughes, the youngest player on the roster came in to relieve Roger Clemens. That was the only playoff game I made it to that season and after that game, I was convinced that Hughes deserved his spot on the Yankees.

Since that win, Phil has not been lucky and has been fighting a few injuries. He also has to hear his name brought up in every single trade talk involving the New York Yankees, which I am sure does nothing to improve his confidence. Recently, Phil has been showing fans he deserves his Yankee jersey, whether he’s starting or coming in from the bullpen to set up Mo. In Hughes’ last 17 relief outings, he has an ERA of only 1.06 and has only allowed seven hits in 17 innings.I would like to say the Yankee starters can consistently pitch 7 or 8 innings, but we all know that’s not the case, meaning the Yankees desperately need someone to bridge the gap between the starter and the great Rivera. If his recent performance is a solid indicator of what Hughes can do in relief, the Yankees may have finally found their man in Phil Hughes, alleviating the fear that Yankee fans have been feeling when the starter comes out early. If Hughes can keep this up, Yankee fans can feel confident in winning as early as the 7th inning. We all know the importance of a great set up man. Who can forget that thirteen years ago Rivera once set up John Wetteland. It may be too early to say this, but as he’s pitching now, Hughes looks much like Rivera did back then and can offer the Yankees a couple of innings in early relief.

I for one am tired of hearing Phil’s name come up in the trade talks and am glad he’s finally found a good fit on the team and showing Yankee fans just what he can do. He wasn’t the phenomenon that Joba was when he came up, but I don’t think Hughes’ talent should be underestimated. He is still just 23 years old, giving him time for a little growing pains. After all, he was the Yankees first round draft pick in 2004 and once pitched a perfect game in high school. Phil, keep up the good work.