This offseason the New York Yankees held off on trading star prospects Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, or Joba Chamberlain. It was to obtain the duty of perennial ace Johan Santana and was applauded for it by the media and fans.
However, a month into the season and the decision may be getting some second guesses. The trials and tribulations of the Yankees have gotten off to a 14-16 start, (and they didn't even have to fly to Japan) highlighted by lackluster pitching and a slew of injuries.
The injuries to Posada and now ARod are substantial, but what alarms the Yankee faithful is the sudden injury to Phil Hughes.
This "future" of the organization was off to a dreadful 0-4 start with an ERA of 9.00. Now he has a stress fracture in his rib and will be out until at least July.
- B/R Ticket Guide
So looking to the other star studded prospect Ian Kennedy, there is much more to be desired as well. His numbers read similar to Hughes with a 0-2 mark with an 8.37 ERA. He has walked 20 batters in just 23.2 innings.
The lone bright spot for young Yankees’ pitching is that of the near unhittable Joba Chamerblain, who has been the centerpoint of controversy himself.
Destined to join the rotation, but when and how will he be stretched out enough to do so? And is it worth it at this point?
These questions will haunt the Yankees all season in what could be the worst season of the past 20 years. Who will be blamed?
None other than first year manager Joe Girardi. It’s not the Steinbrenner way to blame the people actually responsible for building such an atrocity (Brian Cashman).
If Hughes and Kennedy do not pan out to become the cornerstones that they were projected, the Yankees will be seeing the repercussions for years. Although with a $200 million payroll, it might not hurt that much.
But the slow and rocky start for these pitchers also begs the question, are they Yankee tough?
In two seasons, Hughes has had two major injuries, and Kennedy has looked like a fish out of water on the Yankee Stadium mound.
Maybe next year in the new stadium they will forget about all the history and pressure, and it will be a starting over process not just for the fans but for the players as well.
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8 months ago
yeah i love to see the yankees do awful as a sox fan but i also like to see a great game so i am in a little dilemma
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