The Phranchise Is Back and Fully Loaded!

(The Voice of Yankees Universe)

Phil Hughes is finally back. It feels good to say that. It was honestly hard to watch this kid get called up at such an early age and struggle at the major league level. He has shown signs of greatness, but for the most part he labored through most of his starts. Many have given up on this kid, but it makes no sense to do that at only 22 years old.

In no way am I comparing Phil to Sandy Koufax, but he is the perfect example as to why you need patience with prospects. Koufax was called up at the age of 19 in 1955, but he wasn’t the pitcher early on in his career as we know him today. In Sandy’s first 7 seasons (1955-1961) in the major leagues, he compiled these numbers:  (W-L) 54-53 3.94ERA. That isn’t the Sandy Koufax we know today. He matured over the years and became a star pitcher in 1962. He was 26 years old when he first started to show signs of greatness. Phil is only 22 years old, and people are already throwing him under the bus.

This is Phil’s year in many fans eyes, and if he doesn’t live up to all of the hype he will be driven out of town. I won’t give up on the kid. You always have to have patience with young prospects.

Phil’s 2008 campaign wasn’t impressive at all. He was injured for most of the season, but when he got a chance to play..he put up these numbers: (W-L) 0-4 6.62ERA 23K’s. After he returned from the DL toward the end of the season, he looked like the pitcher we all thought he was. He made two starts in September before the season closed up and he combined for these numbers:  12IP (W-L) 0-0 9H 3R 3ER 2BB 10K 2.25ERA.

Hughes played winter ball with the Javelina’s and he performed really well. He also impressed many of the Yankees coaches in Spring Training, so that’s a really good sign. Not only that, but he has been filthy in the minors so far this season.

2009 W/Scranton:  19.1IP (W-L) 3-0 1.86ERA 17H 4R 4ER 3BB 19K .233AVG

I’m sure you guys have heard my encounter with Phil Hughes, and I really can’t help but pull for the guy. Phil is 22 years old, has so much talent, he’s a mature pitcher, and a down to earth guy. I really hope he can get it together tonight and be a mainstay in the rotation. Maybe if Phil pitches well..we can move Joba back to the bullpen. He’s got his glasses ready and he’s healthy now..so let’s see what he brings.

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Punxsutawney Phil reemerges / Prospects Report: Re-Phil for Hughes?

How do these things happen? / The Hammer of God in Pitch f/x form