Yankees X-Factor Through Postseason Play Is Phil Hughes

Most analysts have stated that C.C. Sabathia holds all the keys for the New York Yankees during the quest for title No. 28, but that is not correct.

There is no question Sabathia is the unquestioned ace of the staff and one of the top pitchers in all of baseball, but the X-factor for the Yankees is their 24-year old right-hander and No. 3 starter, Phil Hughes.

Hughes began the season in an unbelievable hot streak. He carried the Yankee staff when Sabathia and others were not quite on top of their games. In fact during one early season start against the Boston Red Sox, Hughes was throwing straight gas. 

His fastball was topping out at 96 mph and he had pinpoint control with everything he threw towards the plate. Red Sox hitters had no chance, it was domination the likes of the varsity taking on the junior varsity.

Then after the first two months of the season, Hughes began to fade, yet he was still not losing games. Even with an ERA over five during the month of June, Hughes reached the All-Star break with a record of 11-2. He showed the ability to overcome lack of velocity and pitch just good enough to scrap by and get the win.

It is an ability that still seems to escape the likes of A.J. Burnett and Javier Vazquez, who crumble at the first signs of trouble. Hughes, however, in his first full season as a starter won a total of 18 games, yet has not gotten the amount of fan appreciation the likes of Strasburg and others have obtained.

It's very rare a player on the Yankees roster is overlooked by many analysts, yet that is exactly the scenario befallen on Hughes. For Hughes' purpose, he doesn't mind, he is known for his calm under pressure and would most likely rather be anonymous. 

That will not be the case after this postseason, however, as it is believed by some in the organization it will be his breakout party. Joe Girardi starting Hughes in a game three, normally the swing game in any series, shows the faith he has in his young righty. 

Hughes can fulfill his managers faith by continuing to throw his bullets by opposing hitters and showing the opposition and analysts why he should not be overlooked.