Hughes, Pavano air it out
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Phil Hughes and Carl Pavano each pitched for Class A Charleston tonight.
Hughes went 3.2 scoreless innings, giving up one hit and one walk while striking out five. Pavano went three innnings, allowing five hits, one run and two walks with two strikeouts.
Hughes, according to a report that was e-mailed to me, was hitting 95.
“Tonight I was able settle in and spot my fastball, and throw my breaking balls and changeups,” Hughes said. “I was able to go 50-plus pitches tonight, and then go up to 65 or 70 pitches next outing.”
Hughes tossed 54 pitches. He is a start or two away from being MLB-ready, at least from a point-count standpoint.
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on Sunday, August 3rd, 2008 at 3:02 am by Peter Abraham.
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Chad Jennings
Sam Borden
Technically, he hit 101 MPH (!) on the radar gun tonight, but minor league guns are brutally inaccurate, so I’m refraining from getting my hopes up. I just hope he has his command back.
Hughes, according to a report that was e-mailed to me, was hitting 95.
Pete was that a guy at the game source or a legit Yankees scout.
Pavano Yuk!!!
Play Of The Freakin Night
There’s something you don’t see everyday.
If only wang hadn’t gotten injured…
there was much debate over hughes and the gun here tonight, pete. i’d guess he’s still topping out at 93, but i suppose 95 is believable. 101 is not. at all.
killer springsteen setlist. wow.
Doesn’t matte was Hughes was hitting. MOVEMENT is much more important. 5 strikeouts means he has some good movement on his fastball. I get the feeling he’s going to embarass somebody.
*doesnt matter*
The weirdos from before said Hughes hit 100.
WOW
“there was much debate over hughes and the gun here tonight, pete. i’d guess he’s still topping out at 93, but i suppose 95 is believable. 101 is not. at all.”
Use your head. Hughes cant hit 100. Geez.
“If only wang hadn’t gotten injured…”
Every team deals with adversity.
Hughes would never hit 100.
Ridiculous.
Hughes is my man. I got my #65 jersey.
No joke.
Hughes never hit triple digits.
“there was much debate over hughes and the gun here tonight, pete. i’d guess he’s still topping out at 93, but i suppose 95 is believable. 101 is not. at all.”
Hughes cannot hit triple digits. Please stop.
hughes doesn’t throw 100!!!
Stop
Stop making the same comment over and over again. Nobody’s contending he hit triple digits.
I wonder if IPK is next in line. I think it’s a great chance for both him and Hughes to come back and redeem themselves with the poor first half performances.
Is it unthinkable to give Pavano a chance again?
Kennedy starts Sunday for Scranton, so hopefully he’ll continue to progress.
I think the best case scenario for the Yanks right now is for Ponson and Rasner to hold the fort and do a decent for a couple more turns of the rotation because it seems Kennedy would greatly benefit from a couple more starts for Scranton and continuing to build his confidence down there.
I don’t think there’s any question that he’s going to get another look fairly soon. I just hope he’s in better mental shape this time around.
I’d rather see Hughes get the call before IPK. IPK doesn’t hit 100.
Mel…always the little trouble maker. I love that in a woman….that and being a Yankee fan.
can anyone imagine pavano walking onto the field at YS and the ensuing round of boos? it would be brutal.
for one thing yankee brass would probably be wary of the psycho-emotional effect on a pitcher, who needs all his attention and intention for the current batter. and secondly, would pavano ever agree to place himself in that position?
Sure, Pavano is getting mega-bucks, but don’t you think he’d do anything to step out on the mound at YS and actually get it done? I bet he’d wear a pink cap and a tutu.
Rather than a pink cap and tutu – how about he just comes out wrapped head to toe in bandages, ice packs, and carries an IV.
Cuts out the middle man.
TK, if Pavano can come back healthy this year and win games, I don’t care what he’s done. I’d be nice to Stuart and the other idiots and trolls on this board, if he wins.
.
.
.
OK, that might be stretching it, but, I’d at least think bout being nice to them.
Bring Pavano back when the Yankees are on the road, let him pitch, hope he does well. Put him on the August waiver list, if somebody puts in a claim, dump him and the contract on that team!
Never mind the misleading radar guns etc. As long as Phil Hughes can throw strikes and mix his pitches well, he can be a lot of help when he’s ready to return. His velocity will be good enough.
Hughes and IPK both hit 100; Games lost due to injury.
Hello Hughes… so long Rasner or Ponson?
“Bring Pavano back when the Yankees are on the road, let him pitch, hope he does well. Put him on the August waiver list, if somebody puts in a claim, dump him and the contract on that team!”
so they can pay the $1.65 left on the $40 million we’ve already dished out to him?
i’m all for putting him out there to pitch. while he’s out there, he can perform the ceremonial “YMCA” with the grounds crew, sing “God Bless America,” and clean up my garbage after I leave. it’s time to earn that salary, Carl. i’m sure the A-list starlets will be watching…
good news on Phil. i can’t wait until the day him and Joba are mowing them down, day in, day out, for us.
After the way they rushed Hughes and IPK this year, you guys really think they’re coming back any time soon?
I think we’re in for more of Rasner and Ponson.
IPK has been killer in his last 3 SWB starts, and for the season AAAers are hitting .170 against him. I think he should be first up.
Thrilled to see Phil on his way back too. Girardi will have good options IMO.
I’d bring up IPK and try him out in Rasner’s spot. If he can’t seem to bring it together, Hughes’ turn.
would we really bring hughes into the rotation after only 2 AAA starts?
I found this hard to believe.
There was a story in Newsday today where Theo Epstein said, after trading Craig Hansen, that he thought the Sox rushed Hansen to the majors. Granted, a lot of people thought that he was ready coming out of St. John’s. But Theo thought that rushing him, and the resultant messing with his mechanics as a result of poor results, essentially screwed the kid up.
I’m not a baseball professional, but we’re trusting the Yanks’ pitching wizards to handle Phil better. A LOT better. In a way, it may be part of the argument to go after CC, to give Phil more time to get it together. Heck, he’s only, what, 21 years old?
DCL, even though it’s doubtful that you are a “we” (Yankee fan, judging by your ridiculous posts – almost troll-like), Hughes and Pavano have made two low A starts (like spring training) and will move up to Tampa or Trenton to make at least two starts and then to Scranton. If they are healthy and effective, they will then join the Yankees. at no time has anybody even hinted that they would be brought up after these two starts.
After ponson’s start on Friday, we will have to see what Rasner does today before anyone is brought up.
When(i am assuming that sid and ras won’t both keep their spots) its time to bring someone up it will be IPK first. I would expect IPK to do well this time around, much much less pressure, he doesn’t have as high of expectations, plus all he has to do is be better than sid or ras.
Based on his comments after the demotion, it was obvious that he felt the pressure and it was affecting his game.
What’s the realistic return time for Hughes and Kennedy? We know Wang is most likely not returning at all.
kennedy could start on friday, hughes is at least 25 days away.
Unless there is an injury-type emergency, Hughes and Pavano won’t be up before September. This is being treated as spring training.
Phil not only needs to command his fastball (If it’s 92-93mph with some movement) but he also needs to start throwing a 3rd pitch.
From the reports of last nights game it sounds like he was using his changeup, which he despratley needs to be able to throw in the majors.
He threw 2 changeups to Texeira in that start against the Rangers last year that were flat out nasty. But he never seemed to throw more than 1 or 2 in a game after that. you CANNOT be a succesful MLB starter with a fastball, curveball arsenal. C’mon Phil, I still think your gonna be the man!
Good news.. I think we could see Hughes before August is out. Kennedy is ready any time now IMO. Ras has been ok his last few times out so I don’t see him going anywhere unless he really stinks.
By the way, a note about Hughes’ velocity. Before he had this string of injuries over the past two seasons he regularly sat at 92-94 and could jack it up to 95 when needed. That is plenty of velocity as far as I’m concerned.
sdjohn I agree he needs to improve his changeup. Perhaps he will stay in the minors longer than we think to do so. He also has a slider that actually used to be his best pitch in high school but the Yankees had him stop throwing it until pretty recently. If he improves the slider and change he will be a very good pitcher.
Will Kennedy be replacing Rasner and Ponson? Assuming Rasner’s next start (today) is mildly decent
Rasner and Ponson have been making it difficult to cut. Just when we think it’s time for either to go they come up with a quality start with or without run support.
More than anything, the offense has to show up more than they do.
On a seperate subject, I think Mark Melancon is ready for the majors right now. He’s only pitched 4 innings at AAA but don’t forget, Joba only had 2 relief appearances in AAA before he got called up. Unfortunately for Mark our bullpen is full and everyone in it is doing a good job thus far. If Bruney or Robertson start to falter I could see Melancon getting a call-up. I’d prefer to have him rather than Bruney but I doubt he will be in the majors any sooner than Sept. 1.
Anybody want to guess on how Pavono will get injured next?
He’ll probably get a papercut while opening the envelope that contains his next pay stub.
I hope Hughes continues this positive rehab. Can’t wait to see what he does his next time out/at the next level.
As for Pavano, I think if he had developed a sense of humor somewhere along the line, or come off as less, oh, I don’t know – obnoxious? – the fans would have been behind him in spite of the injuries. That being said, if he progresses enough to help this team down the stretch, he should get the chance. But he needs to be aware that his initial appearance would probably bring out a huge negative response – and he needs to figure out a crowd-pleasing way to acknowledge the disappointment (a tip of the cap and a bow, perhaps?). Then he needs to go out and pitch like nothing ever happened, and at the very, very least, give the team a chance to win that start.
Then, after that, whatever happens, happens. He won’t be a Yankee next season.
I just want to comment about all the comments I have read over the past season that seem to say that the Yankees won’t have the same success in the new Yankee Stadium as they have enjoyed in their current Stadium, the latest being uttered by David Wells. It does a great disservice to the talents of the various players over the years to credit the success of their teams to a bunch of “ghosts” who haunt monument park or wherever. The history of the franchise will follow wherever they go. The ability of the front office to continue to invest in the team will determine whether or not they continue to acquire players with the drive and ability to do what past teams have done.
There is something to be said about going to the same place as one’s father or grandfather; about playing a game in the same real estate as a Ruth or a DiMaggio or a Mantle or a Mattingly. But their accomplishments follow this team wherever it plays. The Yankees are not about a place. They are about a tradition and a drive toward winning and accomplishments not matched by any other team.
It will be a sad day to see the building go, but new memories, new accomplishments, new championships await them just across the street. As for the ghosts, I bet they’ve already secured the best seats in the new house!
http://www.wspa.com/spa/sports.....dogs/6697/
video about last nights game.
Where the hell were the ghosts in the final two games of the 2004 ALCS? Pretty useless for inference running apparitions if you ask me.
The Yankes have won six World Series since 1962… I suspect they’ll win that many in the first 26 years in the new place.
Does anyone know who pulled the countdown lever yesterday? With so many old timers in the house, so many to choose from.
86w183
Yeah, “mystique,” “aura” and the various spectres seem to pick and choose their appearances, don’t they????
Pat it was bobby richardson
Watching Molina go 1st to 3rd yesterday was great Replay that all day please.
Even if Pava
Okay, let’s try this again. Even if Pavano manages somehow to get into pitching shape, I don’t that the Yankees would use him. Hasn’t it been well documented that the players can’t stand him? I wouldn’t want him on the team; it would disrupt the clubhouse harmony. Plus, he will most likely injury himself again so why bother?
WOW, that is awesome news for Phil, hopefully he can be back with the club sometime in september
I could be wrong but I just don’t think you’ll see Cash make any adjustments to the rotation prior to Sept 1. There really isn’t a significant upgrade from within and, as we saw from last week, from outside either. Ponson and Raz have done all that’s been expected. It’s the injury to Wang that really hamstrung the staff.
Best case scenario, Hughes or Pavano are at least 4-5 starts away…at least. Aceves has been so-so, not good enough to force Cash to make a tough decision. They obviously haven’t seen anything yet from him at that level that makes them believe he can be better than Raz/Sid. Kennedy is hot, but they seem content to let him accumulate some more innings and confidence at SWB.
I’m just glad Phil is looking good. Maybe we will be seeing him sooner than we thought?
I wonder how long he was dealing with that rib injury..oh well.
Pavano-oy. That’s all I have to say.
Let’s get a win somehow today.
One thought. With the impending return or uselfulness of Pavano I was surprised that the Yankees didnt trade him. Somebody knowing he was coming back might have taken a shot and took him. Even if the Yankees ate the $$$ I think its worthwhile to admit the mistake, get something or anything and move on. I cannot see him going back into that clubhouse without incident.
Same with Igawa, they should have moved him and moved on from that.
If they do not sign Giambi for one year perhaps they should keep I Rod at catcher, move Posada to first.
I just hope Matsui comes back
“There is something to be said about going to the same place as one’s father or grandfather; about playing a game in the same real estate as a Ruth or a DiMaggio or a Mantle or a Mattingly. But their accomplishments follow this team wherever it plays. The Yankees are not about a place. They are about a tradition and a drive toward winning and accomplishments not matched by any other team.”
Well said, Doreen. If the Yanks changed the design of the uniforms, we’d hear similar comments.
Its kind of hard at this point for Pavano to develop a sense of humor about his career as a Yankee.
He has been the butt of every joke imaginable about his injuries. If he started making light about them about them now, he would come off looking worse than he already does in the eyes of the media, fans and team.
He is in a no win situation for himself and I can’t really blame him for acting the way he is acting.
From both sides (the Yankees and Pavano) its been a horrible experience.
Probably the worst experience for a player and the Yankees since the Kenny Rogers Era.
As far as Hughes and Melancon, unless guys completely fall off the map, I can’t see either guy being here prior to roster expansion on September 1. The longer Hughes can throw innings, and use all of his pitches, the better it is for his development.
For Melancon, while he is ready right now, they aren’t going to cut or demote anybody out of the ‘pen because everybody is throwing the ball so well out there.
They also have to reward Bruney for sucking it up, not having the surgery, and getting back this season. It would be bad business to move on him for Melancon after he busted his hump to get back.
The pitching is good enough as is to get to the playoffs. Maybe not for a big run in the playoffs but, its good enough to get in.
The offense? That’s another story. Unless they find something that has been missing all year, consistency from game to game and being able to hit w/RISP, the offense isn’t good enough to win games on a consistent basis.
Especially over the next two months when the Yankees are on the road for most of the rest of the season. They are going to have to hit during these long road trips in order to win games.
Who would have thought at the beginning of the season, we would look at the offense as a weakness on the team?
Its been one crazy year so far.
I’m more excited about Pavano. He could be MLB-ready a few games before he permanently jams his thumb somewhere unpleasant, putting him back on the inactive-but-paid list.
Pavano’s only hope to win over fans would be to acknowledge guilt over his inability to deliver on his contract and the mistakes he’s made. Then publicly offer to pitch for the Yankees for the major league minimum in 2009 to make up for it. That might work.
Hughes/Pavano need three starts each to build up to where they may be able to go 90-100 pitches. Kennedy on the other hand needs to pitch well tonight and make the Yankees decision on starts are difficult as possible. Rasner may very well again be pitching for his spot in the rotation.
But I agree with SJ, the key to the final 50 games will be getting this offense to produce to its ability rather than the hit and miss offense that has plagued the Yankees most of the season.
We all know Hughes doesn’t hit 100MPH..even some of the best pitchers in baseball don’t hit that mark. People were just repeating what the announcers were saying on the radio…just calm down. All that matters is that Phil looks like he is throwing hard and he is putting up impressive numbers.
Kevin
Thanks Gayle
Doreen, it’s not only the players that played for the Yanks. It’s Ty Cobb and Walter Johnson, Ted Williams and Bob Feller. Willie Mays and Hank Aaron. The Brooklyn Dodger and and New York Giants. It’s The Ballpark. It’s a religous experience. Everyone calls it “The Cathedral”. It’s more than that. It’s baseball’s Vatican and right now, George Steinbrenner is the pope.
If by some act of God Pavano stays healthy, can he actually be traded? Would a team in the hunt, most likely an NL team, take a chance on this guy?
PAVANO OWES THE YANKEES FAN 4 YEARS WE AS YANKEE FANS SHOULD DEMAND THIS AND IT SHOULD BE A TOPIC FOR THE REST OF SEASON. DOES HE HAVE ANY BALLS? HE SHOULD TELL THE YANKEE FANS THAT HE WILL SIGN FOR LOW SALARY AND PROVE TO US THAT HE WANTED TO WEAR THE PINSTRIPES
Three guys were in the dugout the whole time for the Old timer’s Day. Wouldn’t it have been a tight fit for a bunch of the old timers and all the players.. there were after all 72 old timer’s at the game. that’s a lot of people to pack into that small dugout, MK! idiot.
If scouts’ radar had him at 95mph and he can continue to hit that mark, I’d say call him back when he’s ready. I know that rib injury was questionable at first, but clearly something was up because Hughes does not throw 89mph like he was. We knew he had better stuff than that.
Lou, you’ve got a better chance at signing Manny to entertain at your next birthday party.
The team with the best record in baseball is playing SLOPPY baseball. Four Errors! We Have to win this game.. o.O
Hughes doesn’t throw near 100 I’ll take Pete’s source as fact here 95 is real good and I like the 5 K’s. Hughes only 2 weeks way is very exciting if Franchise could pitch well along with Joba then this season was a success regardless win or lose.
The goal of 08 was to get generation trey into the rotation if 2 out of 3 stick I view that as a successful year.