Today in The Journal News
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Sep 18, 2008 
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Phil Hughes returned to the majors last night and helped the Yankees beat the White Sox. Josh Thomson has the story.
A-Rod had an historic home run. This notebook also has an update on Melky Cabrera.
Here’s a link to a good article about Maddon and what some call his unorthodox managing moves. Several of which were on display in their game against the Sux and Wakefield last night as well as their last game against Mussina where he also incorporated an unconventional lineup that got the job done.
http://www.tampabay.com/sports.....815987.ece
At first I was disappointed with Phil’s outing last night, but the more I think about it, the more pleased I am. He really battled and that’s an important quality that any good pitcher has to have. Phil just needs to stay healthy and pitch. I think it’s great that he’s going to the AFL.
I am 100% behind the Phils. I think they can both be starting in the rotation next year. Coke has been great. Hughes will be, you can just see it in his pitches. He does need to work on throwing less pitches. 1 run is good, so many pitches in 4 innings isnt. But it was better than the 4 innings Ponson has been putting out there this month and last.
Anyone in a position of responsibility who suggests that we start another year with a couple of unproven youngsters in the rotation should be fired on the spot and escorted to the parking lot without even cleaning out his desk.
Hughes pitch count is deceptive. Often it’s due to wildness, but here it’s due to Chicago doing a great job of fouling off a lot of pitches. I think last night was an excellent step forward. Four innings, one run against a very good hitting lineup when he really could only command one pitch (cutter) is good stuff.
What Phil showed last night is that he needs more time in the minors. That’s where you hone your craft.
The minors is where you work on your cutter, become more economical with your pitches and develop the strength needed to stay healthy all season.
I’d say the chances are very, very slim he begins next season in the rotation.
For his sake, and the teams, he is best served with a full, healthy season in AAA.
Hype and 4 inning performances aside, he is not yet ready to assume a spot in a rotation of a team trying to make the playoffs.