WHY HUGHES IS BACK ON THE FAST TRACK

(Photo: Rudy C. Jones)
After Phil Hughes' last shaky rehab outing last week, it is being reported that he had an "explosive" start today with the Trenton Thunder. Read USA Today HERE.

The good news is this outing today was a positive step forward. But the interesting news is I could see this positive start coming after after his previous shaky start. Why? Because I analyzed the numbers and he was much sharper today, plain and simple. Check this out; In his previous outing, 72 pitches weren't enough to even get him through 4 innings. I was looking only for small improvements that time around. I was looking for some sign that Hughes isn't a new Joba. Just some sign that the Golden Boy still has a chance. I got quite a bit more than that.
(Photo: AP)
Today, Hughes was practically untouchable. The New Hampshire batters couldn't catch up to his fastball or read his curve, and on the rare occasion, even when they made contact, it was usually fouled back or became a feeble pop out. He was perfect through 3.1 when a line drive single forced him to pitch out of the stretch for the first time. That base runner was quickly erased on a brilliant throw by Austin Romine which thwarted a steal attempt, and Hughes proceeded to retired the side quietly. The remaining 2 innings saw Hughes work himself into a little more trouble, with 2 hits and a couple of walks, but like the pro he is he worked out of trouble time and time again.

In the 7th inning, he popped up Moises Sierra to ease out of a 1st and 2nd none out jam, and he was replaced by Cory Arbiso, who allowed one inherited run to score on a ground rule double. Phil walked off to a huge applause. His final line: 88 pitches, 6.1 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 8 K

All 8 of his strikeouts were swinging and he produced 20 swings and misses overall, a huge improvement from the beginning of the season where he could hardly miss a bat. His swing and miss rate was one of the primary concerns after his early season struggles, but those appear to be past him.

Even better, that 1 earned run was hardly his fault. His 3rd hit was actually a blatantly misplayed ball by left fielder Deangelo Mack. Reggie Jackson, who was in the Trenton press booth, was quick to point out that at the major league level that ball never drops, especially not with Gold Glove worthy outfielder Brett Gardner patrolling the left side of Yankee Stadium. So if I had my way and outfielders received errors as easily as I think they should, it'd be 0 ER.

But I suppose as nice as the results are, his velocity is the big story. Phil's fastball sat between 92 and 94 for the most part, occasionally dipping to 91 but no where below that. His cutter has apparently picked up a little velocity since one scout had it sitting at 91-93 as opposed to his usual 89-91. The curve ball was as devastating as usual, low 80s with huge break. He may have thrown a change up or two, but he didn't use it enough to make it noticeable. All in all, it was vintage Hughes, he pitched like the Golden Boy we've been hearing about for so long now.

The whole Hughes saga is beginning to look exactly the same as what happened to the young Tim Lincecum and Cole Hamels. Just a drop of velocity due to Rookie year work load. Both of those guys came back better than ever and have had continued success. Expect the exact same from Phil, he should be making one more stop in AAA Scranton-Wilkes Barre to get his pitch count over 100, and if that outing goes anywhere near as smoothly as today's went, you'll see him on the mound in the Bronx in about two weeks.




--Grant Cederquist, BYB Staff Writer

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