If you need to make a decision on the 5th starter in the Yankees rotation at this moment, it’s not Phil Hughes but instead Freddy Garcia. My whole thing about this is to just let these guys competing for spots to just get out there and chuck it. Then you determine based on their performances. That’s why that Marchand piece that "signed off" on Hughes already being “picked” as the 5th starter before a pitch was thrown this spring was ridiculous. Read HERE. Luckily, it was disputed by Joe Girardi and we can move on. Look, I’m not going to beat a dead horse, but what’s right is right and Freddy did good today only allowing 1 hit and 1 walk in 3 scoreless innings. Read the full story HERE.
The best part of the Yankees rotation is flexibility. In a nutshell, my opinion on this is simple; If the Yankees wanted Freddy to DH, he’d to it. I say that sarcastically because Freddy Garcia is so much about “Team” it’s terrific. He’s been quoted recently as saying that if the Yankees needed him in the bullpen, he’d do that too, it doesn’t matter to him. All the while though, he’s impressing, especially with this latest performance.
Phil Hughes on the other hand has had great experience and success in the starting role going 18 and 8 in 2010 and well as the relief role in the Yankees Championship year of 2009. Even 2 days ago, Joe Girardi was giving Hughes the "edge" this spring, read HERE. I know that's changed after today. In the end, either guy will work in either role and that works for me. Again, I’m not rooting for either, but I expect them to do their best when competing for the 5th spot.
As far as other highlights today, Nick Swisher knocked in Derek Jeter in the first inning with a double. Russell Martin doubled, but was stranded at third. On the pitching side, Manny Banuelos looked pretty good pitching 2 scoreless innings, striking out 3 and allowing just 2 hits and Rafael Soriano pitched a scoreless 4th inning and I’m not 100% sure, but I think I saw him smile.
The Yankees will play the Braves tomorrow again and Michael Pineda will get his second start of the Spring in that game. One has to wonder if there are any legs to the down-velocity story and Pineda. We are concerned here at B YB, but it's also the Spring and it may be nothing...we get that too. It's just something to watch for. Keep an eye out tomorrow… good luck Michael.
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