Baseball Toaster was unplugged on February 4, 2009.
Last July, Steven Goldman and I headed down to Trenton to see 20-year-old Phil Hughes start against the Akron Aeros. The above and below are two of a series of photos I snapped during that game. Hughes dominated the Aeros that night, striking out eight in four innings, but a long rain delay ended his evening there. With Hughes due to make his major league debut tonight after just three triple-A starts, I thought these photos would explain what my words might fail to sufficiently communicate. That is, quite simply, that regardless of a players skill level, it's still a long way from double-A to the major leagues.
I'll be at the game tonight, which will pit Hughes against Josh Towers (whom I erroneously discussed in yesterday's game preview). Hopefully I'll have some more photos for you all in the morning.
As for Hughes, he made just three starts in Scranton. The first was solid (5 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K), the second was poor (5 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K), and the third was dominating (6 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K). Collectively, he's gotten 4.5 times as many groundouts as fly outs and has dominated lefties (8 2/3 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 14 K, 5.5 GO/FO). That last start is a good one to build off for his big league debut, but we should still expect to see some of the nervousness he displayed in spring training, particularly during the first inning. That said, Chase Wright, who had one fewer start in double-A before making his major league debut than Hughes has in triple-A coming into tonight, was able to settle down and beat the Indians. There's no reason why Hughes, a vastly superior pitcher, can't do the same to a Blue Jays lineup that has replaced Troy Glaus and Gregg Zaun with Jason Smith and Jason Phillips (and has always had Royce Clayton).
Both Hughes and Scranton hitting coach Butch Wynegar (yes, Butch Wynegar) have been quoted as saying they don't expect Hughes to return to Scranton. Brian Cashman, who has a little more say over these things, has said tonight's start is a one-off appearance to stem the tide until Mike Mussina returns from the disabled list on Thursday. The Yankees have wisely said they plan to limit Hughes, who threw a career-high 146 innings between Tampa and Trenton last year, to 180 innings this year. I just can't imagine how they'd accomplish that without returning him to triple-A, where his starts can be artificially limited to five or six innings. That said, I expect him to return to the majors to stay by June at the latest. So, tonight may not mark the arrival of Phil Hughes, just a sneak preview, but it should be no less enjoyable as a result.
That playground looks like fun.
1. Karstens starts on Saturday. Igawa's going to work in the bullpen with Gator to get consistent. Tea thought Karstens should have had a minor league start and was thrown into the fire last weekend. This is sort of a second chance.
2. Mike wouldn't shut up about getting Bernie onto the bench. Torre could only suggest he'd need longer than 10 games to get in shape. Said he saw Bernie at O'Neill fundraiser two weeks ago and Bernie still needs to express an interest in coming back.
3. No mention of Mhfdjk - so at least one example that he isn't on the popular radar. He must still be a "great glove" for the team.
4. Farns gets the eighth tonight.
5. Hughes seems to be getting a second start next week, but Torre didn't say when. Still, it's up to his performance somewhat about against whom he starts.
6. Scary thought: Tea was thinking about Mad Dog's s screeching when he brought Mo into the eighth inning. His only regret is that he hadn't had Mo pitch earier in the week.
Gentlemen, you'll find at Yankee Stadium that the measurements from the pitching rubber to home plate is 60'6"...same as our little ballyard back home.
From home to first base is 90 feet, same as our field back home.
The left and right field foul lines are the same as the park back home.
The moonbounce and goofy inflatable player down the right field line, however, are 10 times the size of the ones in Trenton.
It would be so awesome to be able to watch and cheer for a legit, 'homegrown', young, bona fide #1 ace - and root for the Yanks at the same time.
"moonbounce and goofy inflatable player down the right field line"
Sterling and Waldman?
Cairo at SS batting 9th and...
Mfhdjkvd batting 2nd.
Brilliant!
I assume Sanchez to 60-day DL and Bean to Scranton?
26 Brilliant!
I'd rather Cairo hit second.
This Yankee offense might crush him, too, but there's at least some chance that they might not. I don't think the same could be said of Towers.
Just kidding, I guess I did start it by taking a shot at you (sorry).
Well, maybe he can.
I guess we can look forward to this shit all year?
Oops.. gotta always remember to check Pete out before I comment. From Lohud:
The Yankees just said Jeter was scratched. His leg is still sore but he will be available off the bench.
"They''re batting WHO second?
But, I won't let that get me down, not tonight!
man oh man.
usually, if the game is on something besides yes, the local cable company will feed it on a different channel, but it is nowhere to be found.
Weeel, not a good start phil!
KT was sent down to make room on the 25-man.
Leiter and Kay mentioned it as well, that is the difference w/ pro hitters.
All in all, I would say an inning of nerves...if he can spot the fastball a bit more consistently (which is to say, still below what he normally does), he should do real well
(knocks on woods)
Does Torre even look at stats?
Kay pointed out that Damon has terrible stats against Burnett - something like .148
So why is our 1-2 Damon and the stink?
That is a combined .250 batting average (maybe) for 2 people?
At least Phil won't get bored in the dugout.
And another shot of Molly Hughes :)
He really settled down that inning. He still missed location a few times (right after I side it was good). He is coming along.
That was your pitch Alex
got my laptop, a beer, waldman and sterling.
oh, and youze guys.
go hughes.
besides, i know for a fact the dude next door is a big yanks fan.
the dogs name is jeter.
he was INVALUABLE!
Because as far as I can tell, based on the people who have had "stuff" over the years, it has nothing to do with location or pitch selection.
That was close.
That foul was 400+ feet. But barely foul.
A fastball that JoPo had called for away, but crossed the plate.
I'm pretty sure it's cursed...
Another nice inning by Phil!
And Burnett is making is look foolish...sigh
Did Torre forget that #11 is not Gary Sheffield any more?
We need to score some runs. if Hughes gets a loss here...well, rediculous
Phil, on the other hand, has the makeup to be the next NY pretty boy, now that Jeter is an old man?
222 Really? I though he almost evaded the tag. It was closer then it should have been.
Does it feel like this should be way beyond the 4th inning to anyone else?
It was trying to go to 2B I didn't understand. Who does he think it is, "Wheels" Wright? ;-)
Now THERE'S the Minky I love. Give 'em hell.
Kidding, kidding all you islanders...
Has JD EVER had a play at the plate with his arm? He'ld have to be standing on 2nd base.
And even then...
I really don't care about the result. He belongs in the majors.
4.1IP 7H 2ER 1BB 5K 90 pitches.
6innings, 2 ER, 1BB, 7K I would say...
(raises hand)
Nice, Rob, way to get us started. Ugh, now the bad part of the line-up, though...
:)
Here comes Henn, right?
Igawa is just taking up a roster spot at thia point.
This is fun.
Maybe their bullpen will more hittable.
And Giambi doesn't even think about going to 2B on that one...
Ugh. Okay, next inning, for sure. No Burnett.
And Joe has his excuse to bury Henn again
Well folks, I'm off to dinner and a night of theatre, so much for getting Henn a W let alone not a loss...
Proctor for one more and then Myers...No F that, Myers for two!
We'll sweep the Sox and all will be well.
358 We definitely need Pettite to go 8 tomorrow. I'd also like it if Mo wouldn't blow a save for the third consecutive game that Pettite has started.
You know what the '62 Mets didn't have to deal with? Fucking ESPN still talking about the damned bloody sock. Who cares?!
Just back from the game (too cold and too annoyed to stay for the whole game and boy am I glad I live ont he upper east, 30mins door to door) and here are some initial thoughts on Hughes and our boys...
Hughes - Just to let you know I was sittingI am not breaking any news here, the kid is for real. Fast ball is milk just flowing from his had and his curve ball is just filthy. at time it was a 20MPH difference. Now I mentioned I sat behing the plate. Two rows in front of me were a bunch of scouts. While I couldn't quite hear what they were saying I saw them look at each other a bunch of time, nodding and seeming very impressed. Aside from that rocky start, in which Frank Thomas basically stuck his bat out at the ball and drove in the run, I think he pitched good. And what I like about him that I haven't seen in other young Yankees pitchers is that his stuff looks like it can and will dominate. The change of speeds between his 4 seam and his curve is leathal. I also think he cruises through the 5th if that ump didn't blow the call. Well I assume it was a blown call, the guy looked out to me. I still would have prefered Hughes to stay down, but methinks he is here for good, or until Torre ruins him.
The rest of the team: I nearly snapped my scorecard pencil in half when I saw Stink batting second. Why not Cano? I guess just because then the bottom of the order would be reminisant of something you step on. But still, Stink batitng second??? The team just looked flat, then seemed deflated after the Ump blew the call, like they knew it would lead to runs. The offense which was hot three days ago was cooled off by AJ Burnett who tonight looked like the real deal. I have never seen someone throw 98 with such ease. They let Burnett off the ropes with Posada's double play and Abreu's groundout took some life out of the park and I think the team.
A 6 game loosing streak is something that should be taken seriously especially with the Sox coming to town. I am getting the feeling that if the Yanks were to lose 2 of 3 some changes will be coming and it will not be promoting a rookie 2nd baseman and rookie pitcher. I think it might be promoting a rookie manager.
That was JUST what I was about to post, Hank. All the box score/real-time game engines seem to be on the same service, and when one goes out, they ALL go out. Really annoying.
- A. Rodriguez grounded out to second
- J. Phelps hit for J. Giambi
- J. Giambi struck out looking
- H. Matsui walked
- J. Posada struck out swinging
Not what I was hoping for from my fantasy star, A-Rod.
Batting Stink 2nd ws stupid, but he actually had the best ABs in the game. Lineup was irrelevant in this game. Burnett was nasty. If the team was 11-8 and dropped this game, it wouldn't be a big deal.
Unfortunately, they have lost 6 games in a row and it's getting late early. If they keep losing games to the Sox, I don't think it would be premature to start looking at the wild card. Now, I know the optimists here will jump down my throat about that statement, but I can't disguise what I am seeing.
This game epitomizes why, too. Jeter is scratched, ok. So what does Torre do? He plays Minky, and bats him 2nd.
I know what he'd give the reason as: "I don't want to disrupt the normal batting order..." but how about wanting to give our pitchers a chance to win the game?
Here's the best solution I can think of. If they lose 2 out of 3 this weekend, and the bullpen/lineup card is partly to blame again, I'd like to see Torre suddenly find out some "personal issues" need his attention away from the team.
Have him disappear for a couple weeks. See if Mattingly, or Bowa, or Pena can fill in and get the team at or above .500. Then, in private, Cashman and Torre and whoever else can make the decision whether Joe's "personal issues" have been resolved and he rejoins the team.
Coddmeyer just missed the record. Everyone thought it was going out.
Phil Phenom settled down a bit after an understandably rough 1st before running out of steam in the 5th. And Vernon Wells taught him a thing or two about the big leagues. Take him away (which I realize is ridiculous), and the kid pitched as well as could be expected.
That was probably the worst home crowd I've ever been a part of. It was dead silent. (I heard some Banteresque Banter, however. A "Fi-yurr Tor-re" chant, and someone yelling "Mike Myers can't get lefties out, he shouldn't be on this team!") I didn't even get to see my favorite player (fuck you, Scott Kazmir).
Stink can NEVER play in the same lineup as Cairo. I saw it firsthand today.
Highlight of my day: A girl who looked about 13 yelling "Asssssssss-hoooole" at Myers as he ran in from the pen.
Does anyone else have a feeling that Bondy reads Banter? His article in the Thursday Daily Rues seemed to have been ghost-written by the purportedly-Zenned Jim Dean.
Lastly, I love the look A-Rod has right now. He's totally locked into my philosophy. He even said, "...and I really don't give a ---- what anyone thinks about it." What more can I say, Top Billin'... zzzzz...
I'm with Steve that that's not necessarily a bad thing, but then I don't agree with the comparison in the first place. Phil's stuff was not "electric" tonight, as his fastball was around 91 more often than 94, and his 5 K's came against Adam Lind and Jason Smith, but honestly, predicting a career fit for no better than a low number two or decent three off a few spring training innings and a major-league debut...Well, as Steve says, it's just an impression.
Not that the Ace talk isn't premature, but there's no reason to worry about Hughes' stuff. He may not have the velocity of Burnett or Beckett, but when he builds his arm strength (the best reason, I think, the Yanks may have opted to keep him in the minors), he'll sit at 93 no problem. So what if 93 isn't 97? 93 is why Phil has learned location and command and 97 is why Burnett hasn't.
Plenty of guys have built ace careers around a low-sometimes-mid-90's fastball just because they could put the ball on the corners and made effective use of excellent secondary pitches, and Hughes has that secondary pitch, no doubt. His curve was great today and he threw it at varying speeds with varying breaks.
I saw plenty of things today, but the guy who started on the mound didn't look like someone who'll be flirting with mediocrity at the end of his career.
http://tinyurl.com/2htbgy
Isn't that Pavano lurking in the background? How's that for the past eyeballing the future? woooooo
Throw in a wider strike zone (it was damn small tonight) and free swinging texas team for his (hopefully) next start, and a better call at 1B in the 5th, and who knows what his line would/will look like?
I saw everything I had hoped to see tonight, save maybe better location. I had hoped he would spot his pitches better, but I'm not concerned at all..
What I AM concerned about is, as we all have discussed, the BP and Joe's use of it...Oh well, could be a long ugly weekend (again)
The guys at riveraveblues, although totally in love with Hughes so a bit biased, are real good and mostly objective.
Just my 2 cents...
Give me a guy who can hit the corners and I'm happy. Ask Maddux if "electric stuff" matters without that.
(cough)5-0(cough)
He looked great to start last year too.
Gotta love his 92 from last year.
Phil is not AJ or Nolan Ryan. However, he looks to be a better 'pitcher' then both, as location and plus secondary pitches are more valuable, and Phil has both.
I hit my Hell's Kitchen diner this morning to check in on Alex, who I nominate as the best waiter in the city.
Haven't seen him since around Christmas and he still remembers my order, and tall glass of ice water.
I love talking Yankees with Alex. After we exchange "how ya been?s" we get down to business. "Whadda ya think?" ("about these Yanks" is implied).
Alex tells me he went to bed in the fifth. "Forget it. I needed sleep." alluding to his 4am wake up.
"Yeah, we all need sleep" I observed from under my rain dampened Yanks cap -- 6 consecutive losses, and 6 hours of restless sleep in my eyes, 4 days of whiskers on my cheeks. I look like I'm on a losing streak this morning.
Alex usually stays up for the Yanks. He couldn't be bothered last night.
We agreed Hughes looked good enough, and that Vernon Wells will always crush our pitchers.
"They better win this weekend," Alex the city's best waiter warned.
I agreed. "Yeah, this is gettin' bad."
Alex wasn't talking about the AL East standings.
"I'm losing money. The guys in the kitchen, they're all Met fans. Giving me a hard time. A lotta money."
I gave Alex a couple extra bucks on his tip, "Put it on the Yanks."
"I'll put it on Alex!" he laughed, comically tucking the bills into his front pocket.
Over on 8th Avenue I walk past two chunky Latino gentlemen, who are staying out of the rain, and talking Yankees. One's a security guard wearing the standard issue gray slacks and blue blazer which would never be confused for the impeccably tailored gray slacks and blue blazers worn by George Steinbrenner. The other big fella was rockin his navy "Member's Only" jacket (or somesuch garment) and a fresh, crisp Yankees lid.
They were talking over each other.
The scene looked scripted, but the players were real.
Security Guard: "Joe Torre's gotta go. He's gotta go now!"
Member's Only: "Even A-Rod's not hitting!"
I swear to Babe these were their exact words.
I would have jumped in on the banter, but the light was changing and I was running a little late. Not as late as our Yanks.
The hit by Thomas in the first is a prime example. As was pointed out above, Thomas just stuck his bat out and slapped the ball to right. This would not likely have happened had the ball some movement.
Overall, I was very impressed by the kid. He has a live arm and is very composed, particularly considering the hype and pressure he was facing, what with the pre-game press looking to this 20 year old as savior riding in to the rescue.
Clearly Hughes is a work in progress. His future, assuming he stays healthy, is clearly bright, though whether or not he'll be able to help in 2007 and whether or not he's hurt by being brought along too fast remains to be seen.
And who billed him as a "savior?" Everybody I heard in New York had tempered expectations.
Plenty of people still holding up Curt Schilling as their savior today.
Oh well, I still say Thorne deserves a Pulitzer for his groundbreaking baseball journalism the other night. Heh. Mirabelli as Deep Throat. I love it.
Believe whatever you want to believe about The Sock Of Turin, debris.
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