Hirsh Could Add To Yankees Pitching Depth

Before 2009, few people had heard of Alfredo Aceves, who was signed out of the Mexican league in 2008. We all know how important he was last year coming out of the bullpen as a long reliever. Now, based on his latest spring training performance, many think he could be the leading candidate for the 5th starter spot. So who could quietly become this year’s “pitching find” to add depth to the organization’s pitching staff. How about Jason Hirsh?

After a couple of frustrating years with the Rockies, Hirsh is getting a fresh start with the Yankees. The right-hander has an 8-11 career record (29 starts) in the majors with a 5.32 ERA. He played for Houston (2006) and Colorado (2007-09) before being traded to the Yankees in July 2009. The Houston Astros originally selected Hirsh in the second round (59th overall) of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft out of California Lutheran, and was thought of very highly in the Astros organization. From 2005-2006, Hirsh was dominant in the minor leagues and in successive years was named the Double-A Texas League pitcher of the year and then the Triple-A Pacific Coast League pitcher of the year. After the 2006 season he was the key player in a December trade to the Rockies that sent their then number 1 major league pitcher, Jason Jennings to the Astros.

As a rookie in 2007, Hirsh’s career looked bright starting 19 games for the Rockies as they advanced to the World Series. However, his career stalled when injuries started to impede his progress. First an ankle sprain, later a line drive to the shin by J.J. Hardy broke his right leg (not realizing it, he ended up pitching an additional 6 innings with that broken leg). He finished the season on the DL, missing a chance to participate in the post season. Other injuries continued to nag him through 2009 until he was traded to the Yanks in July.

Hirsh had a stellar second half with Scranton last year. The 27-year-old, towering, 6’ 8” right hander went undefeated in six starts with Scranton, ending up with a 4-0 record and a 1.35 ERA. This performance has been followed up with a solid spring training so far this year. Though it’s early and it’s only a small sample size, Hirsh has been “lights out” pitching in relief. So far, he has struck out 5 over 3.2 shutout innings and may have an outside chance of making the team. His primary pitches are a fastball and slider, and he has been working with the coaches to gain more confidence in his curveball and changeup. Time will tell if Brian Cashman and his staff have again flown under the radar to make another great pick up.

With cuts announced almost every day, the training camp roster is starting to dwindle. If Hirsh doesn’t make the big league roster, it's possible he could be the opening day starter for Scranton. Assuming Joba and Hughes will get their acts together and find a spot on the major league staff, the Scranton rotation would include Hirsh, recent cuts Ivan Nova, Zach McAllister, Kei Igawa and most likely Sergio Mitre. Based on performance and his major league experience, Hirsh could be the best of the lot.

Hopefully he can stay healthy and continue to impress so he can get back up to the majors. The Yankees always like to be prepared. If Hirsh doesn’t make it when the Yanks head north, they will love having another veteran arm ready to be called up if one of the starters falters or needs to skip a start.