When Phil Hughes was named the Yankees fifth starter many wondered what kind of rules Phil Hughes would have to deal with as a starter and this weekend we finally got an idea what's in store. Here's the report from Bobbie Dittmeier (hat-tip to TYU):
Is it just me or does this make a lot more sense than the way the Yanks handled Joba situation one year ago? However, as Steve S. at TYU correctly points out, the injury to Chien-Ming Wang last year helped create the mess that was the 2009 version of the 'Joba Rules', so I guess that explains part of why their handling of Joba was so screwed up. Still, it's good to see that their plan for Hughes makes sense, because after last year I know many fans were expecting worse.The plan, according to ESPNNewYork.com, could give the right-hander, who will turn 24 next month, close to two extra weeks of days off between now and July 20, when the Yankees are scheduled to play their fourth game following the July 12-15 All-Star break.
The Yankees have four scheduled days off in June and another five in July, including a four-day All-Star break and the Monday immediately following the break. That could enable them to give Hughes extra time off with perhaps only minor tinkering of the rotation. ESPNNewYork.com noted that because of the schedule, manager Joe Girardi and pitching coach Dave Eiland could go without adjusting their rotation at all and still get Hughes a fifth day off in five of his next eight starts, including Friday's against the Indians in New York.
Then, they would likely start Hughes as many as four days prior to the All-Star break and schedule his first post-break start for July 20 or 21, giving him nearly two weeks off. Such a scenario would be similar to that which the Tigers used last season with rookie Rick Porcello, who was given 15 days off around the All-Star break.
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