For a brief graphical analysis of Hughes’ start (via brooksbaseball.net), check out http://theyankeesdollar.blogspot.com/2009/05/so-what-happened-to-phil-hughes-last.html

It does support Girardi’s suggestion.

The last start, I said it wasn’t good, but it was a step forward in his development, because he battled the Sox inning by inning, and kept the game in check instead of being routed from the game.

This game, there’s no sugar coating; a major step backwards to last season. He has to do much better than this to keep his spot in the rotations. Very disppointing job by Phil Hughes, especially coming off CC’s superb game on Friday.

I thought I read he had Lasik surgery. It could be a dead arm period I suppose, but I have to agree, and I realize I’m being impatient with what is still a young pitcher, but it seems like it’s always something with this guy. Then again, it is always something with this team……

yagottagotomo1 wrote:

Interesting theory. Are you suggesting he is injured? Because I love Phil and think he will develop into a very good pitcher, but I dont love excuses. Problems with mechanics are the pitchers own fault and he needs to work on them.

I’m not a Phil fan after the failed Hughes/Kennedy experiment of last year he left a bad taste in my mouth. I don’t know what the Yankees will get with him at this point. The funny thing is there has been glimmers of brilliance from Hughes BUT very few wins.Your methodology and rationale sounds very good BUT is it mental as well? Remember that he had a vision problem…where are those glasses now? Excuses, excuses, excuses……

Interesting theory. Are you suggesting he is injured? Because I love Phil and think he will develop into a very good pitcher, but I dont love excuses. Problems with mechanics are the pitchers own fault and he needs to work on them.