Analysis of Phil Hughes' Debut

Even if you despise the Yankees...if you're a baseball fan, then you likely had some interest in how Phil Hughes performed last night vs. Toronto. It's not every day that the top prospect in baseball is called up.

Although his line of 4.1 innings pitched, 4 runs allowed (although 1 should have been unearned because of a terrible throw by Miguel Cairo), 5 K's, 1 BB, and the loss looks rather unimpressive...the cover doesn't always depict the whole story.

With no further ado, here is a brief (and honest) assessment of what I took away from Hughes' up-and-down performance...

• After the 1st inning (in which you could tell he was a little nervous), he mowed down the Blue Jays lineup for the next 3 innings. During this stint, he was very impressive - as he displayed his entire arsenal. The bottom of the Blue Jays' lineup was overmatched (#2 hitter Adam Lind was as well - evident by the fact that struck out all 3 times he faced Hughes). In turn, the more prolific hitters (Rios, Wells, Frank Thomas) proved to be very tough outs -- especially Wells, whom was perfect on the night. Wells was right on every pitch that he saw from Hughes (even the ones he fouled off).


• The temperature was low last night, so maybe that's why Hughes consistently only threw his fastball between 90-94 MPH. Either way, by the 5th inning...Hughes was down to 90-91 MPH on the gun, which is a little concerning (it should be noted that Hughes threw 91 pitches last night, his highest total of the young season). Also, as his pitch count progressed, his fastball seemed to become more flat.


• As noted in yesterday's blog, his 1-to-7 curveball is unbelievable. His curveball is ALREADY one of the top 5 in all of baseball (the pitchers which currently possess the best curveballs are Rich Hill and Barry Zito). Believe me, it's as advertised.


• Hughes proved that he will challenge anybody and everybody. He frequently used the inner half of the plate, something that many young pitchers stray away from.

Next start: May 1st @ Texas (vs. Kameron Loe)