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September 12, 2006
BA Q&A With Philip Hughes
Baseball America has an interview with Philip Hughes that they posted yesterday. Here are some of the questions and answers that caught my eye:
BA: Has that [your curve] become your primary offspeed pitch?
PH: "It has. My curve has come a long way, so I've pretty much steered away from the slider. I'm throwing it on the side a little to keep it fresh, but I'm not using it in games right now."
BA: Do you hear much from Red Sox fans?
PH: "There have been a couple of fans saying things here in Portland. They've heard that I have family in Rhode Island and grew up rooting for the Red Sox, so they'll say things like, ‘We'd love to have you here someday.’ Stuff like that. Nothing bad, though."
BA: Most players say that their childhood allegiances go out the window once they sign a professional contract. What are your thoughts on that?
PH: "It's kind of the same way with me. When a team gives you a lot of money to do a job for them, that's what becomes most important. I pay attention to how the big league teams are doing, but there really isn't too much time for that with our schedules. In the clubhouse we're too focused on doing our own jobs, because we’re trying to get there ourselves."
BA: Being the top prospect in the Yankees organization, are the expectations and media attention difficult for you to deal with?
PH: "Not really, at least not on the field. I guess that maybe it can get a little overwhelming off the field. The press and people looking for autographs can get out of hand at times, but it's something you have to deal with. And it's only going to get worse as I move up the ladder, so you have to be able to handle it."
BA: How close do you feel you are to being ready for the big leagues?
PH: "I think it's just a matter of innings and gaining more experience. I'm young and have time to mature, but I also think I could handle if it they called me up now. Whenever it happens, I'm looking forward to my debut."
I find it strange that he would dump the slider. Sure, someone like Randy Johnson or Ron Guidry could survive as a two-pitch starter. Hughes mentioned that he also features a changeup. Maybe that's enough for him?
I have to wonder if John, Larry and Theo up in Boston are counting the days until Hughes is a free agent? They'll probably work the "Grew Up A Sox Fan" angle to the hilt.
Let's me honest about this. I'm a diehard Yankees fan. But, if I had a chance to play major league baseball, but only in Boston, I would do it. Still, I also would try and get to New York someday via a trade or as a Free Agent. Should we expect anything different from Hughes?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at September 12, 2006 02:37 PM
Comments
I have to believe that if Hughes comes up and succeeds then the Yanks will take care of him financially and never give him the chance to see the other side of the rivalry.
Posted by: MJ ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at September 12, 2006 04:09 PM
Sox fans probably said that about Clemens in 1983.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at September 12, 2006 04:53 PM
Clemens went via Toronto though...after 2 subpar years with the Sox
Posted by: Jason at September 12, 2006 05:15 PM
yes, his family is from new england, but i believe he grew up in Cali. hence, the attachment to the sox shouldn't be as strong. plus, the Yanks will always be able to match or exceed any other financial offers.
i have a slight problem with him giving up the slider (in games). it was a devastating pitch for him in high school. why throw just 3 pitches when you could throw 4? maybe he's saving it, ya know, trying not to rely on it so that he forces himself to learn a curve & changeup.
Posted by: 98Yanks at September 12, 2006 06:48 PM
Sliders can get great, but they can also hurt you. The best pitches to go with are fastball, curve, change -- and that's what Hughes does. I saw him in his playoff game and his curve was absolutely sick. Honestly, watching him out there he reminded me of a healthy, effective Ben Sheets. He throws a hard four-seam fastball and his curve in the same motion and the hitters look silly against it. He also mixes in changes to keep them honest.
Hughes says he throws his slider on the side to keep it fresh, but he doesn't need that slider. He throws a four-seamer, a two-seamer, two different curves, and the change.
Posted by: baileywalk at September 13, 2006 12:25 AM
That sounds devastating, baileywalk.
Posted by: rbj at September 13, 2006 12:13 PM