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April 10, 2008

Mike Pelfrey Vs. Phil Hughes

I looked at this debate, briefly, 15 months ago.

What have we learned since? Well, Hughes is still two years younger than Pelfey - yes, I say that tongue in cheek - and, to date, Phil has out-pitched Mike at the big league level so far. Last time I checked, younger and better is a pretty good edge.

But, it's a small sample size too. Hughes has made 15 big league starts and Pelfrey has made 18 starts (and he also pitched in relief during two games).

Pelfrey's big problems seem to be the 3rd and 5th innings of the games where he's started whereas Hughes' problem area is the 1st and 5th innings of games that he's started. On the whole, neither of them has established that they're a lock for a good game beyond 5 innings of work.

It will be interesting to see which of these two projected "No. 1 starters" has the better season in 2008. It will add to the bragging rights battles between Yankees and Mets fans, for sure.

Who do you think will have the better season and/or the better career?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at April 10, 2008 11:47 AM

Comments

It will add to the bragging rights battles between Yankees and Mets fans, for sure.
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I doubt it. Honestly, that's the first time I heard them compared in ages.

Not only is Hughes younger, but he's playing a much more important role on his team right now. Pelfry is the fifth starter until someone bumps him, and a big reason he's with the club is because of injuries (to El Duque).

Hughes, on the other hand, is the team's third starter and is expected to help them get into the playoffs -- at 21. There's much more pressure on him.

In reality, these two pitchers have nothing in common. Pelfry is a sinkerball pitcher similar to Wang. Phil is obviously more of a four-seam power pitcher. I notice that Pelfry no longer has that 95-mph heat he once did, but I don't hear many Mets fans crapping their pants about it, which is definitely a check mark in their column.

Posted by: baileywalk [TypeKey Profile Page] at April 10, 2008 01:16 PM