New York Yankees starter Phil Hughes looking to turn things around – MLB News
New York Yankees management was very proactive this offseason as they powered their pitching lineup with the likes of Michael Pineda, Hiroki Kuroda and Ivan Nova. Yankees’ General Manager Brian Cashman has shown that he is willing to pay any price for the World Series title.
Yankees’ pitcher Phil Hughes has already started to train with the coaching staff for the upcoming Spring Training. Although the right handed starter had a poor 2011 season, he is working hard this year to change the course of his career. Aiming to get back into the Yankees’ rotation, Hughes will be looking to make the most of available opportunities during Spring Training.
Hughes is convinced that he has the talent to become an ace for his club. In an interview with a baseball website, the talented pitcher stated that he will be working hard to prove that he deserves a place in Tigers’ pitching lineup. He admitted that he had an ordinary last season but he will do everything he can to recover his lost form.
"They’ve always told me they view me as a starter, and that’s how I will continue to work this year," Hughes said after throwing his third bullpen session in a week of voluntary workouts. "I have to prove that I belong here and prove that I deserve a spot. That’s what I’m trying to do."
"Last year was a bad year," Hughes said. “It’s something I don’t want to happen again, that’s for sure. I feel like if I can stay healthy and do what I did two years ago, I’ll be in good shape. That’s really the way I look at it."
However, the biggest challenge for the thrower will be to stay healthy and fit for the entire season. Last year, he missed quite a few games due to a shoulder injury. He then suffered from a lower back injury near to the end of the year, which concluded a depressing season for him. Hughes has an excellent opportunity to get things back on track. If he can perform consistently throughout the season, he can earn a huge pay day at the end of 2012.
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