New York Yankees want Phil Hughes back to peak form – MLB News
As the New York Yankees are concerned of their 2012 pitching rotation due to lack of a perfect combination to follow Carsten Charles Sabathia and Bartolo Colon, the club now has taken their eyes back to Phil Hughes. Yankees’ front office are looking at Hughes
to comeback into his 2010 form, when he won the All-Star selection for the first time since joining the big league in 2007.
Last year, in Spring Training, Hughes was not able to take part in the practice because of his weight, but now with the spring session just 100 days away, Yankees’ manager Brian Cashman has demanded that the pitcher get his weight reduced. Even before Cashman
mentioned his demand, Hughes has reportedly started repeating his 2010 season workout.
"I think in 2012, you are going to see that again," Cashman said. "He is determined. He is going to Athletes' Performance out there in California, which is something he did two years ago to be in optimal shape."
Last season, the right-hander was supposed to be promoted to the second position behind Carsten Charles Sabathia in the regular season, but when he appeared in Spring Training, it was not feasible to exercise this decision. Hughes showed up with extra weight
on his body, which restricted him from utilising his fastballs. It also depicted from his regular season record as he ended the season 5-5 with a 5.79 ERA in 17 starts.
"He came him into spring training a little bit out of shape," Cashman said. "Not grossly, not overly, but he wasn't in optimal position when spring training opened. That is not going to happen in 2012. He had to deal with it."
After the World Series, the Yankees had a hope to hire either C.J. Wilson, or Roy Oswalt, but they were on the back-foot, as Oswalt decided to go back to Philadelphia Phillies and Wilson was too costly for the spot. Mark Buehrle expectations were higher
than his potential and past success, according to the Yankees’ front office. The Japanese Hiroki Kuroda and Yu Darvish had a chance but the conditions did not fall their way either.
The Yankees are struggling to perfect their back rotation and seem justified when an in-depth analysis of the batting camp shows Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter in struggling positions. A-Rod promised he will be back to his original A-Rod in 2012, but increasing
age and decreasing performance does not support his claim.
Tags: