Hughes or Wang: Decision Time for the Yanks
You know that expression “a nice problem to have?” The Yankees are facing one of those “nice problems” right now.
It seems that Chien Ming Wang is finally rounding into form after his early season troubles left him with an ERA hovering somewhere in the 30s.
While he was finding himself in the minors, Wang’s replacement, Phil Hughes, has pitched well (and at times brilliantly).
This afternoon in Cleveland, both Hughes (starter, 95 pitches) and Wang (long reliever, 42 pitches) threw against the Indians – and afterward both suggested they want to start five days from now.
So where do the Yanks go from here?
While Wang insists he’s ready, you can’t fault the Yankees for being skeptical that he can make the jump from 42 pitches to the 80-100 generally asked of a starter by Friday's game.
But assuming he’ll be ready to take on that work load in the next 7-10 days, I say the Yanks have to give Wang his job back. If that means sending Hughes down to the minors, so be it. Some more seasoning down on the farm couldn’t hurt.
Whatever Wang’s troubles were in the early going this season, you can’t deny the fact that the guy was the Yankees’ #1 starter for the past two years. If anything, he’s earned the right to prove he can still pitch.
Wang was excellent today against Cleveland, and if it turns out he’s solved his issues, he should prove to be a major boon to an already stellar starting staff.
In Hughes, the Yankees know that they are sending an inconsistent starter to the mound. He’s either very good or (more often) very average. Hughes is averaging less than five innings per start this season.
If the Yankees put Wang back into the rotation, there is a high probability they are inserting an ace-quality arm into their staff. That of course depends on if Wang has truly returned to form – which I think he has.
Given the Yankees recent surge in the standings and their depth at starting pitcher, this is a (low) risk they can afford to take.
And if it turns out Wang isn’t ready, the Yanks know they have a capable arm eager to replace him.
Matt Estreich for The Huddle
|
The Huddle is operated by WPIX-TV, New York |
|
| Search Blog
|
Comments: 2
As you mentioned from the outset, this is a "nice problem."
What the New York Yankees must guard against is sending Phil Hughes back to Scranton and "losing" the young, talented right hander.
Even though he has been good, not great, he has pitched well enough to stay with the big club. Could he handle another demotion to the minor leagues.
As for Chien Min Wang, continue to stretch him out in the bullpen. There will be that game where the starter gets knocked out in the early innings and Chien can stretch out and throw upwards of 80+ pitches. I just do not feel Phil Hughes should be sent out. He has done what he has to do at the Triple-AAA level.
Andy Pettite? How is his back. Generally, these situations work out for themselves due to injuries. Keep Wang in the bullpen early in June and see what happens.
Again, having six quality starters is a "nice problem" to have. Some teams like the Phillies and others can't get beyond the first three.
I can see the argument for keeping Hughes in the Bigs. You bring up a good point in Pettitte. His health is a question mark right now, and if he needs some time, it'll solve the extra starter situation nicely. I just feel Wang needs to be back in the rotation.