Okay, so I know I can’t possibly be alone in thinking that the whole Joba/Hughes debate is utterly stupid, right? Right? I mean, come on, there’s really no true “competition” for the fifth starter role this spring is there?
If you answer yes to that question, then I think that you either:
a) Don’t think Joba makes a good starting pitcher for various reasons (e.g. composure, pitch arsenal, etc.) and should start prepping to be the closer of the future.
b) Think Phil Hughes is the clear incumbent of the fifth starter role for various reasons (e.g. composure, pitch arsenal, etc.) and now is his time to join the rotation and stay there for years to come.
c) Believe that sticking both Joba and Hughes in the bullpen is the best plan and Mitre/Gaudin should duke it out for the fifth starter spot.
Well in response to those of you who chose (a), I have this to say to you:
Were we watching the same pitcher? As a starter in 2008 and for the first half of 2009 (when he was going on regular rest and without the “Joba Rules”), Joba was fantastic. He wasn’t great every time out — there were a few clunkers thrown in there — but he threw some absolute gems as well (i.e. those three games post all-star break). He had the ups and downs you’d expect any 23 year old to have as they iron our their stuff in the major leagues. He learned invaluable experience going through those ups and downs and was humbled along the way by a DUI. He played the “Joba Rules” game and it’s finally time for him to get his shot; this is his year.
In response to those of you who chose (b), I have this to say to you:
What makes you think Hughes will have better luck starting this time around? Just so we’re on the same page, Hughes has worse career numbers as a starter than Joba, albeit in less starts, in almost every regard. I know he’s shown us flashes of brilliance at times (that no-hitter in Texas stands out in everyone’s mind), but he’s never really shown a stretch of great starts.
Even if he manages to all of a sudden figure it out, Hughes only threw 86 innings in the bigs (roughly 100 majors and minors) in 2009 and will be subject to some sort of “Hughes Rules” in 2010. I don’t know how you feel about “____ Rules”, but they frustrate the hell out of me and I’ll always try to avoid them; I’d much rather have an unleashed version of Joba than a babied Hughes.
And if anyone actually believes in (c), then I have nothing to say to you at all (that’s a lie). As creative as using Joba and Hughes in the bullpen as multiple inning relievers is, it would never be pulled off practically. Both pitchers’ values would plummet — since relievers pale in comparison to starters in terms of value — and all development of either pitcher is hindered greatly. And for good measure, does anyone think Mitre/Gaudin is a better starter then Hughes or Joba? Come on now. This is just a terrible idea.
So I really don’t know why this is being made into such a huge thing. Hughes, due to a deep rotation, is the odd man out and will contribute to the 2010 Yankees in some other role. I don’t know what that role will be, I just hope it gets him more than 120 innings and into the rotation in 2011. Joba played by the rules the past two years and is finally lined up to be a full time starter this year.
And lastly, some comedic relief from Mr. Calcaterra over at CTB:
“Indeed, it wouldn’t shock me if Brian Cashman had some super secret notebook in his office which has Chamberlain was already written down as the fifth starter. In permanent marker.”
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I didn’t want to approach this post with numbers, as I usually do, but rather with more of a gut feeling because that’s just how I feel about this situation. I don’t think it’s a numbers things, I think Yankee brass feels as I do about Joba and that’s why they’ve had his future mapped out so far. Of course, it does help when the numbers back up your gut feelings too.
Side note: It’s really a lot of fun to write these ‘gut feeling’ articles and just have a good time with it instead of breaking down the numbers so technically. Hopefully Sal doesn’t mind me treading on his territory with these kinds of posts because I think we’ll see more of them in the future.
Thoughts/arguments about my reasoning or writing style? That’s what the comments are for and all feedback is appreciated.
Eric
Sal
