Gm 1: Nova vs Weaver Gm 2: Sabathia vs Haren Gm 3: Colon vs Santana We're in tough facing two ace pitchers in Weaver and Haren, but our lineup can pose problems for anyone. No reason we can't take two of three..... Nova could be considered on the hot seat with P Hughes' return looming. It's tough for a kid like that to experience the learning curve in a win-now market like the NYY, hopefully they don't give up on him too soon I think he can hang at the ML level.
I don't see Nova going anywhere. At absolute worst he's a future back-end starter on this staff. I still believe his potential is a legit #2 (and if we retain CC and Hughes comes back right he'll be a great #4 behind AJ while waiting for the killer-Bs). If Hughes comes back healthy I expect either Colon or Garcia to be pushed to the pen. While it will likely be Colon who gets the shaft, my preference is for Garcia to be the one to lose his spot. I know everyone talks about how Colon can't possibly hold up all year, but from what I've seen, Garcia is a time bomb waiting to pop every start. He gets a lot of "defensive" outs (and by defensive I mean "lucky"). There is absolutely no evidence yet to know what will happen with Colon. Sure, "conventional" wisdom would say that there's no way his aged body can hold out. "Conventional" wisdom also doesn't account for experimental surgery. This could be the next "Tommy John" procedure (if it doesn't utilize HGH, which frankly I feel should be available in sports, but that's another issue). I'd like to see just how far Colon can go.
When Hughes comes back, I'd bet almost anything that it's Nova who gets bumped (assuming things continue in a similar manner). He's the least effective, and the only one who has options. The Yankees maximize their total value by riding Colon and Garcia as long as they can and letting Nova continue to start in the minors. If/when Colon, Garcia or someone else gets hurt, Nova will be able to slot right back into the rotation without needing to be stretched out. ETA: I find it difficult to believe that the Yanks would bump Colon to the pen, considering he's been their second-best (possibly best) starter.
Alio, why on earth would you think Colon would be sent to the pen simply by gay Hughes coming back? Colon has been their best starter
You know, I hadn't even thought about that. Nova's ability to be optioned wasn't even on my mind. Good call. I don't disagree on Colon. I was 'meh' on the signing, but I was huge on him coming out of Florida this spring. I absolutely want Colon in the rotation. (Though I still think the Yankees will limit him at some point. That's just the Yankee mindset on pitching.) As for Hughes, are you down on him? You're one of those "glass Hughes" guys aren't you? Personally, I think he'll be just fine. Justin Verlander had a spell like this with inexplicable arm strength loss. It happens sometimes. People thought Joba was washed up too. :wink:
CC goes 8 2/3 then Mo comes in to shut the door. A-rod finally does something clutch. Yankees win 3-2. I'll take it.
You got me pegged bro. Im not a Hughes guy. I dont know why. I know he won a lot of games for us last year so I really shouldnt be that down on him . I just think hes a vagina.
My youngest brother is like you, so I get it. You just think he's soft and will never be durable. I understand the frustration, but his first injury (the hammy) was a freak accident while pitching a no-hitter, and this latest thing is just an unexplainable freak occurrence. Had it not happened to a guy like Verlander (and had he not recovered the way he did) I'd be a lot more upset right now. I'm just holding cautious hope that he'll be fine. We really need him to be. Our depth in the starting pitching role is quite shallow beyond our pro club. I mean, you don't sign Garcia and Colon if you think you have young arms you could call on. The thing I like about Hughes is that he's not like Pavano. He's concerned and wants to get back to work. He's doing what he's being told and so far it seems to be working. The few times he's pitched the last couple of weeks have had no setbacks. I think he's heading for extended spring training now, and is still on track for a July return. Just think how good this staff would be if Hughes comes back and everyone stays healthy. CC, AJ, Hughes, Colon, Nova. That's a pretty nice rotation. With Garcia available to be called on. (This going by what Girardi has said-Nova isn't pitching for his job, and I don't think he should be.)
