WHY THERE’S A HUGHES FACTOR

(photo: Getty)
With all the hype surrounding Bartolo Colon, everyone and I mean everyone of us haven’t thought about Phil Hughes at all. But Phil Hughes is on the road back from his mysterious "dead arm" injury and it’s only a matter of time before he’s back. Many are suggesting though, Hughes will be back after the All-Star break. This makes sense. Meanwhile, his fill-in Colon is kicking ass and taking names and there’s no rush, plus Phil’s young and if they get him right now, they have plenty of good years with Mr. Hughes.

This past weekend it was reported that he threw about 30 pitches in a bullpen session and he “felt fine”. Still no word on what the velocity is like. I suspect it’s not where they want it to be, but it’s just a process and if he “feels fine” then eventually, the velocity will get up, the confidence will get there and the Pyramid of Pitching Dominance will eventually take hold. Remember, the Pyramid; With mechanic analysis comes confidence, when the confidence comes, any doubt leaves and focus takes over. The plan is to pitch in another bullpen session on Wednesday and he’ll face live batters over the weekend.

But there is no doubt that question marks are going to come hard right around that All-Star break when teams resume play. Does Phil Hughes jump right into the starting rotation or do they do what they did in 2009 and throw him in the bullpen as that long man or put him in as part of the bridge to Mo. There’s no question he could handle it, plus, if the brass is concerned about innings and Hughes, it would make sense. Slowly ease him back. Why move Colon out of the starting role if he’s literally the Yankee ace, that's not exactly fair.

(Photo: Getty)

Now, There is one question mark in the rotation, and that's Ivan Nova. He is learning as he goes right now and his last outing was not too good at all. It would make sense that if he continues on this terrible track, Hughes could snag his spot. Or what about Garcia? So far he’s not showing any signs of breaking down, but what if he does by the All-Star break, then, Phil Hughes would fit into his spot. Any way you slice it, there are options.

(Photo: Getty)

One thing is for sure, Brian Cashman looks like a genius and that’s fine with me. 2 things need to happen though… The Yankees need to start printing up Bartolo Colon t-shirts... I need one ASAP. The second thing? Colon needs his own fragrance and start cashing in on his suddenly popularity. Colon’s Cologne. It smells like sweat and grit. I’d buy that.

Please comment and let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.