Phil Hughes started today against the Twins and had a great game. In four innings he didn’t allow any runs and retired the first 9 batters. He showed good control and was able to place the ball where he wanted. After the game, Girardi said:
“He’s doing everything that he has to do to be successful, it seems he’s growing as a pitcher.”
Even Ron Gardenhire (the Twins’ skipper) complemented Hughes:
“He’s got good stuff. He’s as advertised. I thought he did what we try to get our guys do, and that’s pitch.”
So, Johan who? Ok maybe its too early to say that, but I really think that Hughes will be better for us in the long run. He has the dedication, work ethic, and talent to become a great pitcher.
Hughes was taken out after the fourth and Kei Igawa was put in. Surprisingly Igawa was not his horrible self, not allowing any hits today (although he did walk 3). He was in for two innings. We ended up winning 6-4 and our Spring training record improves to 4-4.
Just a quick recap of yesterday’s game, which I haven’t written about yet:
We ended up losing to the Rays 4 to 1. Moose started and allowed one run in 2 2/3 innings. The main story of the day was a collision between Yankee catcher Francisco Cervelli and Rays’ Elliot Johnson that led to Cervelli’s wrist being broken. Johnson lowered his shoulder and ran into Cervelli; it was definetely uncalled for considering it’s Spring training. Girardi is furious, but Don Zimmer came out today and said he doesn’t understand why Girardi is mad. I wonder why, maybe it has something to do with the fact that one of his players got injured in a game that doesn’t count for either team?