On Thursday night the Yankee Universe got its first glimpse at the initial returns from manager Joe Girardi's decision to place Phil Hughes in the starting rotation and Joba Chamberlain in the setup role.
A spot once thought of an arbitrary point of interest on a loaded team has recently become more important due to the struggles of AJ Burnett and especially Javier Vazquez. Facing the nearly perennial defending AL West Champion Los Angles Angels, neither Hughes nor Chamberlain were without fault, but both performed effectively.
Given that it was Hughes' first start and Joba is still getting re-adjusted to the role, a few misteps are to be expected. But examining the stat line and the outcome of the game, the early returns look good on Girardi's investments
Hughes lasted only five innings because of wildness. But aside from his sporadic inability to find the strike zone, Phil pitched both proficiently and promisingly. Although he walked an inexcusable five batters, Hughes allowed only two runs on three hits while striking out six. The walks ran his pitch count up to 108 by the fifth, prompting Girardi to turn to the 'pen after Phil completed the fifth.
But the electric stuff Hughes showed last season as a reliever was present in over those five innings. As long as he can find the strike zone more consistently, Phil made it evident once again that he possesses all the tools in his arsenal to evolve into a dominating starting pitcher.
Joba Chamberlain was also strong over his 1 1/3 innings pitched, surrendering no runs on only one hit while both striking out and walking one. His velocity was better than last season as a starter yet still below the voracious power he displayed in his first two seasons as a reliever. Joba leaned hard on his slider, pitching effectively in the eighth. But after surrendering a hit with one out in the ninth, the game became a save situation and it was Mariano Rivera who would close the contest with one of his signature, sawed-off grounder-inducing cutters.
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