Sticking with the Young Guns

Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy were talked about all off-season, regarding a trade for Johan Santana. The Yankees decided to stick with their young guns and they have paid the price for it, so far. I say so far because we are only a month into the season. But, how much time do you give these guys before you give up?

Not only did the Yankees lose Jorge Posada to a shoulder injury, which could sideline him for quite a while, but their young guns cannot pitch a quality game. Let's start with Ian Kennedy. He is 0-4 this season, allowing 22 runs in 23.7 innings. Kennedy just hasn't looked like the top prospect the Yankees said he was. He loses the strike zone easily and when he finds the strike zone, his pitches are flat and very hittable. Phil Hughes has also allowed 22 runs like Kennedy, ironically, but he was pitched 22 innings. Hughes has a great curve and a great fastball, giving him the tools to be a top starter. But, like Kennedy, Hughes hasn't found the strike zone, with 20 walks in 22 innings. Hughes is currently on the DL with a strained right oblique. The Yankees have said he will be shut down for 4 weeks, and then he will be re-evaluated.

So what do the Yankees do? I'll tell you what they do. They do what they should have done in the off-season. Trade! The Yanks could have gotten Johan Santana for these young "phenoms." But as of now, these guys are worth just about as much as Vito Ingrassia. If you're wondering who Vito Ingrassia is, you aren't alone. He is a friend of mine who can throw a fastball, but can't throw a strike. Right now, Kennedy and Hughes are worthless! But who am I to say this? I'm only an 18 year old sports fan. It's not like I'm Hank Steinbrenner or anything...