A few writers are already down at the Yankees’ Minor League complex in Tampa, Fla., to get a head start on the 2012 season. Among the players reporting early and working out on Monday: Phil Hughes, Ivan Nova, Cory Wade and David Robertson.
Each threw bullpen sessions and Hughes spoke to reporters about his new physique. From all accounts, Hughes looked slimmed down and muscular. He discussed an offseason workout that changed his body composition and that after losing 20 pounds he weighs in at 240.
Last season was a nightmare for the right-hander. He spent three months on the disabled list with what was called a dead arm and finished 5-5 with a 5.79 ERA in 17 games (14 starts). He begins camp having to compete with Freddy Garcia – and if not traded, A.J. Burnett -- for the fifth starter’s role.
“Last year was kind of a roller-coaster with shoulder stuff going on, then the lower back at the end of the year,” Hughes said. “It was a difficult year for me, and I just wanted to make sure this year there’s no excuses. I have to prove I deserve a spot.”
Despite the struggles, Hughes still received a $500,000 raise after avoiding arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $3.25 million including incentives. Many prefer Hughes pitching out of the bullpen, but it’s easy to forget that he turns only 26 years old in June and is wholly aware that the 2012 campaign is likely make or break. Michael Pineda was acquired to be the Yankees’ present and their future. Ivan Nova has the looks of a solid front-line starter for years. The Killer Bs, Adam Warren, David Phelps, D.J. Mitchell and Jose Campos are in the system, hungry for a shot at the big leagues.
That’s plenty of incentive for Hughes to pitch well, one reason why I’m predicting he wins a starter’s job, sends Garcia to the bullpen and reaches new heights. He's motivated, determined, healthy, and got the message to shape up. There remains tons of upside and I believe the best is yet to come.
A few other pre-camp notes:
• Derek Jeter believes the American League got a lot stronger during the offseason. The Angels signed Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson. The defending AL champion Rangers added Yu Darvish and the Tigers Prince Fielder. The Red Sox hired Bobby Valentine as manager and Monday afternoon the A’s got into the act with the signing of Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes.
“It's scary for the whole American League, especially for the West and Central,” Jeter said.
• Jeter was also asked about Linsanity and how Jeremy Lin has taken over New York City.
“It’s always fun anytime there’s a new guy, especially in New York, they tend to get pretty excited about it,” Jeter said. “He’s brought some excitement to the Knicks. I think sports in general are a lot more fun when you have a team from New York doing well.”
• Vladimir Guerrero told the Yankees he wants their DH spot, tweeted Buster Olney. Raul Ibanez, though, remains the frontrunner. Vlad the Impaler is the sexy name, but keep in mind the Yankees prefer a lefty bat that can play the outfield. Guerrero hasn't played the field since 2010 and his power numbers took a serious dive last season.
Follow Jon Lane on Twitter: @JonLaneNYC
