Article: Why Phil Hughes Is So Good Right Now

[Parker Hageman]

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php/3123-Why-Phil-Hughes-Is-So-Good-Right-Now

[Dman]

Nice article!

 

I was not overly excited about the Hughes signing and actually felt the Twins had paid too much for him. Although I expected slight improvement I did not see him doing this well EVER for the Twins. I thought Nolasco was going to be better than Hughes. I thought Nolasco was going to be better than a #5 starter. My expert analysis stinks.

 

Hughes has been fantastic and so, so fun to watch this year. He brings tears to my eyes because he is actually consistent start to start. It feels like forever since the Twins had someone who could pitch. I am so happy Hughes has made me look like a fool.

[Badsmerf]

That pitch is nasty. I hope this is the Phil Hughes the Twins get throughout his contract.

[brvama]

Very Interesting article, Parker. Hopefully, Hughes can approach his early career potential. That would be huge for the Twins going forward. BTW, should we give some extra hugs to 'that' pitching coach, what's his name?

[JB_Iowa]

Do you think Phil has a new mantra?

 

"Don't tinker, don't tinker, don't tinker, don't tinker."

 

 

 

P.S.: Really want to see him and Dozier in the ASG.

[jharaldson]

I find it kind of amusing that while on a pitching staff with a guy who had what could be described as the best cutter in history (Rivera) he doesn't start using that pitch to dominate until he leaves that staff.

[Guest wabene]

Hilarious!

[dougkoebernick]

And now we have Kyle Gibson not giving up a run in four of his last five starts - just need to get a little offense cooking and the Twins will be in business.

[laloesch]

And now we have Kyle Gibson not giving up a run in four of his last five starts - just need to get a little offense cooking and the Twins will be in business.

 

I gotta be honest I was down on Gibson last season but he has for the most part looked really good this year. Now all we need is one more starter to go with Hughes and Gibson; May anyone?; and the Twins are in business. Unfortunately, it looks like the offense is going to be trouble going forward until Buxton and Gordon get here, which is two or three years away realistically.

[Dantes929]

"Unfortunately, it looks like the offense is going to be trouble going forward until Buxton and Gordon get here, which is two or three years away realistically." I'm thinking more Rosario and Vergas this year and Buxton and Sano for next year. I never really thought there was that much difference between Nolasco, Correia and Pelfrey. All had that 4.3 to 4.5 National League ERA. I have no objection to those type of ERAs but, except for Correia they have not matched those numbers in the AL. Correia has been pitching great lately and if Pino can't sustain his initial success we have May and if not him then Logan, Johnson and Meyer with Berrios maybe not so far behind. World of difference from 2011 when we were promoting guys who were terrible in the minors. At least now when guys make the leap, whether they stick in the majors or not, they are earning the promotions.

[diehardtwinsfan]

"Unfortunately, it looks like the offense is going to be trouble going forward until Buxton and Gordon get here, which is two or three years away realistically." I'm thinking more Rosario and Vergas this year and Buxton and Sano for next year. I never really thought there was that much difference between Nolasco, Correia and Pelfrey. All had that 4.3 to 4.5 National League ERA. I have no objection to those type of ERAs but, except for Correia they have not matched those numbers in the AL. Correia has been pitching great lately and if Pino can't sustain his initial success we have May and if not him then Logan, Johnson and Meyer with Berrios maybe not so far behind. World of difference from 2011 when we were promoting guys who were terrible in the minors. At least now when guys make the leap, whether they stick in the majors or not, they are earning the promotions.

 

Unless Gordon gets off to a Buxton like start next year, I wouldn't hold out a ton of hope that he'll be there anytime soon. That said, I wouldn't be so down on the offense. I would think that by 2016, you are looking at the following guys playing every day and producing at better than average. That leaves out guys like Plouffe who would still be under control and could slot in somewhere and Rosario. Santana, if he's truly figured out the bat would slide into SS. That lineup should score some points.

 

C - Pinto

1B - Mauer (assuming this is just a down season)

2B - Dozier

3B - Sano

DH - Vargas

CF - Buxton

RF - Arcia

[longtimefan]

I think Correia will keep pitching pretty well and if the new guy can keep it up, we just might surprise a lot of people!!!!!

[kdrupp09]

Unless Gordon gets off to a Buxton like start next year, I wouldn't hold out a ton of hope that he'll be there anytime soon. That said, I wouldn't be so down on the offense. I would think that by 2016, you are looking at the following guys playing every day and producing at better than average. That leaves out guys like Plouffe who would still be under control and could slot in somewhere and Rosario. Santana, if he's truly figured out the bat would slide into SS. That lineup should score some points.

 

C - Pinto

1B - Mauer (assuming this is just a down season)

2B - Dozier

3B - Sano

DH - Vargas

CF - Buxton

RF - Arcia

 

I would add Rosario in LF to your list here. Otherwise I agree with your list about players playing at above average level.