Hughes ends season with record. Without bonus?

The other part to this is that he did get a bonus for reaching 180 innings, and a second bonus for reaching 195 innings.

Should he get a third bonus for not reaching 210 innings?

As others have noted, he made 31 other starts this year. That last out could have come from any of 30 of those (he did have one complete game). 

I do think it is a nuanced argument for both sides. It would be a win for Hughes obviously, and possibly a boon for the Twins' chances of landing another free agent if they feel the Twins treat their players better than another suitor might.

He did not earn it....should they pay everyone that came close? that's not how incentives work in companies.

I think that is an overly simplistic view.  He did pitch well enough to earn it.  If Hughes was like Suzuki and pissed and moaned about playing time all year he would have stayed in for a few batters here and there and got to 210.  If it was not for rain, which is out of his control, he would have earned it.

If you look at the intent of the clause, he exceeded the threshold in my opinion about what he gave the Twins this year. 

And if you take a step back, you want to keep your employees happy.  Especially one that you will likely engage in long term discussions with, potentially as early as this offseason.

It kind of speaks to how cautious and quick to give the game over to the bullpen Gardenhire and company are.  Hughes likely had the best season a pitcher has had around here since Johan Santana and he couldn't even get to 210 innings.

Yes, but it was a Career high for innings pitched by Hughes, so it is impressive even coming up short that he did as much as he did.

He did not earn it....should they pay everyone that came close? that's not how incentives work in companies.

Only if they want to keep employees happy, foster a good company environment and, in the Twins' case, undercut negative perceptions of the team and the front office in particular, all while getting some positive press at a time the team could really use it.

Hughes' quote "some things aren't meant to be" - I think it's a good attitude to have, he really surprised everyone in the league with a brilliant season. If the Twins get some decent Outfielders behind him and another starter to share the load with him (that starter might be on the roster already), I bet he gets 210 next year. 

so, should they give Santana more money, since he was way better than expected and outearned his pay? Should they give the ticket people money because they sold tickets in a terrible year, even if they didn't meet their goals?

 

he got 2 bonuses already.....this is a third. Where do you draw the line? 1 out? 4? 10?

Out-earning pay and meeting the intent of a contract clause are two very different things.  If we had an ounce of foresight, this $500K would be a goodwill investment for Hughes and others. 

I think even if we are the highest bidder, certain free agents would not sign here because they would be worried the team will not make the investments in other players.  This could be a small step in improving that perception.

A good way to approach it would be "We feel bad that you fell just short of the final innings pitched incentive and to make it up would like to offer you a two year $25M contract extension."

If Gardy doesn't use him for an out this weekend it's just part of the continue combination of stupidity and stubbornness of this coaching staff.  How does the manager look you in the eyes and says - "I just don't see how I can get you that 1/3 of an inning for your bonus." It's just got to make you want to give that extra effort for this coaching staff.

Man - talk about wanting to get this nightmare over, he would rather pass on half million rather than pitching 1/3 inning.  I've been to Detroit, it's not that bad.

Please. Phil Hughes has performed well beyond expectations. Reward the man for signing a team friendly contract and being the leader of the staff for next few years. 1 more out...PLEASE. Pay the man his bonus.

It's now being reported that the Twins have offered him a chance to pitch an inning this weekend which he declined Classy on both parts especially because took himself out of a couple games early in the year.

It's now being reported that the Twins have offered him a chance to pitch an inning this weekend which he declined Classy on both parts especially because took himself out of a couple games early in the year.

Hughes is happy with how it ended, so let it lay.

He is not a relief pitcher and what if he came in and sucked or hurt himself?

A contract is a contract, Hughes response only grows my admiration towards him!

I am a little sad that this issue has taken the talk away from his incredible performance on a losing ball club. He is a total class act!!!! 

Congrats Mr. Hughes to a fine season!!! And hopefully many more like it!!!

I think the Twins were the right mix of bold and conservative with Hughes' workload this year - he pitched a career high in innings (he's never gone 200 innings before). I think the pitches per inning stat is a pretty good argument, though.

Hughes has taken himself out of some games this year, it seems like he's at peace with the season he's had (I mean, he should be pumped after breaking a ML record and having his best season in years).

It's too bad that he was a little short, but in the end I don't think it was mis-management. He had a start pushed back due to a rain delay earlier in the month, so he actually could have had another whole start at the end of the season.  

Next season, I bet he gets a longer leash. He's proven that he's the lead dog in this rotation.

A good way to approach it would be "We feel bad that you fell just short of the final innings pitched incentive and to make it up would like to offer you a two year $25M contract extension."

3 years $42M will do nicely too