During the Curtis Granderson press conference Brian Cashman discussed Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain. It appears that Chamberlain will finally have “no restrictions” on his innings come this season. Whether that was the cause for his inconsistent pitching remains to be seen. Phil Hughes, however, will be subjected to an innings limit. What is reasonable to expect out of Hughes and how does this impact the Yankees rotation?

Hughes innings high was 146 in the minors during the 2006 season. That was a long time ago and combined between the majors and minors these were his totals the last three years:

2007: 110

2008: 70

2009: 105

If you use Chamberlain as an example the Yankees kept him at 157 innings last year after throwing 100 in 08′. If Hughes is kept to a similar plan we are looking at about 165 innings in 2010. Assuming there will be a shutdown period that limits Hughes to about 32 starts we are looking at a five inning fifth starter for the majority of the year. Even if Chamberlain shows improvement in performance, it’s unlikely his high pitch counts will allow him to go deeper into games. Joe Girardi is looking at some serious bullpen innings that need to be filled. Calling Chad Gaudin.

If these kids are going to be effective big league starters they finally need to pitch. Acquiring Derek Lowe, Ben Sheets, or a Jon Garland will help the Yankees in 2010, but will it help Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain? Hal Steinbrenner didn’t say there was a budget, but you can tell every move Cashman makes has to be justified. Despite the Red Sox acquiring John Lackey I still think there is a chance, now that Roy Halladay is off the table, the Yankees go to spring training with the kids in the back end of the rotation. I don’t think they will be handed anything, but certainly given a ton of rope to succeed.

If the Yankees do acquire an arm, where does that leave Hughes? He will never achieve the kind of innings out of the bullpen that are necessary for his development as a starter. Maybe the Yankees try to see what they have the first two months and then react to any issues. This was the same team under .500 in early May and they didn’t panic. Coming off a World Series certainly helps this year.

You still hear Cashman is pursuing pitching. Jorge Posada even said on WFAN the Yankees need more arms. Perhaps we are going to finally see them give Hughes and Chamberlain the chance to develop in the big leagues. It would be very “un-Yankee like”, but is the only way to finally cast doubt about these kids aside.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: 2010 Yankees Starting Rotation, Ben Sheets, Brian Cashman, Chad Gaudin, Derek Lowe, Joba Chamberlain, Jon Garland, New York Yankees, Phil Hughes, Phil Hughes Innings Limits