It appears my post regarding radio talk speculation about Alfredo Aceves going to the minors has started some dialogue. The good folks at River Avenue Blues discussed both sides of this debate earlier today.

Both Joe Pawlikowski and Mike Axisa both make points about why sending Aceves and Hughes respectively to the minors would be a waste. Having too much quality pitching is never a bad thing, but the Yankees staff is getting awfully crowded right now. Axisa makes a point that Johan Santana, Bobby Parnell, J.A Happ, and Justin Masterson all started the season in the bullpen before moving to the rotation. Also, what would AAA do with respect to the development of Phil Hughes?

Statistically nothing, but what about working on his repertoire as he goes through the game? I am sure that changeup, which was deemed so vital by Dave Eiland, could use some fine tuning. The goal is not for him to put up gaudy AAA numbers, we know he can do that, but to work on his pitches and build up stamina. Furthermore, if I were a betting man, I predict Hughes will be in the rotation sooner, rather than later. I just don’t believe in Joba Chamberlain as a starter, never have, never will. Even if Joba succeeds you know a pitcher is going to be needed. Why throw Hughes in on a 50-60 pitch count coming out of the bullpen? He will be ready and primed to go seven innings when called upon.

Worried about the bullpen sans Hughes? Right now you have Rivera, Robertson, Marte, Park and Aceves. Add Melancon, Albaladejo or a second lefty and it’s a pretty strong pen. Hughes did a tremendous job out of the bullpen, but if his future is starting than why not develop him that way? If there is one thing the Yankees have an abundance of its bullpen arms. Don’t forget Mitre and Gaudin, both whom the organization likes, will probably not clear waivers if sent down. This could be a factor, albeit unlikely.

A lot of this talk is due to the boredom of early spring. This is exacerbated by the fact the Yankees are pretty much set with the 25 man roster. Writers, fans and blogs need to fill the space between now and opening day and A-Rod steroid talk quite simply won’t do it. The Yankees will take the 25 best men because they are about winning, not development. How they have handled Joba and Hughes to date proves that point. If they were concerned about their development these kids never would have been taken off their schedule and thrown into the bullpen. That is when “Pandora’s Box” was opened.

Now if Hughes has a lousy spring all bets are off. Until we see that happen I have to assume the loser of the Joba/Hughes battle will be in the bullpen with Aceves. Anything else is just fun speculation to fill time.

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

Mike Silva

View all posts by Mike Silva
Mikes website

Tags: Alfredo Aceves, Chad Gaudin, Joba Chamberlain, New York Yankees, Phil Hughes, Sergio Mitre