Philip Joseph Hughes, born June 24, 1986, has shown why he was selected 23rd overall by the New York Yankees. He has flashed three plus pitches including a 91-94 mph four-seam fastball, a 73-77 mph knuckle curveball, and a 88-91 mph cutter. Phil has had a freak-injury ridden career. Some injuries include:2004-elbow stiffness, broken toe
2005- shoulder tendinitis
2006- surprisingly no injuries, his best year of his young career.
2007-hamstring injury, in rehab he suffers a grade three ankle sprain.
2008-stress fracture in his rib
As for stats, in 2004, in the GCL as a 18 year-old, had a 0.00 era in five innings with 8 strikeouts. In 2005 at Charleston and Tampa, he combined for a 9-1 record with a 2.19 era in 86innings with 93 strikeouts. In Tampa and Trenton the following year he combined for a 12-6 record with a 2.16 era in 146 innings with 168 strikeouts. 2006 was Phil's most dominant year as he rose to the top of the prospects list. He was rated the number four overall prospect in baseball in 2007 by baseball america.
Hopefully, one of these days, Phil Hughes becomes the ace we all know that he can be. He is 22 years-old and is already a seasoned veteran. I believe in him.
