Yanks Smart For Keeping Young Arms

By Brian Fitzsimmons: NJ Columnist
Posted Thursday, December 13, 2007

Fast-forward four years from now and gasp at Ian Kennedy, Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain dealing out playoff performances that would make Josh Beckett blush. You’ll also see Johan Santana turn stale and become labeled as an overpaid hurler who has long deserted his ways of turning AL offenses into silent victims of his craft.

It’s a nice picture to dream about and it may seem somewhat far-fetched, but it’s the creed Yankees GM Brian Cashman is banking on. If it comes true, then you have to call the Bronx Bombers and their youth movement tactics the winners of the Winter Meetings held in Nashville this past week. On the other hand, if the baby-faced trio is the second coming of the woeful Generation K, Cashman is a goat more worthy of scorn than the one ruining Cubs nation’s World Series hopes.

It was reported throughout the week New York had the upper hand over Boston to land two-time Cy Young award winner, Santana. Minnesota engaged in heavy talks, but was shot down by Hank “Baby Boss” Steinbrenner when it asked for Hughes and Melky Cabrera after Kennedy was taken off the table.

Suddenly, it was Boston’s manipulative brain trust alone in a hotel with nervous Minnesota front office officials. In actuality, the tides turned ferociously and the Yankees were pinned to the wall knowing if the Red Sox landed another ace to complement Beckett, the AL East wouldn’t be much of a race.

Still, the trigger wasn’t pulled out of panic.

First thing’s first – it was smart to toss Kennedy into the pile of untouchables, which was originally comprised of Chamberlain and Robinson Cano. Those who witnessed his final three outings in 2007, before an achy back ended his rookie campaign, were well-aware of his 1.89 ERA and eight-inning, one hit, no-run performance against Toronto. He is the real deal and will translate into a great second starter, if not better.

As for Hughes, it’s difficult to still label him a prospect, especially when taking his dominant relief innings against Cleveland in the playoffs into account. Before a hamstring injury hampered most of the year for the 21-year old, he seemed to acquire poise strong enough to withstand any team. His fastball showed velocity in the mid-90’s and his off-speed pitches were thrown for strikes. When the Yankees finally realized they had an outside shot of catching the division title from the choking Red Sox, Hughes was rushed back and wasn’t the same. His ERA rose, his walks increased and his mechanics didn’t allow for a comfortable outing in many cases.

With a full winter off and the knowledge of being a counted-on starter, both pitchers should shake the minor injuries and benefit from a spring training session with job security. Granted, Cashman and new manager Joe Girardi wouldn’t have to put Santana on a 175 or 200 inning limit like they plan to do with the youngsters, but it will pay off in the long run.

The reasoning was commendable – why deal a future Cy Young award winner for one who may not win another? Case closed— the Bronx’s most precious trio, Chamberlain, Hughes and Kennedy, isn’t going anywhere.

In the pressure-filled atmosphere where desperate teams were looking to snatch the Yankees’ treasure chest, Cashman and Steinbrenner stuck to their guns – all three of them.