Scouting Report RHP Phil Hughes

Phil Hughes was drafted with the 23rd pick in the 1st round in of the 2004 draft. The 23 year old made his debut April 26, 2007 against the Toronto Blue Jays, and I went to that game excited to see the phenom (went with Loudaman, Mikey Geah, and Kruk). He disappointed that night (4 1/3 innings, 7 hits and 4 earned runs), as he has done for most of his career up until this year. He worked out of the bullpen last year effectively, as he was 8-3 with a 3.03 ERA and a 10.05 K/9 and sub 3 W/9, with a 1.12 WHIP, but struggled in the post-season (8.53 ERA). Hughes has faced the Mets twice before in relief, tossing a total of 2 1/3 scoreless innings. Current Mets are just 2-for-14 off Hughes collectively.

Hughes has an overhand delivery with very good arm speed.  He features a 93-96 mph fastball, a sharp 12-6 curve-ball and an occasional change-up. He has added a cutter this year, and is throwing it 28% of the time (88 mph). His fastball and cutter are his two plus pitches so far this year. He is a strike out pitcher (8.33 K/9).

So far this year he has been outstanding, with a 5-0 record and a 2.25 ERA, .977 WHIP. He has lasted 7+ innings in four of his seven starts. His last start versus Boston was his worst start of the year, as he lasted only five innings and let up five earned runs (2 home runs).