With a Strong Spring, Hughes Makes His Case
By Peter Kerasotis // March 21, 2012
PETER K IN THE NEW YORK TIMES
Published: March 21, 2012
The New York Times
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Joe Girardi wants a difficult decision, and Phil Hughes is doing his best to accommodate him.
Of the potential starters vying for one of five rotation spots — and there are seven, if you count Andy Pettitte and his expected return in May — it is Hughes who has perhaps pitched the best for the Yankees in spring training.
And make no mistake, spring training performance is important. That is why, instead of using the cliché that March numbers do not really matter, Hughes was more forthright in acknowledging the situation he is in.