From the Associated Press (NY Post):
“I try to avoid the rumors best I can, but you eventually here it from friends, family and the whole deal,” Hughes said after working out yesterday at the Yankees’ minor-league complex.
“You never want to hear your name out there, but on the other side, at least it’s good to know that other teams think highly of you. I wouldn’t say tough winter, but definitely an interesting one.”
Hughes, a 21-year-old right-hander, hasn’t talked with team officials in Tampa about the trade possibility since his named surfaced in talks in November.
“I actually heard my name out there for the first time from my dad,” Hughes said. “Then I just called my agent to see if there’s anything to it, and found there was. That’s the exact of the contact I’ve had.”
Hughes is focused on the one thing he can control, preparing for the 2008 season. He started a throwing program four weeks ago.
“I want to get on a mound before spring training starts, and maybe get four or five bullpens in,” Hughes said. “Physically, everything is good.”
I’m sure it has been a very interesting winter for the young righty. However, he may not have to worry too much anymore, as the Yankees have seemingly fallen out of the Santana Sweepstakes. Of course, you never know when there’s a Steinbrenner involved (let alone 2 or 3 of them), so I wouldn’t say Phil is out of the woods just yet.
You sort of get an inkling (albeit briefly) of Hughes’ work ethic from this report. He’s out there throwing and getting ready for 2008, and, no matter where he may end up (obviously I hope that he’ll stay with the team), I’m sure he’ll do a hell of a job.
The article also mentions Humberto Sanchez (Sheffield trade) and Andrew Brackman (draft pick), stating that Sanchez (recovering from surgery) could actually be ready to pitch in the minors by May. Brackman, who only had corrective surgery in August, will most likely be recovering until early next year.
Jumping from potential ace to another potential ace, it appears as though we have some new information regarding Joba’s situation (pitching-wise) for 2008. Joba’s been talked about a lot this winter, as we’re all trying to sort out his place within the rotation or the bullpen come the new season. Brian Cashman helps to clear the air though, as he stated, while on the YES Network, that Joba may very well pitch in the bullpen earlier in the season, allowing the team to effectively cap his innings. He would then move into the rotation later on, and could also be skipped over from time-to-time (so go and dust off your Kei Igawa jerseys).
Cashman (still speaking on Joba) also said that the team will “review other scenarios” and options, since it’s still a bit too early to call.
Now, back to some Roger Clemens stuff (YAY!). Clemens, who is scheduled to speak to some highschool baseball coaches today, is still going after McNamee’s credibility. We’ve spoken on this so many times, but now the Daily News is reporting that Clemens has hired investigators to really dig deep into McNamee’s past (e.g. rape allegations, etc.).
They’re obviously still going after his crediblity. McNamee’s lawyers are saying that, although McNamee knows a lot about Clemens’ “extracurricular activities,” he’s willing to go beyond that and take the “high road.” I guess injecting steroids (illegally) into a man’s ass for years indicates a higher level of morality that I’m currently unaware of.
With that said, another development has found itself to be dining at this already complicated table of events. According to the NY Times, McNamee is alleging that Roger’s steroid use could be physically confirmed due to some issues he was facing at the time of his injections:
Brian McNamee told federal authorities last summer that Roger Clemens developed an abscess on his buttocks about the same time that McNamee said he was giving him steroid injections during the 1998 season, according to a lawyer with knowledge of details of the case.
An abscess, which is basically a puss-filled sore (likely due to infection), could indicate some form of steroid use, as they are more likely to be caused by steroid injections (says the NY Times).
This could definitely help McNamee’s case (if somehow confirmed), although, it appears that Clemens only desired McNamee to inject him because of his “medical” background. If McNamee caused Clemens to develop an abscess due to his injecting, don’t you think Clemens would have stopped using McNamee as his injector or would have found someone else (later on) to do the injections? Secrecy comes into play here, but still, it’s sort of a weak argument. The Blue Jays have even stated that no one in their organization (trainers, etc) recall such an abscess.
Finally, with all this steroid business, the MLB is trying to respond and hamper steroid use in baseball. Recently, they installed stricter security measures for dealing with team personnel, and now, they’ve implemented their own substance abuse department.
Kind of sad that it’s come to this, huh?
