Wednesday Morning Bits: Pavano & Hughes, Damon, Rotation News

Here are a few items to start your day.

1. Phil Hughes and Carl Pavano both pitched for Class A Charleston last night. Pavano pitched 2 scoreless innings, allowing 1 hit and 1 walk, while striking out 4. Hughes pitched 3 scoreless innings, with 2 hits, 1 walk and 1 strike out. Pavano’s fastball hovered in the mid to upper 80’s (I wouldn’t expect him back anytime soon), while Hughes’ fastball stayed within the upper 90’s. In fact, Hughes was only supposed to pitch 2 innings, but his fastball was looking good so they kept him in there for a third. Believe it or not, I would actually resign Carl Pavano, but only at the league mininum (if possible). I figure he owes the Yankees a discount, although his career is probably over.

2. Next up, a confusing bit to say the least. Last night, Johnny Damon made his “long awaited” return to the OF and played in left. When asked about his return and the shoulder injury that had him sidelined, Damon told reporters (including Tyler Kepner), “I’m pretty much going to have pain in there all year.” Whoa, taking one out of the Posada play book, I see. Literally a few minutes later, Joe Girardi who’s about as honest as Pinocchio when it comes to discussing injuries, told reporters that Damon felt great and had experienced no pain upon his return. What’s the deal? Damon actually seems to be hurting based on what he told reporters and it seems like Girardi may have used him prematurely in the field.

Damon said he understood the need to share the designated hitter role so Girardi could give other players a rest during a stretch of 20 games without a day off. On Tuesday, Alex Rodriguez started at D.H. and Xavier Nady did not start.

Damon said it was unrealistic to wait until he felt healthy before going back in the field. Never a strong thrower, he said he would improvise to get by.

“As long as I’m able to throw to the cutoff man and chase down some balls out there, that’s the most important thing,” Damon said. “I have to save my bullets, because there’s going to be pain.”

Now, let’s make something very clear. Girardi was told by Damon that he felt good enough to play the OF, however, it seems like Damon may have been taking one for the team since Girardi probably told him that he was thinking of playing A-Rod at DH for the day. I don’t really know who to blame here, Damon for embellishing a bit or Girardi for not using his better judgment. I mean, seriously, who are you going to have at DH, the guy with an arm like Barbara Bush or the always healthy third baseman who works out like a racehorse. Damon’s days in the field are quickly coming to an end. I’m sorry but “I have to save my bullets” doesn’t make me feel very confident in your ability to play defense in left. I think it’s time for Xavier Nady to hit the grass and get acquainted with the left side.

3. Finally, we have “rotation” news (when do we not have rotation news?). Brian Cashman is still holding out on Seattle and hopes that they’ll lower their asking price for Jarrod Washburn (the Mets may have jumped into the race too, especially with John Maine’s injury). If they don’t, Cashman notes that the Yankees do have internal options to take over for Sidney Ponson (and maybe Darrell Rasner), namely Alfredo Aceves and Ian Kennedy (he says that they’re the top 2 candidates). While both Hughes and Pavano threw innings yesterday, Cashman and Girardi also stated that Hughes was the most likely of the two to actually contribute down the stretch (obviously). If you’re wondering about Chien-Ming Wang and what he’s been up to lately, Wang actually had his cast taken off yesterday and his foot has healed. Despite the good news, he still has a ways to go before he can actually return to the mound.