Yankees Pass on C.C. Sabathia For Coveted 5th Starter Spot

Written by Andy | 28 March 2010

Photo from fOTOGLIF

The New York Yankees announced that Phil Hughes has been named the team's 5th starter, after winning a hotly contested competition in Spring Training. Sabathia says he is disappointed, but would reluctantly go along with the decision.

"I came here to become the 5th starter for the Yankees.," said an obviously let down Sabathia. "That is such a prestigious position, but I guess being considered the team's ace is a nice consolation prize."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi, although a fervent Sabathia supporter, thinks Hughes is simply the best fit to anchor the end of his starting rotation.

"We looked at it, and looked at it, but it just didn't make sense for us to move Sabathia, Burnett or even Pettitte to the end of the rotation," said Girardi, "even though we completely over-analyzed this just like every other aspect of our club. Seriously, I mean it. I'm about to have a three hour meeting with the Steinbrenner's on which bubble gum flavor will help our team speed the most."

In addition to being the best fit, Girardi said the impressiveness of Hughes changeup couldn't be overlooked. He also said the team is having way too much fun screwing with Joba Chamberlain, almost on a weekly basis.

"Yeah, yeah Phil's change-up was pretty good. But you would not believe how much fun it is to mess with Joba. The guy falls for everything. It really is the best part about managing this team. 'Your in the bullpen. No, now you're a starter. Oh, but don't throw too many pitches.' Oh, good stuff. We're about to tell him he has to learn to throw left-handed or something, otherwise he's in violation of his contract. Should be loads of fun," said a smirking Girardi.

Phil Hughes will be Yankees 5th Starter (The Sporting News)
Yanks Start to Admit Obvious with Joba(FanHouse)