Competition Sparks Yankees

Phil Hughes pitched eight shutout innings in Arlington Texas, Monday. Years of hyped babble were replaced by MLB quality production. The transition was palpable, "That stuff you saw there today, that was real stuff...He pitched with a lot of conviction...(A-Rod/Abraham/Gannett.)

Is there a secret to Phil's sudden success? Here's a hint: "I know he's there. I see him around the clubhouse...But I don't feel like he's peeking over my shoulder or that every pitch is to save my job. I'm just pitching the way I can."--(Abraham/Gannett)

"He" is Chien-Ming Wang whose return from the disabled list was expected to punch Hughes' ticket back to Scranton. After all, prior to Monday, the Yankees' next big thing's production was poor--eight shutout innings lowered his ERA to 5.14. Coming on the heels of '08's disaster, the light at the end of the tunnel appeared to be a train.

Perhaps, competition tripped the survival switch in Phil's sub-conscious. Time will tell. There is evidence to suggest that fighting for a job optimizes potential. Girardi has masterfully employed this tactic to spur production. A year ago Melky Cabrera's ebullient energy was extinguished by poor production. Spring training started, a center field competition with hyped speed merchant Brett Gardner commenced and Melky assumed the position on the bench. Melky's persistent smile was replaced by the eye of the tiger. Two months later, the walk-off-wonder has established himself as the best outfielder on a $200 million roster.

Another example of competition's rejuvenating power, can be found in right field. Swisher sparred with Nady in the spring. The X man wins by decision and Nick takes his hyper-drive personality to the pine. Opportunity arrives for some playing time and Swisher responds with potent power. Nady gets hurt. Swisher is granted the every day gig and flops. X is due back soon, don't be surprised if Swisher mounts an heroic comeback.

Joe Girardi has consistently maintained that competition is a healthy component of a successful team. The '09 New York Yankees prove his point.