Question & Answer time….
25 02 2008Starting now and ending on Tuesday at 6 p.m., submit a question for me to answer. Pete Abraham also will take questions for me at his blog. We’ll pick the best one and post the answers later this week. Please, only one question per person and make them original.
phil,
i’ve tried writing several letters to mr. cashman and other people in the front office regarding looking into a job with the yankees. the team is my only passion in life and it would be a dream job to work for the team and have a direct impact in bringing a 27th championship to new york. can you hook a fan up??!!
-joe
What are your thought as a pitcher throwing certain pitches in certain situations in the game? Do you solely trust your veteran catcher (Jorgie) or are you looking to go with what pitches are working for you on that specific day?
Basically how much of it is your call on the mound and how much do you trust your catcher?
Thanks Phil
Phil, I heard you recently bought a house in Tampa with your bonus money….how do you like your new place? Is it “cribs” worthy?
How often do you get hit on by someone attractive? How much does it help that you are a “hot new” Yankee?
How is the change-up coming?
What kind of car do you drive? Are you a car aficionado, and if so what are your favorite cars? Since you’re traveling most of the year, how does that work? do you have your car moved to where you are, or do you just rent one when the need arises?
Being down in Tampa for as long as you have now what are some of the interesting things to do and how is the night life like?
Phil, what is your favorite or most memorible game you have pitched in the big leagues so far?
Phil you grew up a red sox fan, is there a certain part of you that still roots for them?
Phil,
You threw a great change up in that Texas game last year, will we be seeing more of it this year?
Thanks.
Most baseball players have SOME superstition on game day. What’s yours?
Phil,
What’s your feeling about this new trend of innings and pitch-count limits, not just for rookies but in baseball in general? It seems as if 10 years ago, pitchers pitched more complete games, with little regard for pitch counts. Now, much is being done to protect arms and lengthen careers, leaving a starter’s 6 or 7 innings of work up to the bullpen to finish. How do you feel about this, being in the midst of the biggest “innings limit” conversation in all of baseball?
Hey Phil,
I have some personality questions for you, I understand if you can’t be completely candid. Is Jeter as unfriendly as he seems? Is ARod as alienated as the media makes him out to be? Does Damon really prance around the locker room naked? Are you uncomfortable shaking hands with Posada (we all know how he toughens them up)? Can you or anyone else PLEASE throw a fastball under Ortiz’s chin, to at least make him think about something? Thanks Pip, I’m so glad you weren’t traded for Johan! Good Luck!
-Tom
Hey Phil,
What’s it like going into you first full season as a Yankee? Has Mussina or Pettitte taken you under their wing to help show you the ropes?
Good luck this year
- Mike
Hey Phil,
You have had the chance to pitch against a lot of great young hitters over the past few years at the minor league level. Who are some of the guys you have faced that you have had trouble getting out? They don’t have to be Yankees, just an idea of some guys who you have a lot of respect for as hitters.
Thanks,
McCarthy
Hey Phil,
My question is a bit cynical, but i was really just wondering:
I believe that what you’re doing here is against the grain of what most would do in your place. Relating to fans in a global sense, but with an intimate touch. The question is, being that it is global and open to all, are you prepared for those rough days when the site will be flooded with negativity (e.g. trolls, etc…)? and how do you set your mind against such a possibility? Thank you for being so accessible Phil! I cannot believe i’m your age..
Armand
armandalfred.multiply.com
Phil,
Do you ever wish you could have attended college? Being drafted out of high school do you feel like you missed that part of your life? Also, if you did go to college, where would your first choice of been or who was recruiting you?
Thanks
Bryan
Who is the funniest guy in the clubhouse? Who is the best guy to go to the bar with after a game?
Phil, I’m interested in what you’ve got to say about Mike’s question above (bronxbomber05). It seemed like Roger took you under his wing last year and this year it looks like Andy’s given you some guidance. How’s it going and how is there really a mentorship relationship with you and some of the vets?
Did the intensity of playoff baseball match what you thought it would be like?
To expand on demarco’s question about the @*!^#%&#(you know who!), what does your Dad think of you now being a Yankee? And on that note-it’s OK, Phil, because we all make mistakes(though let’s hope not as BAD as that! LOLOL).
Phil - Derek made some comments about testing for HGH…How would you fix this mess?
Thanks and have a great year!
phil,
did you play any other sports in high school? if so, then which ones?
I kind of have a two-part question. A lot has been written about the innings limit Joba will have placed on him when the season starts, but not so much about any you might have.
One, have the Yankees discussed what your limit will be, if any?
Second, what is your feelings on inning limits? Do you feel they are necessary or do you feel like the investments MLB teams make in their pitchers cause them to be overly protective with their pitching, especially their prospects?
Thanks Phil, it takes a pretty big commitment to have a blog like this and I’m sure fans appreciate the effort.
Phil
You played for Joe Torre a bit last year. From what you can tell, what is the biggest difference in the clubhouse, and just in the managing styles between Torre and new skipper Joe Giardi?
Phil,
You get dropped into the middle of an olympic-sized swimming pool full of tiny blocks of jello. Are you able to get out, and do you think that Joba would fair any differently?
Thanks
Hey phil,
Have you been working on any new pitches or are you still perfecting the same arsenal as last year?
How old were you when you first realized that you might make a career as a pitcher? Also, how does your pitching style differ now from when it did in high school? Thank, Phil.
“Does Damon really prance around the locker room naked?”
And do you all say “Heeeeeere’s Johnny?” LOL
Hey Phil,
Growing up as a fan of the game of baseball, how has your perspective been warped since you are now part of the game rather than being a fan?
Also, favorite office episode?
Thanks again for putting yourself out there for us! We’re going to prove why NY has the best fans in the world!
Who’s ranked higher in Halo, you or Joba?
How did you come up with your signature when signing autographs? What is it about New York and it’s fan’s that makes playing here so special? Kevin
I’ve read articles where some players remember the moment they “put on the pinstripes” and how special it was whereas others don’t say much about it. What was it like for you suiting up the first time?
Phil,
What are your thoughts on fantasy baseball, does it have any effect on you as a player? Also do you play fantasy baseball, if so what players do you want to have on your team?
Thanks,
bronxbomba
Hi Phil,
If you did not have your athletic abilities and therefor were not a baseball player, what career path do you think you would have taken?
Thanks,
- Jeremy
What is your Halo Gamertag?
Phil-
When I followed you as a prospect through the minors, the scouting report never really was on your curveball or changeup, two pitches you used very frequently last year. Mostly, it talked about an above average fastball (I assume the velocity is back now that you’ve had time to rehab your hamstring) and a nasty slider with a ton of bite. Now that you are no longer in the minors, and should no longer be using a real game situation during the season to work on secondary pitches, are you going to go back to using the slider more often? Compared to you, I know little about pitching, but I feel like that slider could be a great compliment to your curve and change (also kennedy, you, and joba all throw the same 4 pitches, isnt that weird?). Have you, Joba, and Ian ever helped each other with your respective strengths? (Your curve, Jobas slider, Ian’s change.)
What exactly does the coaching staff tell you guys as young players in the minors about Boston. I mean, it’s not like they tell you how to act, but is there a little more emphasis on the games against say Pawtucket?
DON’T YOU HATE PANTS??
Since you’ve been in Tampa for a while now, what’s your favorite Restaurant or Bar down there?
Phil,
This being the last year in what will be the “old” Yankee Stadium, what (if your allowed to) do you plan on taking with you, as memorobilia, to the new stadium or just to have as a peice of history.
Matt
Tell us your favorite joke?
Do you have a certain routine you do before every game you pitch?
What is the funniest thing you have seen happen on a diamond?
Since you lived in California, did you view the Yankees as the “Evil Empire” or were you always a Yankee fan?
Hey Phil I ws just reading about your performance at BP today (way to go) but it led me to my question.. Do you ever notice who you are facing on the mound or is it all about the glove??? Thank for the blog Phil We love it!!
Stephanie in PA
Hey Phil I know the Yankees and im sure other teams were looking at you probably since you were a Junior in High School, did you ever plan on going to pitch in college? And if you did, where?
well mine is a repost lol sorry. Apple F is my friend.
What was your ‘welcome to the show’ moment? That one moment that made you realize, holy crap, this is the big time?
Tim,
I think Ian already answered your question.
4. Who’s better at HALO, Phil or Joba?
Phil, hands down.
Phil,
How does it feel being labeled as “Phil Franchise?” There are such high expectations for you, being referred to as the future of the yankee franchise. Do you feel overwhelmed by all of the hype and expectations of success?
P-Hughes,
If the you and your teammates had a “battle royal” WWE Style, who would win and why?
Are there any hitters currently in the League that you are leary of facing?
Thanks,
Lisa
http://miscreantmind.wordpress.com
I see all the young guys, including yourself, at camp this year. Do you think the increased competition will give everybody an edge once the season starts? It may feel more like the regular season given that only a few jobs are set in stone in the pen.
If you could play with one of the legendary Yankees- Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Reggie Jackson, etc- for a day who would you choose and why?
Or who was person/player you were most excited to meet in your career and what was it like meeting them?
The Red Sox are champs. Uggh. Is that as much a motivator for you and other players as the Yankees not being the champs?
Who was the craziest teammate you had in your pro career?
A lot of people have said your outing against Cleveland in the ALDS was really the first real glimpse we had of your stuff and your potential (Don Mattingly/Peter Gamons). I was wondering what felt so right in that game? And what do you think you need to do this year to maintain that level of consistency?
Oh and I plan to draft you in Fantasy Baseball so make me look good.
Steve
NY NY
P-hizzle,
You and Easy-Ian are the captains in ‘Yankees” beer chugging contest. You each get 3 picks. Who are your top 3? Who’s Mighty Mouse taking (Ian)?
-Beaver
For us Yanks fans outside of NYC, what do you think (or would you even want it?) that we (your blog readers) should come up with as a unique way to greet you while you’re on road trips? A chant, catch-phrase, nickname, etc?
Ken, Yanks fan in Chicago
Situation:
If you were pitching against the Sox, and all of a sudden, STEVE CARELL came up to bat [since he's from Massachusetts] what kind of pitch would you throw him? Would you want to strike him out??
-thanks, Marissa
If you had the chance to pitch in any game in MLB history, which one would it be?
A significant number of Yankee fans have been following your career since you were drafted, and have been analyzing your performances for several years. Within this online community, one of the central debates has centered on your fastball velocity, with some minor league fans claiming you used to regularly sit at 95-97. They argue that a combination of your hamstring injury and a change in mechanics resulted in a drop in velocity. Please put this debate to rest.
Three part question: Have you noticed a significant drop in velocity? If you have, what do you attribute it to? And, finally, do you believe your future success hinges on your ability to sit in the mid to high 90s, as you allegedly used to when you achieved so much success in the minor leagues, or do you think fastball velocity is over-regarded by baseball fans and your future success hinges on other factors?
Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions.
I know your favorite show is the Office but what is your favorite movie? Thanks for having such a cool blog and good luck this season.
Phil,
What do you do to get prepared for each start? Do you have a pre-game ritual such as eating the same thing at the same time before each start, listening to the same playlist, stretching at an exact time, etc etc. Also do you have any superstitions?
Thanks,
bj
I see you’ve never started an interleague game in the majors, would you be looking forward to having the opportunity to start in a National League ballpark and getting the opportunity to bat in a big league ball park?
I meant to add, I got your 34 nyy grey authentic in the mail today, I feel kinda cool knowing I got to wear it before you do
Phil
If you could have dinner with five people, famous or not who would they be and why?
Thanks
Spike O
(xspike21)
Did your parents support you when you told them that you wanted to be a baseball player? and do they come to Tampa or Yankees stadium to see you pitch?.. and do you have any brothers and sisters? DONT TAZE ME BRO!!
Question (Dwight Schrute reference): What is your favorite episode(s) all-time of The Office?
I’m a huge fan… I’d have to go with “Basketball,” “The Injury,” and “The Convict”
Question (Dwight Schrute reference): What is your favorite episode(s) all-time of The Office?
I’m a huge fan… I’d have to go with “Basketball,” “The Injury,” and “The Convict”
Luke from Montrose, NY
I love the number change but it really sucks for fans that bought your #65 jersey. Don’t you think each team/league should have a way for fans to “trade in” jerseys of players who changed numbers (see also: Kobe Bryant) or changed teams? Maybe send the old jerseys to a 3rd world country and give a 30% discount towards a new jersey?
or, if that’s too “off the beaten path”:
Tell us one thing you learned about Yankee stadium that you didn’t know before and most non-ballplayers would ever know
Do you think that more players should have blogs to respond to there fans.
What are the chances that Joba starts his own blog
Hey Phil,
You seem to understand that there are a lot of people out there who love getting autographs from their heroes… sports and otherwise (hence the buckets of mail you get).
Whose autograph do you own that you prize more than any other??
Thanks,
gogamecocks2001
hey phil,
I too am a pitcher and was just wondering what a normal day of pitcher workouts consist of during spring training? I know for my high school in the only week we get as pitchers and catchers to work out we do a lot of running.
Phil,
When you get the Millions do you plan to be as down to earth as you are today?
Mr. Hughes,
What is your favorite charity and how did you first get involved with it?
I submitted my question to Peter already so I hope it gets answered. It’s a pretty good one.
YankeesDaily
ditto
Phil, what kinds of recreation do you enjoy in the offseason and during the off days in season?
Terry, Milford, CT
what is the true FB velocity in which you sit? i’ve read 91-95, but it seemed a bit less last year. was it the injuries? was it a change in mechanics? did the return of Dave Eiland in September help?
(http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/chamberlain-or-hughes-whos-got-better-mechanics/)
how hard are you throwing so far in camp?
If you had gone to college instead of pro ball, what do you think you would have majored in?
^ Dan, CT
what is the true FB velocity in which you sit? i’ve read 91-95, but it seemed a bit less last year. was it the injuries? was it a change in mechanics? did the return of Dave Eiland in September help?
(http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/chamberlain-or-hughes-whos-got-better-mechanics/)
how hard are you throwing so far in camp?
Hey Phil,
Who do you think would win in a fight:
Hideo Nomo or Don Drysdale?
Hey Phil,
Would you rather go through life with Stadium hot dogs for fingers or a cracker jack box for a left shoulder?
-Pat
Phil,
I just finished watching Cribs, so I thought that I would ask what is in your fridge and what is your ride?
Thanks
Hey just want to give you props for your nice performance out there today, I was reading about it, http://yankees.lhblogs.com/, nice. Keep it up man, keep living the dream!
My Question: How many gloves do you have a year and how long does it take to break one in?
Mark, Upstate, NY
OH Phil,
Personal highlight of my own, Sept of last year when you guys were in Detroit I toured the stadium and got to hold one of your old gloves. It’s a little childish but hey, I thought it was cool. I guess it was going to Steiner Sports or something.
What was it like having a promise of being picked by the Angels, only to fall to the Yankees?
Hi Phil,
2 part question here, Who is the most intimidating hitter you have ever faced? And also, do you pitch hitters a certain way based on who is on deck? For example, would you throw Youkilis a “hittable” pitch to make sure you don’t walk him and Face Ortiz with a man on? Or are you going after him with something nasty and if you walk him then so be it, you battle Ortiz?
I think the “He’s sees more fastballs cause of who’s on deck” argument just isn’t true as I think most pitchers attack every hitters weakness regardless of the On deck circle….. Some friends disagree, so I need you to settle the score!!
Thanks Phil- Good Luck this year.
Assume that you are pitching a night game, how do you prepare to take the mount from the moment you wake up in the morning? What are some of your routines and superstitions? How do you handle a possible “break” in this routine?
Hey Phil,
which version of The Office do you like better, the incredibly funny original UK version or the not as funny US version?
If you haven’t seen the UK version yet, what are you waiting for? Run man, run!
Brian
Has the Yankees organization discouraged you from throwing your slider? Have you shelved that pitch for fear of injury or do you ever plan on reintroducing it into your repertoire?
Hi Phil,
I read an article were Jose Molina said you have more pop in your pitches. Do you feel that working out in the winter really helped get your legs back to where they were before the hamstring injury and do you think the new found trust in your legs and your velocity will make you a more dominate pitcher this season?
Thanks - can’t wait to see what you bring to the mound this season!
Hey Phil,
I’m a big Twins fan and was really hoping you would have come to Minneapolis in a deal for Johan. Unfortunately for the Twins that didn’t pan out. Would you have been dissappointed if the rumored deal had gone through?
Phil, with all of this new young talent emerging (Cano, Wang, Melky, yourself, Shelley, Joba, Kennedy, etc), which Yankees farmhand do you think will make the biggest impact in 2008 that we haven’t seen yet?
What is your favorite part about Spring Training?
Phil, do you know how hot you are?
hey phil,
your from california do you miss being in california.
And now that you have been to a nascar racer are you a fan now.
and i Was wondering if you play my High school team in califorina the school Pennisula high school in the south bay. And i was wondering what is favitore dog breed.
Hi, Phil!
Like you, I’m waiting for the new episodes of The Office. So, who’s your favorite character and/or episode from the show?
Where is your favorite place you’ve vacationed and why?
And someone above asked about Phil’s sibs - he showed pics of his 2 sisters at Xmas time.
Ok phil I have a couple of random questions for you. First if you had to come up with a catchy phrase for your self what would it be ( for example Jorge has hip hip Jorge and Melky has the melk man or got melky)? Secondly what is your favortie movie ( I know really random but not everything has to be about baseball)? And lastly what is your favortie sport besides baseball and who is your favorite player in that sport?
I would love to hear you answers phil!!
<3 Sarah
Phil,
I’m not sure if this has been asked yet.
I am curious as to your thoughts on some of the lower talent in the Yankees system. What pitchers do you see being good for the team in the coming years? We all know about the big 3, but what other guys do you think have the ability to make the yanks have a big 4 or 5?
thanks again for being good to the fans
Hey Phil,
What’s the best or most surprising “perk” that comes with being a major league baseball player? Do you frequently get complimentary dinners in NYC and/or other nice gifts? Thanks for being so generous with us fans!
Hi Mr. Hughes
I was wondering why you decided to change your number to 34.
Hi Phil,
Where would you like to see your career 5 years from now? Yankee Pinstripes, World Series Champion? Thank you for being here for the fans.
Ken
Hey Phil I was wondering if you were not playing baseball what would you be doing?
I live in daytona beach and I’m going to a spring training game at legend field ..I was just wondering were the best place would be to get an autograph?? where to stand??
P.S.~are you single??
Hey Phil, thanks for taking the time. I thought of this question the other day when in a sports store and saw them selling your autograph…
How does it feel being a big league pitcher? Going into stores and seeing a picture of you which you signed being sold for a crazy amount of money. Do you think its strange that people would spend this money, I mean you were a fan growing up, now people are fans of you.
Thank again for your time!
hey phil, which would you rather have for breakfast: A Taylor ham egg and cheese sandwich, or chocolate chip pancakes?
Phil, can you describe your workout details in order to let us know what areas you targeted to improve this year versus last year?
-Brett
Who is/was your favorite athlete outside of baseball?
Who is the 1 person not in the Hall of Fame that you think should be?
Seeing how you play video games..whats your favortie one and do you like too play baseball video games?
Phil,
Can you talk a little bit about the Yankees Red Sox rivalry? You have yet to face the Red Sox at the major league level. Do you feel there will be any added pressure to perform at a very high level against them?
Greg (a Yankee fan in Boston, MA)
Hey Phil,
Just wondering, is there any teammate of yours at Spring Training that is on the bubble as far as making the team, that you personally are pulling for?
Hi Phil
I was at Legends field (GMS)…yesterday watching you all work out & get ready
for a new season. I love it since I moved here 3yrs ago……But as I watched I saw A Rod behind home plate near the stands talking with a woman & her daughter for nearly 15 mins…he was having a blast..WHO WAS SHE…Never seen a player inact with a spectator before………no less A Rod
Hey Phil!
What was your favorite part of your season in Trenton?
Gabe
Phil,
What’s the best workout for a high school pitcher?
-Skylar
can you share with us the workout you do with pettitte?
thanks
alex
Can you share a funny story or comment from a manager or pitching coach during a mound visit? As fans we always wonder whats being talked about on the mound. Thanks!
- Scott
What are the some of the things you say to yourself while you are on the mound to maybe keep your focus or adjust your mechanicss?
so many questios already! my question is. if you werent playing baseball. what would you be doing right now? going to college? graduated and maybe working, do something else? besides baseball what was another career choice for you?
& thanks for another q&a!
Hey Phil–
What do you think is the component, be it tangible or intangible, that is crucial to a championship-caliber team? Is it a strict, regimented clubhouse, a chill clubhouse, team chemistry, good pitching, etc?
And, considering this team has had some of the same characters for a few years now (Moose, Giambi, Pettitte, Jeter, Mo, PLUS you ‘new’ guys, etc), do you think this team has what you answered the above question?
Candobil2
From all the articles I read …I believe that was Alex’s wife Cynthia and his daughter Natasha. If the woman was pregnant it definitely was them.
Question for Phil…the old favorite …Where do you see yourself 10 years from now ??? (I’m hoping at least a 3 time Cy Young winner and at least 5 Yankee Championships under your belt …lol)
Go Yankees 2008 !!!!
Hey Phil… I guess I didn’t pay attention to the directions on Pete’s blog. My name is Big Bronx Balls77, but the handle my loving mother gave me is Shamus…
P-Abe said to include name and town, so :
Shamus
Hope, Maine
(The Redneck Backyard of Red Sox Nation)
What was your earliest baseball memory?
Was there any profound moments in your youth that really drove your passion for the game?
Thanks for such a cool blog!
Jay
Hi Phil
When did you first know you had the right stuff to become a major leaguer?
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions!
If you could trade places with any professional athlete in another sport, who would it be and why?
Phil,
I am getting married this October and was wondering whether or not you’d like to join us for my bachelor party in South Lake Tahoe in mid-August.
You up for it?
Sincerely,
Jake
Phil, being as young as you are in one of the toughest teams to make it on in MLB, what was your biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it?
Phil, what was your favorite part about Scranton during your time in AAA? I’m from Clarks Summit, live in New York now, but still go back home to see the AAA Yanks play. Just wanted to hear how you enjoyed your time in the area
How is the East coast compared to the West coast? Do you feel like a New Yorker yet?!
What is one largely unknown fact about yourself that people are generally surprised to hear when they find out?
If baseball ceased to exist, what would you be doing right now? Or what would you be studying/preparing to do?
Arguably the hype over you reached new heights last season when Jason Giambi compared you to a young Rodger Clemens. Since then you recorded an almost no-hitter and your impressive post season performance have only raised the expectations of fans across the country. How do you maintain your composure knowing that thousands of fans view you as the “next big thing” and what’s it like knowing that despite your own remarkable achievements there are two other pitchers as young as you who have their own laundry list of accomplishments that have earned you three the nick-name “The Big Three”?
Thanks Phil, good luck this year.
Rich in Ct