Colorado Rockies Interested in Phil Hughes

Oct 16, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes kneels next to the mound before the first inning of game three of the 2012 ALCS against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Colorado Rockies have expressed interest in acquiring the New York Yankee’s right hander, Phil Hughes. However, the Rockies intentions are to incorporate them into their bullpen rather than their starting rotation.

New York has been shopping both Hughes and relief pitcher Joba Chamberlain according to Rosenthal.

Hughes has been inconsistent so far this season as a starter. In 18, he has compiled an ERA of 4.57, and has allowed 18 home runs in 102.1 innings of work.

Colorado’s plans to use Hughes in the bullpen may come as a surprise to some. With a rotation consisting of Jhoulys Chacin, Jorge de la Rosa, Tyler Chatwood, Juan Nicasio, and Roy Oswalt, Hughes would likely be an improvement over a few of those guys in the long run.

Regardless, the Rockies’ plan would be to re-insert Oswalt into the rotation when he returns from the DL and use Hughes out of the bullpen.

Part of the Rockies’ plans for Hughes may have to deal with the fact that he has proven to be prone to letting up home runs. Typically fly ball pitchers do not fair well in Coors Field, and Hughes is exactly that. Last season for the Yankees, Hughes allowed 35 home runs in 191.1 innings.

Colorado would likely have to part with Tyler Colvin, Jordan Pacheco, or Josh Rutledge and another prospect to persuade the Yankees into accepting their offer. More than likely, the Rockies would prefer to part ways with Colvin, but depending on what other teams may be willing to give up for Hughes, the package they offer may have to improve.