The Yankees have suffered 13 losses because of Phil Hughes and Joba has given up 7 home runs in 38 innings, most of which came after coming in when the Yankees were only losing by a run or two and adding gasoline to the fire.
Hughes, Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy were part of a trio of pitchers that came up around 2007 and labeled as the “future” of the Yankees. Kennedy was traded and Hughes and Chamberlain showed periods of brilliance before this season. Now, at the end of their contracts, they are finding no takers for their services and the Yankees have no choice but to let them go at the end of this year.
However, instead of waiting, the Yankees best choice would be to release them both, and now. Neither is going to return, and why waste roster spots on non-performing employees?
Similar to a job where someone has clearly indicated they don’t intend to stick around, the best move by the Yankees would be to let both of them go and give someone else a shot in key situations.
Other teams have released players who haven’t worked out (and the Yankees have taken on players like Vernon Wells and Alfonso Soriano who other teams are paying), so what is the holdup here? It is clear these two don’t belong on a team that is trying to make the playoffs, but for some reason the team is holding on to them.
Make the clean cut, Brian Cashman. Clear these two spots for people who have futures with the Yankees, not with pasts.