Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes have put the Yanks (not to mention us fans) through a lot of heartaches and headaches this year, leading many to question all those scouting reports that made them out to be can't-miss stars. Hughes recused himself by fracturing a rib, thus avoiding both the ever-increasing pressure and/or embarrassing and confidence-shattering move to the bullpen or AAA. The latter turned out to be I-Ken's fate after a miserable season start.

Being demoted is surely a blow to one's self-esteem, but in this case it might be just what Kennedy needs to BOOST his confidence. He made his first start with Scranton today, and he didn't waste any time showing the Yanks that he's still got the talent we all saw last year. In his Scranton debut today he went 7.1 innings, gave up just one hit (he had a no-hitter going through 5 2/3), struck out eight and didn't walk a soul (although he did hit a dude) and threw 90 pitches. Rather than sinking into a depression or beating himself up about being sent down, IPK is using his time wisely to show the Yanks that he can and will turn things around when he is recalled.

Continue Reading There's Still Hope: I-Ken Starts His AAA Trip Off With a Bang