Dugout Central: Ian Kennedy #1 of the 3 kids for 2008

Matt Bouffard at Dugout Central thinks Ian Kennedy is the best of the 3 kids for 2008:

• "For the 2008 New York Yankees, the most important young pitcher is not Joba Chamberlain, nor is it Phil Hughes; it’s Ian Kennedy. Chamberlain and Hughes receive more media attention and both could be future aces. But by virtue of being older (23) and his three years of collegiate experience at Southern California, scouts view Kennedy as a more polished product at this stage.

The main reason Kennedy can have the most impact of the big three is that he should have the most opportunity to contribute. Chamberlain will be limited to about 145 IP and his role for 2008 is still undefined. Hughes missed much of last season due to hamstring and ankle injuries, limiting him to 110.1 IP between the majors and minors.

• Like Chamberlain, Hughes will also have an innings limit this year, likely somewhere between 140 and 175.

The organization will place a limit on Kennedy as well, but after pitching 165.1 innings between the majors and minors last year, Kennedy will likely be able to pitch close to 200 innings in 2008 and make a significant contribution to the Yankees staff."....

• (Mr. Bouffard goes on with several charts and a lot of stats). Dugout Central, 3/13/08, "Kennedy is Yankees' Most Important Young Pitcher."

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