Thursday, December 6, 2007

Hank: Fans Want Hughes

Hank Steinbrenner may talk too much, but he - or somebody who works for him - seems to have a finger on the pulse of the Yankees fanbase.

Tyler Kepner reported that Steinbrenner is impressed with the fanbase and their desire to keep Philerup in pinstripes for the foreseeable future.

It was wrenching enough for the Yankees to even offer Phil Hughes to the Twins for Santana, and General Manager Brian Cashman was never too enthusiastic. Hank Steinbrenner, the senior vice president, said he had heard that fans were glad the Yankees pulled out of the Santana chase.

“I don’t base what I do on other people’s opinions,” Steinbrenner said. “You can’t take opinion polls every day. But I’m really pleased at the fan reaction to keeping Hughes, and the fans do matter. Their opinion does matter.

“They’re the ones that buy tickets and watch the YES Network. I like the way they get attached to homegrown Yankee players, just like the rest of us do in ownership and the front office. I was actually kind of surprised. But the fans seem to be in favor of keeping Hughes, and that’s a good thing.”

Damn right, Hankenstein. There isn't a true Yankee fan I've come across who had zero qualms about trading Hughes. Even if the return was Johan Santana.

I think even the biggest Hughes supporter would admit the addition of Santana would be a positive step for the team, but about 95% are extremely hesitant to part with the Franchise, no matter what it results in.

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