Yanks preparing Hughes for life with the big club ...

An exclusive IIH, IIF, IIc scouting report:

Phil Hughes started Monday for the visiting Scranton-Wilkes Barre Yankees against the Syracuse Chiefs. The Yankees did everything possible to make Phil feel like he was with the big club. For example:

1. He pitched well and left with a lead, only to see the bullpen blow the game.

2. The Yanks' offense was anemic, getting just two runs and leaving a handful of runners stranded in scoring position.

3. First baseman Juan Miranda looked big and slow and booted a ground ball, showing he'd fit right in at that position in New York.

The only thing difference between SWB Monday and the big-league Yankees is that Justin Christian didn't get picked off. ... Well, that and SWB had already locked up a playoff spot.

(Oh, and dig Phil's new specs!)