Huff recalls youthful rivalry with new teammate Hughes

ST. PETERSBURG -- As left-hander David Huff reported for his first day as a member of the Yankees, he recalled a high school rivalry with new teammate Phil Hughes.

Huff attended Edison High School in Huntington Beach, Calif., and can recall bumping up against Hughes in competitions against Foothill High School in Santa Ana, as well as in Mickey Mantle and Connie Mack ball.

"He had better stuff growing up. He was the righty who threw 95 with a nasty changeup," Huff said. "I think I faced him a couple of times. Lifetime, I'm probably 0-for off of him, but I'm not a hitter. It was a fun little competition between the two of us growing up."

Huff was claimed off waivers from the Indians on Saturday. In a corresponding roster move, the Yankees designated outfielder Ben Francisco for assignment; Francisco was 5-for-44 with a home run in 21 games.

In Huff the Yanks get another lefty in the bullpen who can offer distance. The 28-year-old allowed five runs in three innings this year and has a Major League record of 18-26 and 5.40 ERA in 58 games (52 starts), all with Cleveland, dating back to 2009.

"I've just got to take it a day at a time and just continue to do what I do, and that's go out there and pitch and get guys out," Huff said.