(AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

That’s what they might as well start calling Yankees prospect Phil Hughes, according to Times reporter Tyler Kepner. Kepner quotes Jason Giambi, who compares Hughes to a young Roger Clemens, and Todd Pratt, who preferred the comparison to a young Curt Schilling.

Says veteran catcher Ben Davis:

Hughes is just special. I’m not mocking anyone on the team; I’m just saying the way the ball comes out of his hand is different than the way it comes out of other people’s hands. I mean, his fastball explodes and his curveball is devastating. That’s the only word I can say: devastating.

Kepner also takes note of another young flame-thrower, Humberto Sanchez. Sanchez, acquiried from Detroit in the Gary Sheffield trade, has impressed on-lookers as well.