Everyday until spring training begins the "Respect Jeter's Gangster" blog will review one player from the Yankees roster. We will review a total of 25 players, the 25 we believe will be on the active roster after spring training. Our reviews are all edited by Carl Pavano himself to insure they're up to the stringent "Pavano Tough" standards.
Chien Ming Wang has undoubtedly been the ace of the Yankees over the last few seasons, despite peoples feelings against his lack of strikeout power. Wang, had put up back-to-back 19 win seasons, but fell short in 2008 due to a freak injury during a game with the Astro's where his foot exploded. Wang left that game after going 5 innings and not allowing a run, thus securing the win in his last outing. Last season was generally shaky, but was beginning to improve for Wang before he was injured. Wang cruised through April, and even pitched a complete game victory over the Red Sox allowing just one run. His very next start, also against the Red Sox, amounted to 4 innings and 8 runs. Wang recovered however and gave one quality start after another until mid-May when he reached a difficult stretch. In 4 starts, Wang lasted 23.2 innings and gave up 23 runs. He recovered with a great game against the A's going 7.1 innings and allowing 1 run, and was on his way to a great game against the Astro's until the foot injury. So now, Wang is entering the 2009 season recovering from his second major injury since being in pinstripes. Let's not forget his 2005 rotator cuff injury. In any event, the big question is how he will show up to spring training, and how quickly will he get ready for the season. After all, he threw off a mound for the first time earlier this week, which can be a little concerning given that spring training is just 8 days away.
My Fearless Prediction:
I'll sign Wang up for another 200 innings and 19 wins next season. Maybe even 20 if the offense shows up.
Little Known Wang Fact:
Wang discovered the sinker after tinkering with a new pitch called the torpedo. After killing or maiming 4 of his teammates, Wang decided to give up the torpedo for the less dramatic sinker.
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9 comments:
Maybe with CC and AJ around, it'll take some pressure off Wang and he'll rebound from his injury and the '07 postseason losses. I sure hope so.
I hope so too! Despite all the fuss over CC and AJ the team needs Wang to come up big in order to have a successful season. If everyone in the rotation exits ST healthy and ready to go how do you think Joe G will line them up? I think I'd like CC Wang AJ Pett and Joba...
Wang should definitely be our number two, but I suspect he may end up our number three in the order. Pettitte then Joba sounds about right.
Chien Ming Wang means Bring King in Mandarin. Haven't learned Chien yet though...
I can't tell the difference between Wright & Wang.
and now for something completely different...
With all the Bonds news going on (again) I've begun to think, maybe he should go in the hall of fame. not for what he did on the field, but for being the poster boy of steroids. he and mark macguire will be infamous for that, maybe thats why they should be in. your thoughts?
Another year of maturity might be a great thing for Wang, plus both the competition inspired by the new guys, and the flip side of that the confidence he should get from having them on his team. He won't have to be the stopper every time he takes the mound.
Bonds can go in the Hall 10 years after Shoeless Joe and Pete Rose.
After his head explodes.
In better news, Yankee Chick is back!
Joe
I believe Wang had already rebound from '07 postseason losses.
Yeah, I think the rotation will be Sabathia, Burnett, Wang, Pettitte, and Joba, though Wang should be the number 2.
As for Bonds, I think he should be in the museum as a part of the history, but he himself should not be a hall of fame player. His records are all tainted, and the sad thing is, given his natural talent, if he had not messed with that stuff he probably would have been a hall of fame player anyway.
Raven, that game was in April! This year I'm interested to see what he can do in the post season.
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