That's An Ace
Critics will point to a lack of strikeouts as a major flaw and his somewhat high ERA, but Chien-Ming Wang is an "ace" in my mind. Yes, he doesn't strike people out and yes, he can be hit at times. But, think about when the game is on the line and the Yankees need a big effort, who is the guy you want to see holding the ball?
In my mind it is Wang. Tonight they needed a big win, last week they needed a win for a sweep. In July it was two big wins against LA and Minnesota that got things going for the Yankees. It's funny, but I always think of a game he pitched against Washington last year as when Wang showed he was an ace. I say funny because he lost. It was June 18th and the Yankees were desperate for a quality start because they had burned through most of their bullpen in the first two games of the series. Wang came out and dominated for the first 8 innings, entering the ninth with a 2-1 lead. He got the first out of the ninth, but then gave up a hit and a home run to end things right there. Ballgame over, but Wang had saved the bullpen for later in the season.
I would guess that by the end of 2009, Wang will no longer be looked at as an ace for the Yankees. Hughes will probably be established by then and Joba seems to have the highest ceiling of them all. But, I don't know if I will ever feel as comfortable watching any of them as I do when I see Wang, the guy just knows how to deliver.
Comments
from a Sox perspective (mine) Wang is the ace for sure.
Wang and Beckett makes for an incredible matchup now that Beckett has shown he is the Sox ace.
Lets hope they face off when they play in Fenway later this month.
Posted by: blmeanie | September 5, 2007 07:17 AM |
Ground balls are GOOD. Good for double plays, good for keeping pitch counts down. Good for keeping the infielders in the game. Good for keeping the ball in the ballpark too.
CMW is a glamour-free gem, no doubt. If he keeps winning teen numbers of games every season, he's going to (continue to) be a very steady and well valued presence for us for a long time - same as Moose was for many years.
I would love to see Hughes (and Kennedy and Chamberlain) dominate as starters along with Andy and CMW - heck of a thing to ponder. It's also possible that Joba becomes the next closer and we pick up Santana next year - oops, getting ahead of myself here.
Very nice game, hopefully its the start of a new hot streak.
Posted by: Mitchell![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
|
September 5, 2007 07:34 AM
|
Very bipolar sort of game. Yankees held to 1 hit (a solo dinger), look pretty helpless until Washburn seems to tire and gives up another solo dinger to A-Rod, followed by a fielding error ... and then the Mariners' wheels fall off. Two dingers in a single inning is fun to watch - when it's a Yankee doing it of course.
Best part of the game (after the 7th inning explosion of course?) Hughes going 6 inning with 5 hits, 2ER, 2BBs and 6Ks. Maybe he's found his motion again and is on the way to better times. We sure could use that.
Clemens? Probably a good idea for him to miss a start - at least for the sake of his feet.
A-Rod? Saw him limping in the dugout. Good to have a day off tomorrow (Thursday).
Duncan has an arm and seems comfortable in LF - versatile kid to have.
I suspect the Yankees didn't win this game as much as the Mariners gave it away. But it goes in the W column - we'll take it.
Posted by: Mitchell![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
|
September 5, 2007 10:21 PM
|
coolstandings.com has the WC chances for the Yanks at around 80%. Det & Sea play eachother next. I feel very comfortable about our chances. I prefer Seattle wins 2 out of 3 as I think Detroit is the better team. What do you all think?
Posted by: tim | September 6, 2007 12:49 AM |
I love Wang.....
all joking aside I couldn't argee with you more. CMW is great. Not only does he have great stuff but he also has the mental makeup to be a great pitcher for years to come. I was at the stadium in June and he and the Gator were working in the bullpen while I was at monument park. It wasn't his day to pitch but it shows you how strong his work ethic is. He's constantly trying to get better. The scary part (for the rest of baseball) is that he has been getting better. Even scarier is a Yankees' team with a lot of good (if not dominant) young pitching.
I feel better about the payoffs this year, assuming they make it, with a rotation of Wang, AP and Huges than I did with Wang, Mussina, and RJ (lets not speak of Wright) last year. I really hope that the brain trust allows the youngsters play a decent role in the playoffs, as it will be those same younger players (Huges, Chamberlain, Kennedy, Melky, Britton, Edwar, Veras) that determine if they make it into the playoffs at all.
Any word about Vizcaino's shoulder? is it possible that he too has been 'Quantrilled'?
Proctor has looked good with the Dodgers. Probably a result of using him less frequently. I like Betemit but one has to wonder if that same trade could have gotten done with Farnsworth (aka Noworth). As a more properly used Proctor probably could've helped the team more down the stretch and in the playoffs. Especially considering the 'Joba rules' and Farnsworth's inability to pitch effectively on back to back days. I will say this for Farnsy, if there's ever a brawl I'll be glad he's out there. The man knows how to kick some ASS, see Farnsworth v. Wilson, 2003. (http://mlbfights.blogspot.com/).
...Kennedy on Friday, should be very interesting....
Posted by: Steve | September 6, 2007 01:27 AM |
Tim- I totally agree. I think Detroit is better and I think they have an easier scehdule so I hope Seattle takes 2 of 3. (And I hope the White Sox win today!)
Steve- Interesting site, but this has to be the best baseball fight ever http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUfJ1C8pGI4
Not sure what the music is though.....
Posted by: Peter![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
|
September 6, 2007 11:51 AM
|