AJ, Wang and Chemistry

by jscape2000 on Apr 22, 2009 7:00 AM EDT in Analysis Comment 8 comments

More photos » by Julie Jacobson - AP

Either file this one under: "I can't believe I'm writing this" or "uselessly hopeful homerism." I can't decide which.

This tidbit comes via LoHud:

A.J. Burnett is an interesting cat. He downloaded the WordPower application to his iPhone and is learning words and phrases in Chinese so he can talk to Wang in is native tongue.

Before the game, A.J. was trying out his Chinese on Wang, making the pitcher (and the Taiwanese media) laugh. Trust me when I tell you, Wang needed to laugh. This last week has been trying for him.

In general, I don't believe in chemistry. I think that most of it is overblown hyperbole from the media to make a simple story like "Team A is better than Team B" more compelling by playing up the human angle.

But I don't deny that there is a human angle to sports, especially baseball. To pitch, hit, or field at the major league level (I believe) requires a unique unity of mental focus and physical precision. Take away one, and the player begins to tell the Chuck Knoblauch story. The physical problems could be a temporary fix, or a permanent decline.

I can't rule out any of those 3 problems. Wang's head might not be in the right place, or his mechanics may be off, or he may not have fully healed from his injury, or he may be unconsciously favoring the rehabbed foot.

Whichever way it goes, the Yanks are counting on Wang and the rest of the pitching staff to be too deep for the rest of the AL. They need CMW as the #3 starter for that championship length and to cover up the team's offensive shortcomings. So expect his 100 pitch performance tomorrow to be the most closely followed Yankee extended spring training game in quite a while.

My prediction is that Wang hits the DL. After a couple weeks of strengthening his foot while re-acquiring his feel for his push-off and delivery. The velocity returns and rejoins the team in May.

But we can hope that Wang's struggles are mental, and he just needs to laugh it off and get back out there. And then he can throw the 40 consecutive scoreless innings he needs to get his ERA back under 5.

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Thing that baffles me..

is that CMW’s numbers did not look too bad in spring training. I know, it’s only spring training but:

Spring 2009: 4.15 ERA, .1.37 WHIP vs
Career: 4.08 ERA, 1.327 WHIP

"No matter where you go, there you are"

by coops2001 on Apr 22, 2009 10:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

AJ

I am liking this guy more the more I find out about him. He seems like he has really matured as person and a pitcher. I’ll say it again- I was NOT for signing for him in offseason- but I really hope he he stays healthy and excels here in the Bronx.

by NumberSeven on Apr 22, 2009 11:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

All hope is not lost

There’s been two players in baseball history that were 20-game winners with an ERA over 5.00 – Ray Kremer (1930), 5.02 and Bobo Newsom (1938), 5.07. However, they each started about 40 games in a season. So CMW indeed has his work cut out ahead for him.

by BigSlim on Apr 22, 2009 11:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

understatement of the year!

i would be happy with 12-13 wins from CMW at this point.. anything over that is gravy.

by NumberSeven on Apr 22, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Team Chemistry...

is extremely important in a game with an extended arduous season like baseball. As far as the media, they seem to go to great lengths (especially in cities like NY) to disrupt it with backpage stories and nonstop gossip from “team sources” and “unnamed players” rather than overplay its importance. Its cool to see a new player like AJ doing something to make Wang feel more comfortable and bring the team closer. That said, I believe his problems to be largely mechanical, and fixing them should be largely on the shoulders of Dave Eiland, who’s been almost as much of a failure as a pitching coach as he actually was when pitching for the team (and thats saying a lot).

by Ozone on Apr 22, 2009 11:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This is timely, I was going to try to write about Wang.

I know what tone I wanted to strike. I want to say I do not know.

Dizzy dean was the best pitcher in baseball. He was hit by a line drive back to the box in the FOOT. He was never the same. His career soon ended. I do not know which foot it was.

This is a list of things which indicate that Wang might be done, or at least never the same.

Sinker is a touch pitch. People sometimes lose them. Pitchers who have great sinkers tend to get old with them, ala Tommy John. But there have been few ’power sinkers" like Wangs.

Wang was having very troubling periods of “losing it” before the injury. I was already afraid of his inconsistency.

His foot injury was serious and he might never be the same. The difference will probably be subtle, but the change we’re looking for is probably subtle.

Even if the problem is only mental, emotional, sometimes these problems end careers. Knoblauch, Rick Ankiel

List of things indicating he might be able to come back.

He’s young and talented, with a level head and good work ethic.

The think pitching in the pen is OK. So, there might be nothing physical. A couple good outings and he might put it behind him.

The foot might be weak or a little sore. He might also be being a little careful planting it. He discribed his problem as being ‘lazy, bad mechanics’ He might be able to find the bug and fix it.

Even if the sinker’s gone, he might have the talent to reinvent himself.

I like the guy and hope for the best for him. The Yanks could really use him.

I am holding my breath. I don’t know how it will come out.

If I's known I was going to live so long, I'd have taken better care of myself. Casey

by Cbeck3 on Apr 22, 2009 12:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Can't write him off

as a headcase. Sure, CWH has been throwing BP but it’s only been for six whole whopping innings. His mechanics are out of whack from non-activity. Take a look CC’s pathetic line last April. We’ll have a much better idea tomorrow.

by BigSlim on Apr 22, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs