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What should the Yankees do with Wang?

New York Yankees starting pitcher Chien-Ming Wang departs in the third inning against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday.

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

New York Yankees starting pitcher Chien-Ming Wang departs in the third inning against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday.

Obviously, the Yankees cannot continue to watch Chien-Ming Wang and his 14.34 ERA pitch like he did last night. Joel Sherman of the New York Post called Wang "the majors' worst pitcher" in his column today. I don't want to agree with Sherman, but at this point it's pretty much impossible to argue with him.

So, what should the Yankees do? They can't option him to AAA. Should they just push him to the bullpen in favor of Phil Hughes? Give him another start? DFA him and hope they can get something in a deal? Find a fake injury and put him back on the DL?

I don't know. I just know that you can't continue to pitch a guy every five days when all he accomplishes is killing your bullpen. Tyler Kepner of the New York Times summarized the fall of CMW this way:

You watch Chien-Ming Wang pitch, and you think, "It’s not supposed to be this difficult." That is exactly the opposite feeling as when you watched him before that awful foot injury in Houston. When Wang was going 46-15 over two and a half seasons, it seemed too easy. Nobody could generate so many grounders so efficiently, could they? He was the last guy you ever had to worry about.

Now he is the Yankee who causes the most consternation. Wang’s return to the rotation is only marginally better than his brutal beginning there in April. In two starts, both just 69 pitches, he has thrown 7 1/3 innings, allowing 13 hits and nine runs, with four walks and eight strikeouts.

Vote in the poll and let us know what you think the Yankees should do with CMW.

Poll
What should the Yankees do with Chien-Ming Wang?
Send him to the bullpen
372 votes
Give him one more start
353 votes
Release him
129 votes
Put him on the DL
163 votes

1017 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs  |  Comment 47 comments |

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DL

I had always been one to think that he’d work things out on his own after a few starts, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Sure he doesn’t look as bad now as he did at the beginning of the year, but that’s not saying much. I think we should fake another injury of some sort, maybe lower body again, and have him work at least 3 weeks in SWB starting every 5 days. I know it’s not major league competition, but I’d rather him figure out what’s wrong there where the games don’t count.

by Leviticus6688 on Jun 11, 2009 8:06 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I don't think anyone doubts

that going to the minors would be the best thing for Wang, but I really don’t see that happening. I bet the union would have a fit.

Crowds are won and lost and won again, but our hearts beat for the diehards.

by Edwantsacracker on Jun 11, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wang

Can not be send down to the minors he is out of options. For him to be sent down the yankees he would have to clear the waiver wire. And even with as bad as he has been this year someone would claim him in a minute

by imyrick on Jun 11, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

WANG

His delivery is still NOT right due to his foot, lower body, whatever. Until that is fixed, he can’t be successful. He needs more time and work without hurting the big club. I think they need to find a way to put him on the DL and get him more work until he’s right again. Getting beat up in the majors is doing nothing for his confidence and not helping his teammates.

by Drflyfisher on Jun 11, 2009 8:56 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Id say he gets one more starT

the guy’s earned it with his past. He was really just off with the control yesterday. The 95 MPH sinker was there and it was moving too much actually.

In hindsight they should have kept him down in AAA the last time out and let him work his way back that way.

The Yankees really F’d this one up, from letting the guy start the season injured till now.

by FreeBradshaw on Jun 11, 2009 9:07 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

You're full of excuses

Just acknowledge that Wang in 2009 is not a major league starting pitcher, and we can all move on with our lives.

Even if he had a great start against the Nationals, what would that prove? They’re one of the worst baseball teams in the history of the game.

It’s reached the point of ridiculousness with you defending him. His sinker was moving too much? Please. He has no idea where it’s going. These games count in the standings, you can’t just keep throwing him out there when he’s not even giving you a chance to win.

by New York Sports Jerk on Jun 11, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

he

was good in relief, thats bette then alot of pitchers can do.

Cano is a Pimp

by yankeechaser on Jun 11, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually

the Nationals have a decent offense. They just have absymal run prevention skills. That is a good idea for a start. It is meaningful as in the fact that they can hit, but the Yankkes will likely score 10 runs anyway. If you had to give Wang one more start, the Nationals would make sense.

by Buzzy on Jun 11, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

exactly

I’d be fine if he plays well against the Nationals. I don’t know what game you were watching, but yea, that sinker was diving right into the dirt.

Im sick of you bashing this guy (NYSJ). I mean I know during his tenure the Yankees didn’t win 4 World Series, but if this was Andy Pettite screwing up would you be saying the same thing?

Its frickin wrong. The guy was out ACE for 2 seasons, he gets injured and he’s struggling to regain his command. WHY ARE YOU THROWING THE GUY UNDER THE BUS!???

by FreeBradshaw on Jun 11, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nobody is beyond criticism

If Pettitte had five straight starts like Wang, you can bet your last dollar I’d be killing him too.

The difference, though, is that Pettitte has a longer resume and has won several big games during his career for the Yankees. Maybe you remember 1-0 over John Smoltz in 1996. Or any of his clutch Game 2 performances in the playoffs. Or last year, while Wang the “ace” was killing the team, Pettitte was brilliant in his start, a game the Yankees lost because of a bunch of stupid bugs.

I’m telling it like it is. Wang has been hideous, no matter how you want to sugarcoat it. What happened in 2006 and 2007 means ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to me. If you want to keep living in the past with Wang, be my guest, but at least I’m willing to accept the reality of the present situation, which is that Wang is a guaranteed loss every time he takes the mound.

by New York Sports Jerk on Jun 11, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Because

he hasnt done anything good this year in his 7 starts, he has not remotley been good. Ace 2 years ago, loser now.

by bleachercreatures on Jun 11, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

By the way

I saw a great/terrible stat today. In baseball history, no pitcher has EVER had a higher ERA after 5 starts than Wang’s 21.60.

They’ve been playing baseball for a long time.

You might say Wang is the worst pitcher ever. Well, you wouldn’t, but people with eyes would.

by New York Sports Jerk on Jun 11, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

not at all

I know how bad he’s been. I know that he’s been the worst starting pitcher since 1913! this season.

I just say you have to give the guy a chance. If the guy was coming off of his normal season, then did this?? Yes, Id be bashing him just like you. But he’s not. He’s coming off a MAJOR INJURY.

You have to give the guy a chance. You may not have seen him as the ace of the Yankees, even when he was 2nd in Cy YOung voting at one point(…..), but the guy deserves every chance he’s got.

You can’t just throw a guy like this out the bus. He was throwing 95mph sinkers last night, his bread and butter. He needs to start to control it.

He does only get ONE MORE SHOT tho. He seems to have his stuff back, but he needs his command. He needs to get his next start, then we’ll talk about skipping his next start/switching him and Hughes/DL stint again.

by FreeBradshaw on Jun 11, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here's the problem

Pretty much everything could be a “step forward” in Wang’s next start. Let’s say he manages to actually get through the 5th inning for the first time this season, giving up 4 runs and the Yankees win like 8-5.

Is that performance against the worst team in baseball good enough? Does he then get another start based on that theoretical step in the right direction?

Point being, you have to look at it in terms of who is the BEST option for the Yankees at this point. Phil Hughes faced the same Sox lineup that killed Wang and aside from one mistake was very good. He is the future, and maybe present. You keep telling me about what Wang did in the past, which is meaningless.

And the Cy Young vote is a joke, because baseball writers look at win/save totals and vote based on that. Here’s a list of pitchers who had better years than Wang in 2006.

John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar, Roy Halladay, CC Sabathia, Eric Bedard, Barry Zito, Nate Robertson, Justin Verlander, Mike Mussina, etc.

Stop telling me about Wang did two years ago. I watched the games, I’m well aware of what he did. It just doesn’t mean a damn thing in 2009.

by New York Sports Jerk on Jun 11, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Do you not see

that we have been giving him chances all year and he’s not been succesful for us once? These losses add up and might end up killing us down the strectch

by bleachercreatures on Jun 11, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Truce, fellas

Do we have to lock the two of you in a room and see which one survives. You’ve each made it very clear which sides you are on, and have made good arguments. Good stuff. Now, go find a room and some boxing gloves and have at it.

by Ed Valentine on Jun 11, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

No need for a truce.

This isn’t a fight, it’s a discussion. I’m bored at work and tired of offending people from the Far East on my blog anyway.

by New York Sports Jerk on Jun 11, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well

I see that you are doing a good job of that over there.

by Ed Valentine on Jun 11, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wang's stuff

I actually thought his stuff was good last night. The velocity and movement were there. He just has zero confidence right now, and I think that’s why the ball is all over the place. I just don’t know how long the Yanks can put up with this. One option not in the poll — the Yanks have an off day Monday, so they could skip Wang’s next start and continue to work with him on the side for a bit.

I would also agree that the Yankees handling of Wang has a lot to do with this mess. Of course, they don’t get a do-over.

by Ed Valentine on Jun 11, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wang had several things working against him yesterday

one of which is that he has never really pitched well against the Red Sox. He has had some great games but he has had some real clunkers too. So here he is, coming back from his injury and troubles and running into a team that he has problems with in the first place.

If they skip Wang in the rotation they are pretty much giving up on him being a starting pitcher. He needs to build up arm strength. I wish that they hadn’t called him up so early so that arm strength couldn’t be an issue, but looking at the start before, he looked great for a couple innings then obviously tired.

Maybe the yankees should send him to Tampa like they did before. He can make a few starts while the Yankees play down a man.

Crowds are won and lost and won again, but our hearts beat for the diehards.

by Edwantsacracker on Jun 11, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I vote for this option

Joba and Burnett are both better on normal rest. If you start Wang and push both of those guys back, you’re putting three games in jeopardy. Skip Wang, let him get some work on the side and/or a few innings in the bullpen, and hope he’s ready the next time they need a fifth starter.

by long time listener on Jun 11, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Skip

I am liking that alternative. Geez, I wonder what dummy didn’t think of that option BEFORE he posted the poll? LOL!!

by Ed Valentine on Jun 11, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah

His stuff didnt look that bad. He was just pitching to not hit bats. And he is not a high strikeout guy, he has to get ground balls. His problem is now is that he has get his confidence up. They need to tell the guy that no matter what he is going to be in the rotation. And stop having looking over his shoulder to see who is warming up in the bullpen. Let him focus on his game. He has been a great pitch and has great stuff

by imyrick on Jun 11, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

One more start

Wang should start against the Nationals, at home, next Tuesday, the 16th. I think Girardi should put it right to him, if he’s ineffective ( and that would be, how many innings he goes, does he keep the team in the game) he’s goes back to the bullpen. You can’t blow your bullpen out every fifth day. We are all bitter because it’s Boston. If they lost 2 games like this in Anaheim, we wouldn’t be as upset.
 Let’s also lay some guilt on Jeter and Damon in the 8th, and Cano in the 9th for not even putting the ball in play. Terrible at bats. It was put up or shut up and the RedSox pen put up.

by fredny on Jun 11, 2009 9:40 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Last night

Here’s one thing I don’t get. Why do you put Gardner in the game to pinch-run, then sacrifice instead of steal second. I thought the better play was to steal 2nd, then bunt him to 3rd. Girardi has done that before with Gardner, and I don’t understand it.

by Ed Valentine on Jun 11, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

i was thinking the same thing

I have a feeling Melky would have come through with a hit after that

by holycowboy on Jun 11, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I didn’t even think it was a good idea to pull A-Rod for Brett. A-Rod isn’t a slow poke. He could have scored, tied the game, then what if it goes a few innings more? You need his bat. Girardi has done similar things like this before. But this isn’t the NL and you need to keep a big bat in the lineup. Run for guys like Damon who have had bad legs…

by Ragnar808 on Jun 11, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Especially

against Kottaras, who throws even worse than Varitek. I don’t really know if Girardi understands that historically 1 out and man on second scores less than no out man on first. He should have just taken the chance-Kottaras has an absolute noodle arm, as you saw when Pena stole.

by Buzzy on Jun 11, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

absolutely

Yanks had a chance to tie/win this game…but didn’t come through in the clutch

by holycowboy on Jun 11, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The guy was a good pitcher...

They need to run him out there at least 2-3 more times. They have Phil as backup. Put Wang out there, if he is en route to giving up 3 runs by the 2nd inning, pull him for Phil and go from there. If it happens 2 more times in a row, move him to the BP. If he fails there, try to fake the injury and DL him, have him make numerous AAA starts and see what happens. It’s still early enough to experiment with him. By mid-July something drastic will have to be done for the good of the team. The one thing to consider is that the guy needs to pitch enough innings vs MLB hitters to get in a groove.

by Ragnar808 on Jun 11, 2009 10:28 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

That is one argument

The question is how long to wait before you pull the plug. I saw some good things last night, but not enough.

by Ed Valentine on Jun 11, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

exaclty

you have to like the velocity, and the fact that he struck out a few guys is nice too. Also a few of the “hits” were plain wrong and would do any pitcher in.

You can’t walk guys, plain and simple. A guy like Wang will get killed once he starts walking guys. Yea, his stuff means DP’s too, but if one of those GB’s get through, like Jason Bay’s, its gonna hurt you.

You also have the infield HITS (yea, more than one), you have Swisher not catching a ball too.

I of course would have liked to see a better outing, but the walks killed Wang.

by FreeBradshaw on Jun 11, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

depends...

If he makes progress each start, you keep running him out there.

If every game is the same old same old…you pull that plug sooner than later.

by Ragnar808 on Jun 11, 2009 10:59 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Give him more time...in the bullpen

I personally thought he should have stayed in the bullpen a little longer Hughes was looking pretty good as a starter. Would it really be a tragedy if Wang had to do some middle-ining relief for a bit? I think they were too quick to take him out of the bullpen, he’ll come around but they need to think long term here and they do have other choices. Not only does it affect Wang psychologically but the rest of the team as well if you know you’re almost statistically guaranteed to have a loss this year when Wang starts.
With Hughes this year Yankees 5-4
With Wang THIS year Yankees 2-6

Ignore Alien Orders

by Robert D on Jun 11, 2009 11:21 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I agree with this...

…they should have just left Phil in there since he was doing so well. But once they did the swap, you can’t keep swapping. It’s like with Joba…you have to give one or the other a chance in the rotation to work it out…and that means 3-4 starts to see what they have going and to see if progress is being made.

by Ragnar808 on Jun 11, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

One More Start....

Listen I didn’t read the comments so I am sure it’s been said already…he should get one start against the Nationals offense…a potent one but one that strikes out a lot and has the ability to get themselves into trouble…the real problem is that Wang isn’t getting the ball down and the Nationals have the ability to hit the ball A LONGGGGGGGG WAYYYY!!!!! He has looked good in relief appearances this year so he still has it…he is nervous to start the games and is putting too much stress on himself…you can see it in his composure on the mound….there is no confidence and he is dejected every time he lets up runs..I truly think they should give him another start…if the Yanks get an early lead that might give him a boost of confidence and be able to trust his stuff more…But the problem is that I think he just shouldn’t be a starter this year and they should put him in the pen…it’s sad but true.

by bobdawg423 on Jun 11, 2009 11:37 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Skip his next start

and give him another chance the next time around.

his leg kick is not nearly as high as last year, he’s opening up his left shoulder and he’s transferring his weight from his back leg too soon. now, we all know that Eiland has said that Wang doesnt bring his technique from the bullpen into the game. his stuff is there so maybe with a few sessions and one more start he can work these issues out….its alot easier to work with 95 mph fastballs and sharp stuff than with what he had earlier in the year, as long as he gets it over the plate.

if that doesnt work out we should keep him in the bullpen. maybe he can come out and throw a strong couple of innings or be a long relief guy, i think he would be better in that role regardless of how he pitches in the next couple of starts. they can always use one of those guys and that does a hell of a lot more for us then him not pitching at all or pitching against us for another team. not to say that hughes is bad in the pen but it would be healthier for him to pitch in the rotation somewhere…

by brxbomber on Jun 11, 2009 11:56 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I like the idea of starting wang against the nationals. He needs something to get his confidence back to where it should be. If he gets rocked vs them, send him down to the minors until you KNOW he’s ready to contribute on a level that is more representative of his ability, whatever role it turns out to be.

by Ozone on Jun 11, 2009 12:07 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

If this guy

gets one more start I’m gonna be pissed. Girardi has to learn what works and what doesn’t giving this guy 1 million chances doesn’t.

by bleachercreatures on Jun 11, 2009 12:11 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

5 HRS!!!

There was 5 HRS hit in last nights game in FENWAY PARK!!!! Where is all the bad press on Fenway park being so small??

by pedro316 on Jun 11, 2009 12:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

it will never happen

Fenway has been like that for damn near 100 years. Its been the best home field advantage in baseball, tho only recenetly the Sux have been taking ‘advantage’ of it.

by FreeBradshaw on Jun 11, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just laugh all the time

when a Red Sux fan, or the ""nation’s media outlet-ESPN""" would dare to poke fun at the new Yankee stadium, Fenway’s been a joke like that for almost a century.

by FreeBradshaw on Jun 11, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

you know what's really upsetting?

is the fact that 90% of the blame (if not more) for this is because Wang had to run the bases during a bullshit interleague game. i bet fans really wanted to see the Yankees play the freakin’ Astros.

i HATE interleague.

by SBakerTheTouchdownMaker on Jun 11, 2009 2:30 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Babe Ruth

I think the Babe is just mad at the Yankees for building a new stadium so now the Yankees just wont beat Boston anymore. Good going!!

by pedro316 on Jun 11, 2009 3:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Wang has wan-g alot.

    While we are at it, why don’t we just shoot the f*%$ Ch*%$. This is NY it is what have you done for me lately and that means your last pitch or at bat.

by bcw420 on Jun 11, 2009 8:42 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Set-up man......

This is what happens when you don’t have a set-up man in the bullpen, you blow leads in the 8th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by pedro316 on Jun 11, 2009 10:35 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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