Really?
What? Was Tanyon Sturtze unavailable?
Oh...he was? Really? Huh...imagine that.
Anyway, we're not the first to discuss the Yanks' signing of Sir Sidney Ponson...we don't disagree with anything that has been written already. I mean is there anyone out there who wants this guy on their team?
There is?
Really?
Did he just have nothing else to write about? (Note to Jose de Jesus Ortiz: 1) you have a crazy awesome name and 2) blogging is like pooping...don't force it.)
So it looks like we're in for Sid the sequel against the Mets, which I'm actually OK with. As a Yankee fan since the mid-80s I've always rooted for Willie Randolph - and I am convinced that there is no other pitcher out there who has that perfect combination of mental instability and complete lack of control to make a right-next-to-the-third-base-dugout-beaning of Omar Minaya seem completely accidental.
My only real thought is this: pray for Dan Giese. Please. If we ever have to turn to Sidney Ponson for anything, anything at all, then we're in a whole bunch o' trouble. If we can squeeze innings out of Giese now and then, he'll be just like Joba...and then we'll just need Joba to throw 6 or 7 like Moose...and then Moose to throw 7 or 8 like Wang and we're fine!
Right?
Damn. I'll stop forcing it now.
The last thing I need is fissures.
_
Showing posts with label Chien-Ming Wang. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chien-Ming Wang. Show all posts
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Fix My Wang
When a team messes up an administrative decision as badly as the boys in Queens, I suppose a freak foot injury doesn't look so horrible...for the moment.
Today, the Bergen Record began speculating as to possible replacements for the newly-booted Chien-Ming Wang. Either they weren't very creative, or the market on acquirable starting pitchers is in the toilet.
The Record listed these possibilities:
1. C.C. Sabathia
2. Ben Sheets
3. A.J. Burnett
4. Randy Wolf
5. Freddy Garcia
While Garcia remains a free agent (and continues to rehab from shoulder surgery), the other four guys would have to be acquired in a trade, and certainly the acquisition of Sabathia, Sheets, or Burnett would necessitate the jettisoning of several prospects and (in Sabathia's case, at least) cost a crapload of money.
But, besides the cost, one thing strikes me as odd about this "first-choice" list: these guys get hurt...a lot.
In fact, a quick glance at career numbers reveals that the team of Sheets/Burnett/Wolf/Garcia has been DL'd a total of 16 times in the last 4 years. If you factor in Sabathia, whose fat ass is actually the healthiest of the bunch, that number rises to 18 DL stints since 2004.
So, if one of these boys does find his way to the Bronx, not only will the Yankees likely have had to overpay to fill the void left by "Mr. Glass," the likelihood is that the new guy will join Wang on the shelf at some point in the year.
Silly me, I always thought the idea was that the pitcher you trade for in desperation should actually...you know...pitch.
_
Today, the Bergen Record began speculating as to possible replacements for the newly-booted Chien-Ming Wang. Either they weren't very creative, or the market on acquirable starting pitchers is in the toilet.
The Record listed these possibilities:
1. C.C. Sabathia
2. Ben Sheets
3. A.J. Burnett
4. Randy Wolf
5. Freddy Garcia
While Garcia remains a free agent (and continues to rehab from shoulder surgery), the other four guys would have to be acquired in a trade, and certainly the acquisition of Sabathia, Sheets, or Burnett would necessitate the jettisoning of several prospects and (in Sabathia's case, at least) cost a crapload of money.
But, besides the cost, one thing strikes me as odd about this "first-choice" list: these guys get hurt...a lot.
In fact, a quick glance at career numbers reveals that the team of Sheets/Burnett/Wolf/Garcia has been DL'd a total of 16 times in the last 4 years. If you factor in Sabathia, whose fat ass is actually the healthiest of the bunch, that number rises to 18 DL stints since 2004.
So, if one of these boys does find his way to the Bronx, not only will the Yankees likely have had to overpay to fill the void left by "Mr. Glass," the likelihood is that the new guy will join Wang on the shelf at some point in the year.
Silly me, I always thought the idea was that the pitcher you trade for in desperation should actually...you know...pitch.
_
Sunday, June 15, 2008
This Just In: Pitchers Aren't Athletes
For the longest time I had trouble rectifying the fact that pitchers are terrible hitters. "Why can't they hit?" I would quietly mouth to no one, as I watched yet another hurler swing wildly (and unattractively) at three consecutive fastballs. "What's the deal?" I would mutter, as a National League pitcher grounded meekly to the shortstop, soon to be thrown out by 75 feet.
After a time, I finally came to terms with the idea that a pitcher's job is so refined, so particular, and so (dare I say?) artistic, that they just can't be expected to dedicate any time to their hitting skills. Why work in the cage when you could be developing a sinker? Why risk diving into a pitch when you could be going over scouting reports? Sure, once in a while a pitcher actually shows some ability at the plate, but the Dontrelle Willis's (and we all know how well things have worked out for Dontrelle...) and Micah Owings' of the world are the noteworthy exceptions to a rule seeped in traditions of offensive embarrassment.
Today, however, my frustration regarding pitchers and offense was rekindled by one Chien-Ming Wang. During the game, after Wang reached on a fielder's choice with 2-out, John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman mentioned the fact that the Yankees must be uncomfortable with Wang on the basepaths, fearing for his health. "Come on!" I thought, "Honestly, can we give pitchers some credit for their abilities? All he has to do is run...maybe."
And then, Chien-Ming rounded third on a Derek Jeter single. Upon hitting the bag he sprained his right foot / broke his right foot / tore muscles in his right foot / watched as his right foot detached from his body (details are sketchy).
Wang had to be helped back to the dugout, and was seen leaving the stadium on crutches and in a soft cast.
Because he ran the bases.
He ran 180 feet. Once. And he may be lost for the season.
I feel like a recovering addict that has fallen off the wagon. It took me years to understand why pitchers are terrible hitters, and now, my mind is awash in new frustration.
Pitchers can't even run.
They can't even fucking run!
_
After a time, I finally came to terms with the idea that a pitcher's job is so refined, so particular, and so (dare I say?) artistic, that they just can't be expected to dedicate any time to their hitting skills. Why work in the cage when you could be developing a sinker? Why risk diving into a pitch when you could be going over scouting reports? Sure, once in a while a pitcher actually shows some ability at the plate, but the Dontrelle Willis's (and we all know how well things have worked out for Dontrelle...) and Micah Owings' of the world are the noteworthy exceptions to a rule seeped in traditions of offensive embarrassment.
Today, however, my frustration regarding pitchers and offense was rekindled by one Chien-Ming Wang. During the game, after Wang reached on a fielder's choice with 2-out, John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman mentioned the fact that the Yankees must be uncomfortable with Wang on the basepaths, fearing for his health. "Come on!" I thought, "Honestly, can we give pitchers some credit for their abilities? All he has to do is run...maybe."
And then, Chien-Ming rounded third on a Derek Jeter single. Upon hitting the bag he sprained his right foot / broke his right foot / tore muscles in his right foot / watched as his right foot detached from his body (details are sketchy).
Wang had to be helped back to the dugout, and was seen leaving the stadium on crutches and in a soft cast.
Because he ran the bases.
He ran 180 feet. Once. And he may be lost for the season.
I feel like a recovering addict that has fallen off the wagon. It took me years to understand why pitchers are terrible hitters, and now, my mind is awash in new frustration.
Pitchers can't even run.
They can't even fucking run!
_
Sunday, April 27, 2008
The Madman Says: The Yankees Are DOA
The reason the slow starts of the last three years have been so frustrating to fans is because, deep down, we knew that the Yankees were a great team that hadn't clicked. We expected / knew that things would turn and each loss merely prolonged unnecessary agony. This year's .500-ish start has a different feel. Somehow, even though the record is actually better at this stage than in seasons' past, the team may actually be playing at the level we should expect. And that, friends, is a scary thought.
Before even taking into account the frightening news on Jorge Posada being reported today by The New York Times, there are a few signs that point toward a anti-climactic 2008:
1. Help Us Andy/Wang, You're Our Only Hope: At this stage, Chien-Ming Wang and Andy Pettitte absolutely have to be lights-out to keep the Yankees afloat. With the question marks behind them in the rotation, the team cannot afford to have shaky outings from their "aces." Wang has held up his end of the bargain (as witnessed by yet another gem against the Indians today), but even a bad start here or there could keep the team from digging out of the holes they will inevitably dig. Pettitte, meanwhile, still looks to have good stuff, but his performance against the Tribe on Friday night (5 IP, 5 R, 8 H, 3 BB) is the type of outing that will certainly rear its ugly head from time to time if only because Andy is older.
2. The Learning Curve: I speak here of Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy. Let's face it, Kennedy was likely one pitch away yesterday, against the Indians, from being sent back to Scranton. The fact that he regrouped after a 3rd inning that saw him wilt under the pressure of the situation has bought him another start or two, but as has been addressed ad nauseum by every Yankees blog, he'll need to learn to trust his stuff, throw strikes, be aggressive in the zone, etc. This will take time, and lots of it. The same goes for Hughes. He, too, has looked overwhelmed and sporadically unsure of his game. Does this mean that they are busts? Absolutely not. Hughes, especially, has the goods; however, to expect them to click within 2 months of their first full year in the Majors is a lot to ask. They will probably need this year, at minimum, to turn themselves into Big League throwers.
3. The 'Pen Returns To Earth: Lots of people got excited, in the first few weeks of the season, about how sharp the bullpen looked, especially with Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera leading the charge. And, while Joba and Mo still look great (Rivera especially impressive), the rest of the group has shown their true colors. LaTroy Hawkins and Kyle Farnsworth may have their moments, but the bad will almost surely outweigh the good, leaving them forever-undependable. Brian Bruney (we hardly knew ye'!) is gone for the year, facing ankle surgery, and while the injury will keep us from knowing for sure, my guess is that he was going to prove unreliable as well, as he did last year. Billy Traber's deal with the devil ran out quicker than expected, and he's back in the minors. Ross Ohlendorff is being overused and doesn't seem to have a role. Is the the long man? The mop-up guy? Or the 9th inning, tie-game, bases loaded stopper, as he was yesterday? Meanwhile, Chris Britton and Jonathan Albaladejo will likely be up and down all year, filling in when necessary. All in all, the 'pen is exactly what we feared it would be: a question mark at best; a hindrance at worst.
4. Slow Start, or Death Knell?: While, essentially, every member of the offense shares responsibilty for Yanks' putrid average with RISP, I'll focus my ire on Robinson Cano, who truly looks like a defeated man. As of today, he has the second lowest batting average of any MLB'er qualified for the batting title. His power is non-existent, as is his sweet, all-fields swing. More importantly, however, his confidence is non-existent, too. Surely, he will not end the year hitting .150, but if the Yankees want to contend this year, they cannot wait around for guys like Cano (and Giambi, Damon, ARod, etc.) to get going. They have to be off and running to make up for the runs that the starting staff and bullpen will surely give up.
5. Accept Your Defeats With Quiet Dignity and Grace: I am not a believer in the old "chemistry helps a team win" idea. If you have diversified talent on the field, you should win whether or not you hate your second baseman's guts or not. So, in making this criticism I am not suggesting that the Yankees lose a lot because of "intangible forces," but merely observing the dynamic of the team. Frankly, Joe Girardi looks like he's wound tighter than a South American-produced baseball circa 1998 (Remember when everybody thought the homerun barrage of the late '90's was because of a juiced ball and not juiced blood veins? Good times.) Girardi, in some respects got the cushiest job in baseball, as well as the hardest. Expectations are soaring, but reality is sinking in. This is not a good combo, and Joe II looks very, very stressed. That stress seems to be manifesting in over-strategising (a different lineup every night, oddly timed days off for starters, the destruction of the depth chart, etc.) Add in Hank Steinbrenner's inability to shut the fuck up, and you've got the makings of a season in which the game on the field is continuously overshadowed by the griping in the back office.
I make these remarks without any inherent anger or disappointment. But, really, am I wrong here? There is no joy in Mudville.
_
Before even taking into account the frightening news on Jorge Posada being reported today by The New York Times, there are a few signs that point toward a anti-climactic 2008:
1. Help Us Andy/Wang, You're Our Only Hope: At this stage, Chien-Ming Wang and Andy Pettitte absolutely have to be lights-out to keep the Yankees afloat. With the question marks behind them in the rotation, the team cannot afford to have shaky outings from their "aces." Wang has held up his end of the bargain (as witnessed by yet another gem against the Indians today), but even a bad start here or there could keep the team from digging out of the holes they will inevitably dig. Pettitte, meanwhile, still looks to have good stuff, but his performance against the Tribe on Friday night (5 IP, 5 R, 8 H, 3 BB) is the type of outing that will certainly rear its ugly head from time to time if only because Andy is older.
2. The Learning Curve: I speak here of Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy. Let's face it, Kennedy was likely one pitch away yesterday, against the Indians, from being sent back to Scranton. The fact that he regrouped after a 3rd inning that saw him wilt under the pressure of the situation has bought him another start or two, but as has been addressed ad nauseum by every Yankees blog, he'll need to learn to trust his stuff, throw strikes, be aggressive in the zone, etc. This will take time, and lots of it. The same goes for Hughes. He, too, has looked overwhelmed and sporadically unsure of his game. Does this mean that they are busts? Absolutely not. Hughes, especially, has the goods; however, to expect them to click within 2 months of their first full year in the Majors is a lot to ask. They will probably need this year, at minimum, to turn themselves into Big League throwers.
3. The 'Pen Returns To Earth: Lots of people got excited, in the first few weeks of the season, about how sharp the bullpen looked, especially with Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera leading the charge. And, while Joba and Mo still look great (Rivera especially impressive), the rest of the group has shown their true colors. LaTroy Hawkins and Kyle Farnsworth may have their moments, but the bad will almost surely outweigh the good, leaving them forever-undependable. Brian Bruney (we hardly knew ye'!) is gone for the year, facing ankle surgery, and while the injury will keep us from knowing for sure, my guess is that he was going to prove unreliable as well, as he did last year. Billy Traber's deal with the devil ran out quicker than expected, and he's back in the minors. Ross Ohlendorff is being overused and doesn't seem to have a role. Is the the long man? The mop-up guy? Or the 9th inning, tie-game, bases loaded stopper, as he was yesterday? Meanwhile, Chris Britton and Jonathan Albaladejo will likely be up and down all year, filling in when necessary. All in all, the 'pen is exactly what we feared it would be: a question mark at best; a hindrance at worst.
4. Slow Start, or Death Knell?: While, essentially, every member of the offense shares responsibilty for Yanks' putrid average with RISP, I'll focus my ire on Robinson Cano, who truly looks like a defeated man. As of today, he has the second lowest batting average of any MLB'er qualified for the batting title. His power is non-existent, as is his sweet, all-fields swing. More importantly, however, his confidence is non-existent, too. Surely, he will not end the year hitting .150, but if the Yankees want to contend this year, they cannot wait around for guys like Cano (and Giambi, Damon, ARod, etc.) to get going. They have to be off and running to make up for the runs that the starting staff and bullpen will surely give up.
5. Accept Your Defeats With Quiet Dignity and Grace: I am not a believer in the old "chemistry helps a team win" idea. If you have diversified talent on the field, you should win whether or not you hate your second baseman's guts or not. So, in making this criticism I am not suggesting that the Yankees lose a lot because of "intangible forces," but merely observing the dynamic of the team. Frankly, Joe Girardi looks like he's wound tighter than a South American-produced baseball circa 1998 (Remember when everybody thought the homerun barrage of the late '90's was because of a juiced ball and not juiced blood veins? Good times.) Girardi, in some respects got the cushiest job in baseball, as well as the hardest. Expectations are soaring, but reality is sinking in. This is not a good combo, and Joe II looks very, very stressed. That stress seems to be manifesting in over-strategising (a different lineup every night, oddly timed days off for starters, the destruction of the depth chart, etc.) Add in Hank Steinbrenner's inability to shut the fuck up, and you've got the makings of a season in which the game on the field is continuously overshadowed by the griping in the back office.
I make these remarks without any inherent anger or disappointment. But, really, am I wrong here? There is no joy in Mudville.
_
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Greatest Thing that has Ever Been on the Internet Ever! Ever, Goddamn You!
Recently, Phil Hughes has gotten a lot of attention for his new blog. He deserves it - it's entertaining enough and the guy actually seems to appreciate his fan base. But all of this love for Philly-boy has caused us to overlook something that should be considered nothing less than a national treasure.
It is sublime.
It is Chien-Ming Wang's blog.
Now I don't want to make fun of it too much...the guy does seem to give to an awful lot of Taiwanese charities, and that is surely commendable.
But, fellow bloggers and blog readers, Wang's greatest gift to all of us is simply this...
The list of archived articles.
BEHOLD! Wang jokes!
12.07 Wang makes two dreams come true
10.03 Subdued Wang given critical test
09.21 Wang lasts seven strong innings
08.27 Statement regarding Wang Merchandise
08.08 Wang struggles in Toronto
06.28 Wang let off the hook
06.12 Wang goes seven strong innings (twice!)
05.16 Yankees earn split behind Wang
05.10 Wang roughed up by Rangers
May Wang makes The TIME 100
04.24 Wang delivers solid performance
04.24 Notes: Wang warmly welcomed back
08.02 Wang dominates Toronto
07.27 Poise and humor carry Wang far
And it may just be me...but the presence of the word "Wang" just seems to make anything - even the nonsensical - funny.
12.06 Wang donates equipment
11.15 Wang reunites with Karstens
05.05 Wang nearly perfect in Yanks' rout
04.29 Wang can't slow Red Sox
03.24 Wang to start season on disabled list
08.23 Wang has his way against Mariners
08.18 Wang cool under pressure in victory
05.17 Wang rescues Yanks again
Enjoy!
_
It is sublime.
It is Chien-Ming Wang's blog.
Now I don't want to make fun of it too much...the guy does seem to give to an awful lot of Taiwanese charities, and that is surely commendable.
But, fellow bloggers and blog readers, Wang's greatest gift to all of us is simply this...
The list of archived articles.
BEHOLD! Wang jokes!
12.07 Wang makes two dreams come true
10.03 Subdued Wang given critical test
09.21 Wang lasts seven strong innings
08.27 Statement regarding Wang Merchandise
08.08 Wang struggles in Toronto
06.28 Wang let off the hook
06.12 Wang goes seven strong innings (twice!)
05.16 Yankees earn split behind Wang
05.10 Wang roughed up by Rangers
May Wang makes The TIME 100
04.24 Wang delivers solid performance
04.24 Notes: Wang warmly welcomed back
08.02 Wang dominates Toronto
07.27 Poise and humor carry Wang far
And it may just be me...but the presence of the word "Wang" just seems to make anything - even the nonsensical - funny.
12.06 Wang donates equipment
11.15 Wang reunites with Karstens
05.05 Wang nearly perfect in Yanks' rout
04.29 Wang can't slow Red Sox
03.24 Wang to start season on disabled list
08.23 Wang has his way against Mariners
08.18 Wang cool under pressure in victory
05.17 Wang rescues Yanks again
Enjoy!
_
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