Chien-Ming Wang 2009
On June 15, 2008, Chien-Ming Wang suffered a Lisfranc sprain and a tear of the Peroneus Longus tendon in his right foot. That knocked him out for the season. And, back in February 2008, one report suggested Wang had a torn rotator cuff that was never repaired. Other than that, Wang’s a very good pitcher – especially at Yankee Stadium.
But, you have to wonder…back when the Yankees locked up Robinson Cano with a long-term contract last off-season, Wang raised his hand and said “How ’bout me?” And, the Yankees’ answer was “Thanks. But, not now.”
…so, how come?
Do the Yankees know more about Wang’s ability to stay healthy than Joe The Yankee Fan? And, if there is reason to be concerned, should Yankeeland be concerned right now, or, save that for a later date?
steve-
if the yankees’ reasoning for not giving wang a contract extension were health concerns, i don’t think they would be relying on him for a spot in the rotation next year.
Last year when the hot stove serving was a steady diet of Santana talk, I thought the cornerstone of the Yankee offer should have been Wang(the other players on our side would have been Kennedy and Duncan). I think Wang has already peaked (sure hope I’m wrong now), the questions left include durability and what will be the typical Wang season going forward. I see him turning into a 12 to 14 win starter with 4.5 era (at his best). I thought the Yanks missed a golden opportunity to flip him for a stud front end guy (as it turned out the trade I mentioned was discussed the Minnesota side but turned down by the Yanks).
Everyone is looking for the next ‘Ace’, ‘Number One Guy’, ‘the Next Beckett’, etc. These guys are very rare. Even Beckett himself, is not always ‘Beckett’.
Wang should have a spot in the Yanks rotation for the next ten years.