Nationals Hot For Wang?
Via Ben Goessling -
You might want to hold onto those pitching staff projections just a little longer. According to a source familiar with the situation, the Nationals are one of the teams that’s “way ahead of the pack” in pursuit of free-agent pitcher Chien-Ming Wang.
The 29-year-old Taiwanese pitcher, who won 19 games for the Yankees in both 2006 and 2007 but made just 24 starts in 2008-09 because of a variety of injuries, is ahead of schedule in his return from shoulder surgery. He is throwing without pain will be able to throw off a mound in a week to 10 days, which could be the final sign for interested teams the right-hander is healthy.
But according to the source, the Nationals have already made an aggressive effort to evaluate the pitcher.
“If you know (general manager) Mike Rizzo at all, you know they’re ahead of the pack,” the source said. “If there was a checklist of 20 things teams are doing, the Nationals are way ahead in their study.”
The source could not say if the Nationals had made an offer to Wang, but made it clear they’re in serious competition for his services.
Well, Nationals Park is somewhat neutral – so, there are worse places to pitch. And, maybe Wanger likes the idea of pitching with his last initial on his cap?
I’d have no problem with Wanger pitching in Washington. Like all Yankee fans, I just wish him the best and hope he can get his career back on track.
The Nationals may not be a bad option for CMW, and if he can put together a good couple of months I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up on a contender before July 31st.
Just realized how dirty this headline sounds. I guess I should be thankful that the Yankees arent “Hot for Wang” huh?