Sunday, May 31, 2009

The reality between Yankees and Wang

Since MJB(one of my loyal readers) was wondering about how Taiwanese react to Cashman's comments regard of Wang in the comment section, I am going to talk about that issue now.

According to Taiwanese news, Cashman called Wang's agent immediately right after Andrew Marchand's report comes out. Cashman apologies for his improper comments regard of Wang. He says he loses control and then leads to those improper comments because Andrew Marchand keep questioning the moves Yankees make regard of Wang. Andrew Marchand pushes so hard that leads Cashman to says something he shouldn't say. Cashman says Yankees still view Wang as a starting pitcher and hope Wang can regain the form as soon as possible in order to go back to rotation.

Here is my take regard of Yankees with Wang. Yankees never thought Wang would succeed. Let alone think he will have long term success. In Yankees' prospect, Wang is a fragile pitcher(a bad shoulder+ a bad foot) with one good pitch(sinker) and so few strikeouts. Yankees think Wang will lose the ability to get big league hitters out at any moment. Every time Wang shows any red flag, Yankees will immediately think "Is he done?"

Therefore, Yankees will try to get out of Wang as much as they can at the cost as low as possible. They never think to re-sign Wang once he hits free agent market. Let alone sign him a long term contract before he becomes free agent. They may be ready to trade him away once Wang rebuild his trade value.

I guess this is also what most Yankees fans think. That's why Yankees are not afraid of making Wang angry and don't take care of his feeling because they don't think Wang can come back to bite them. On top of that, how Hughes and Joba perform impacts how people view Cashman's legacy directly. Cashman certainly will give them every chance to succeed.

Don't get me wrong. I agree with Yankees not giving rotation spot back to Wang solely based on his track record. Yankees may bring Wang back too early, but there is only so much Wang can do against minor league hitters. Wang needs to face major league hitters little by little in order to rebuild his confidence. Wang has to show he can throw the ball any place he wants consistently before going back to rotation. To blame whose fault won't do anyone good.

However, Yankees should set up the whole plan before they activate Wang and then Yankees has to do a better job to communicate with Wang in order to make him comfortable and ease his concern. That is what get most Taiwanese upset during the whole process, not losing rotation spot.

Eventually, Yankees will need Wang in the rotation because innings limit of Hughes and Joba and the potential injury to one of starters.

I know Yankees don't think Wang will come back to haunt them, but no one can predict the future and no one know what kind of career any player will have. I know Wang is under Yankees control, but it won't hurt Yankees to make him happy and comfortable as much as possible when it won't hurt Yankees' chance of winning. By the way, Yankees may need Wang more than expected if new Yankees stadium turnout to be a homerun happy place for hitters.

I am always a Yankees fan no matter Wang is on the Yankees team or not. However, as a Taiwanese, I always have a soft spot for Wang. Don't blame me to have a different view regard of any issue related to Wang. Taiwanese expect so much out of Wang. You guys can't image how much pressure Wang has from his native country.

Why Veras and Berroa are still with Yankees?

As you guys know, I expect to have a busy May and June. That's why I can't blog and watch Yankees games as many as I would like to. Please stay with me, I will be back at full speed when July comes around.

When our bombers are doing great, I have the same question as many Yankees fans have. Why Veras and Berroa are still with Yankees?

I know Veras has a great live arm, but he can't control where the ball goes that is the big problem for any relief pitcher in the bullpen.

When we have Pena as our utility infielder, why we need Berroa on our team?

I don't get it.

I know we are only few days away from getting Molina and Nady back. On top of that, our bombers are doing great right now, so it seems it doesn't matter at all.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

AJ vs Phillies

7:17pm A.J has done a good job to limit the damage in the first inning and only gives up one run. Yankees need him to go a long way tonight when you consider the situation of Yankees bullpen now. Teixeira saves at least one run by making that great play to end the first inning.

7:20pm Why try to hit Jeter? Obviously, A.J doesn't want to hit their guy when he clearly doesn't have command earlier in the first inning. A nice job by Captain to hit a single to get a revenge. By the way, the last thing Yankees need right now is Burnett to hit another guy later and then get ejected. Yankees has a short bullpen tonight.

7:28pm If my memory serves me right, this will be the first Yankees base runner to get threw out at home plate.

7:30pm Do you guys get nervous when the ball is hit to right field now? Man, is it too early to get Wang ready now?

7:44pm It seems to me Yankees will have a long night. However, you never know what will happen in any baseball game. One thing I know for sure. A.J has to stop the bleeding in order to give Yankees a chance to come back.

7:50pm Teixeira makes another great play. This time probably save some pitches for Burnett.

7:54pm Burnett is at 48 pitches through 3 innings. At this rate, we will see our bullpen pretty soon. Hopefully, he will have couple of easy innings soon. By the way, at this rate, Myers will finish the game by himself.

8:00pm Here comes the easy inning A.J needs if he can get his third man of the inning.

8:01pm Guess what? He needs to get his third man of the inning against Rollins. Hopefully, it will be him for A.J.

8:12pm A huge at bat for Swisher. Guess not.

8:26pm Well, A.J gives up 5 runs in 5 innings at 86 pitches. What would you do if you were Girardi?

8:39pm A.J somehow get a double play to end the 6th inning.

8:46pm A-Rod hits one out. If Yankees lose this game, we at least score one run.

8:52pm It seems to me Wang's velocity is fine. The location of pitches actually are worse.

9:16pm Wang throws more good sinkers second inning of work.

9:44pm Based on three innings of work Wang puts on, the result is a mixed one. The good thing is Wang's velocity back. The bad thing is he can't throw all his pitches at the lower strike zone consistently. Once Wang get his consistent release point and delivery back, he will be fine. I agree with the decision of putting Wang in the bullpen as a long relief pitcher at this moment. First of all, he needs to pitch against major league hitters to re-gain his confident. Secondly, Yankees can put him back to rotation once Wang gains more arm strengths and throws most his pitches down in the strike zone.

What to do with Wang?

Lohud's blog confirms the news that Wang gets called back. However, it will be interesting to see how Yankees deal with Wang's situation.

I think Jonathan Albaladejo will be the one to get sent down. After Aceves pitches multi innings two games in a row and many relief pitchers pitch many games in a row, Tomko and Bruney are only two fresh relief pitchers left in the bullpen.(Updated: Bruney is injured) On top of that, Coke may be available for Phillies those left handed batters. If A.J has another short outing, Yankees will simply burn their bullpen and leads to a disaster weekend series against Phillies.

As far as I know, many Taiwanese fans are so mad at how Yankees handle Wang's situation. I agree with them to some certain degree, not all of them. Before going into the details how I feel, I have to say this first. I understand the concerns Yankees have over Wang in term of his velocity. I understand every player needs to prove he can stay in the major league no matter how great his track record is and how much money he makes. I also understand the superstition baseball players have, especially Yankees are on a winning streak. I tell you guys most Taiwanese fans are mad and I don't like the way Yankees handle Wang's situation because there is high possibility that Wang feels the same way. We all come from the same culture. There is huge difference between American culture and Taiwanese culture. Wang is not going to express how he really feels.

Yankees front office and coach staff have done few things wrong in terms of handling with Wang's situation.

First of all, Yankees medical staff and front office misjudge the aftereffect of Wang's foot injury and then don't allow Wang to run until Wang blows out three games in a row. They didn't admit this fault at all.

Secondly, Yankees should discuss with Wang before making any kind of decision given his track record. It seems to me Yankees jerk Wang around and only "inform" Wang decision, not "discuss" with him. Yankees should treat Wang more like a veteran, not a rookie.

Thirdly, coach staff don't tell Wang their decisions in person before telling media. That happened many time that Wang was caught by surprise for news when Taiwanese reporters told him and asked his opinion on that. Girardi needs to at least tell Wang first before telling media.

Finally, Yankees should just say what they really think regard of Wang's situation. They should just say they have concerns regard of Wang's velocity. Until he gets his strengths back, they are going to put him in the minor league. Obviously, how Hughes pitches has impact on how Yankees deals with Wang. That gives Yankees more time to get Wang right. But, they claim how Hughes pitch has nothing to do with Wang's spot in the rotation. Yankees also say they will simply put Wang back to rotation once he is ready. That is also the reason they send him to another minor league start as original plan because he is not ready yet. If they tell the truth, why bring him back because of Joba's short outing? If they tell the truth, why say they need to know the condition of Joba before making decision on Wang's next step? Yankees just jerk him around and don't treat him as a veteran.

Ok, let us go back to the decision Yankees makes which brings Wang back. I know Yankees are doing great right now. It seems to me many Yankees fans feel we don't need Wang and we can live without him. I can't disagree with this notion more. Yankees need Wang and need to get him right because Yankees need his long outing he regularly delivery when he is right. Even though Joba and Hughes pitch well, they are 6 inning pitchers at best at this point of their career. They more likely put up those 5 inning outings which eventually will catch up Yankees later in the season. Not to mention both have innings limit.

On top of that, A.J hasn't pitched that great so far and he is an injury prone as well. Pettitte is an old pitcher with a bad shoulder he suffered last season. Finally, are you really to put heavy workload on CC three years in a row when you consider 7 years contract Yankees hand out to him?

That is what I think how Yankees should handle Wang. Before I say it, I want to say one thing. Yankees need to have that no.6 starting pitcher ready in the minor league when there is an injured or ineffective starting pitcher from rotation going down. Not to mention, Joba will hit his inning limit eventually. Yankees should not put Hughes in the bullpen once Wang proves he is ready.

I agree with Yankees bring Wang back to major league. They can't hide him on the DL forever. They need to find out Wang is right or not one way or the other. Pitchers can only pitch at minor league for rehabilitation assignment for 30 days. There are only so much Wang gain from minor league starts. Wang doesn't put on 13 scoreless innings at AAA by accident.

You never know when Wang's velocity will be back. I think the more Wang pitches, the quicker his velocity will be back as long as he is healthy. I believe his velocity will be back to normal when summer comes. Yankees need to find out how Wang pitch against major league hitters anyway. Stop being that superstition.

I will skip Joba next start to make sure he is right. Yankees can limit his innings by doing this. Putting Wang in Joba's spot and let him pitch few innings out of pen to keep him sharp. Yankees also can get an idea when Wang pitches against major league hitters.

After burnig through bullpen on Hughes' and Joba's starts, Yankees need a fresh arm in the bullpen anyway. When Joba feels right and comes back, Yankees can put Joba in Hughes' spot. Of course, Let Hughes keeps pitching at AAA to practice his changeup more.

If Yankees ends up with pitching Wang more innings than they would like to tonight, they can rest Aceves for next few days and prepare for that start. Or they can simply let Joba makes that start if he feels right.

Again, I understand the concerns Yankees have on Wang's velocity, accidents forces Yankees to make adjustments on the fly and three terrible outings Wang put on earlier season. But, Yankees really should communicate and deal with this situation better to show Wang more respect.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Wang will stay with Yankees because of Joba's injury

Joba was hit by a pitch. Because of that, Yankees bullpen has to pick up almost the whole game. Based on many Taiwanese news outlets, Yankees decide to let Wang stay with the team and prepare to pitch out of bullpen for upcoming series against Phillies.

I know most New York media report Wang will go to SWB to pitch one more minor league game. However, Taiwanese reporters confirm this new with Wang that is what I read from Taiwanese news. Wang said he will do his best to pitch as well as he can no matter where he is and what kind of role he will be put into. Taiwanese news outlets report Yankees call back Wang after Joba get hit by a pitch and has to leave the game.

I guess we will know whether this news is right or not tomorrow. I just to want to share this news with you guys. If the news is not right, don't blame me. I don't try to make up news, I just tell you guys what I read from Taiwanese websites.

Yankees keep winning

Now, it's 9 in a row. It seems nothing can stop Yankees now even if Joba has to leave the game at the first inning after being hit by a line drive. As a long time baseball fan like most of us, you know Yankees won't win forever and will lose a game eventually. But, it doesn't mean we can't enjoy this winning streak as long as possible.

Yankees is getting healthier when the time goes on, but you know someone will get hurt(see:Damon) again. As long as we have a healthy pitching staff(rotation+bullpen), we will be fine. While Posada, Molina, Nady and Wang all on their way back, we find out more useful options from our minor league system.

Monday, May 18, 2009

AJ vs Twins & Wang's second start at AAA

1:31pm A.J has a nice first two innings while Pena makes a good play at 2B to help him to get out of first inning.

1:34pm Meanwhile, Wang has fine first two scoreless innings. But, his location of pitches is not as good as his first inning based on what I see.

1:47pm It seems to me Wang get into the grove in the 3rd inning. He gets a double play to end the inning. Meanwhile, A.J is dealing at the Bronx as well. It will be nice if Yankees give him 2 or 3 runs to work with.

2:05pm Wang's location is getting better when the innings are going deeper. Meanwhile, A.J gets out of jam by getting Wang-like double play.

2:09pm Let hope Teixeira can get Jeter home with less than 2 outs. Hopefully, A-Rod can pick up Teixeira here.

2:30pm Even though I am very disappointed Yankees don't get that run in from third base. However, I am not sure Yankees can will 1-0 game with their bullpen anyway.

2:41pm Both pitchers are dealing at Bronx. Slowey pitches even better than Burnett. So, obviously, Yankees may regret not to get Jeter in less than 2 outs from third base.

2:47pm I hope Yankees win this game at much easier form than walk-off.

2:49pm Wang gives up 2 singles that one is bloop and the other is just in front of home plate.

2:50pm For whatever reasons, SWB only plays 7 innings for this first game of doubleheader. This is Wang's line for today. 7IP 4H 0R(ER) 75 pitches 1SO 75 pitches 49 Strikes 26 balls GO/FO: 12:8

3:16pm Yankees are behind Twins 2 runs. Yankees need another come from behind victory again. The way Yankees offense goes, it gives all Yankees pitchers a lot of pressure. By the way, I like Yankees to play Cervelli over Cash. Cash and Cervelli both won't hit too much anyway. But, the way Cervelli plays behind the plate as a catcher is much better than Cash in my opinion.

3:29pm It looks like Yankees has another come from behind victory in making. Nice ABC baseball to manufacture that run to tie the game.

3:30pm Bruney starts second game of double header at SWB. I don't know the velocity, but I think Bruney needs one more outing at minior because his location is not good at all.

3:37pm The bullpen Yankees has certainly make us as Yankees fans nervous at every pitch from this point on.

3:47pm Man, what a play by Teixeira! I don't think Albladejo and Tomko pitch great today. Fortunately for Yankees, we get out of bases loaded jam.

4:09pm It seems to me Yankees wants to have another walk-off victory. But, I really hope we could score that run at the bottom of 8th inning.

4:46pm Wow! Yankees certainly don't disappoint Yankees fans. Here is another walk-off and come-from-behind victory. Today heros in my eyes are Yankees pitching and the play Teixeira makes at 1B.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

What a great game to watch! It seems Yankees always own Twins

I told you guys I expect to have heavy workload ahead of me until the middle of June. Today, I have a little break for me to watch game.

What a great game to watch! I am so nervous in the 9th inning that I can't concentrate on any work at my hands.

The hero of this game definitely has to go to the whole team from top to bottom. The Gardner's inside-the-park homerun fires up the whole stadium and the whole team.

Great game!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Wang at AAA

7:25pm Wang has a good first two innings. They don't show velocity, so I don't know his velocity. But, he keep pitching down in the strike zone. His delivery looks much better. He throws some great sliders and changeup along the way. By the way, his pitching count is so low now through 2 innings(16 pitches). That is the way Halladay goes as well. One of the biggest advantages sinker pitchers have.

7:36pm For most part, Wang has great location for most pitches. Based on announcers, Wang throws sinker at around 92mph.

7:49pm Wang issues first walk of the game in 4 pitches. Now, Five pitches in a row out of strike zone. A nice sinker to a called strike and then get runner who tries to steal second base. Another good sinker and slider to get another strike out.

7:53pm Wang gets hit by a comeback at his left shin. It appears he is ok.

7:58pm The way hitters from SWB swing the bat looks like the way Yankees batters against Halladay.

8:05pm By the way, A.J is in trouble and gives up 2 runs. The way Halladay pitches A.J better not to give up more runs. 3 runs for Yankees to score off Halladay is a tall order, especially when you consider Halladay only throws 38 pitches through 4 innings.

8:19pm Austin Jackson looks good during his at bat in my opinion. It appears to me Wang gets squeezed by home plate umpire. But, Wang's pitches are up in the zone more the last couple of innings. I am not sure whether Wang works on his other secondary pitches or not, but Wang issues his third walks of the game.

9pm Wang's line: 6IP 3H 0R(ER) 3BB 6k 82 pitches 49 strikes. I need to leave home now. Come back later for more reports.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Posada will be out at least 2 weeks

I know most Yankees fans know this news by now. I just want to say one thing. I hope this doesn't change the way Yankees handles A-Rod's injury and decide to rush A-Rod back. I know we need A-Rod, but we need him healthy the rest of season and playoffs(if we have). The last thing Yankees need is to rush him back few days earlier and then lost him again.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

a disappointed but satisfied game

The Yankees has lost four games in a row to Red Sox that certainly anger many Yankees fans. However, it all depends on how they lost those games in my opinion. Yes, Yankees did lost to Red Sox again. They may also lose Posada to hamstring injury for any extend period of time. If I have to guess now, I will say it is probably a month.

However, there are few good things happening in this game. First of all, I thought Hughes and Aceves pitch decently that is a good sign.

Secondly, Teixeira hits two home runs. If we get Texieira going, we will be fine, especially when you consider A-Rod will be back soon. This certainly can abort the lost of Posada's bat in the lineup. Of course we don't want to hear someone getting hurt. If we must have injury, it certainly is better to have now than later. When you consider Posada's shoulder, let him rest more during early part of season may help for stretch run. Don't forget we will get Nady back eventually.

Thirdly, we just took two out of three against Angels. If we can win tomorrow game which will be started by Joba, we will split the two-games series against Red Sox. It is certainly not great. But, put things in perspectives, we are in the brutal part of schedule which have many road games and play against tough teams. When you consider so many things going on in the Yankeesland and no one runs away with title in this AL East division.

Fourthly, bullpen did pitches well today against Red Sox and we do have Aceves as a long man to eat some innings that avoid us from burning bullpen again. On top of that, Red Sox may not have Papelbon available tomorrow.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

CC vs Angels

Hello, everyone. Sorry for lack of posts lately. I am expecting a busy May. I get a lot of works need to be done in May. So, I probably won't be able to post a lot in May. Once I get pass May safely, I will be back to post more. Thanks for patience from everyone.

1:16pm CC has an impressive first inning with two strikeouts. The most important thing is he throws different pitches for strike. It is certainly a good sign for Yankees. However, I am not sure how many runs Yankees offense is able to put on when you look at the bottom of Yankees lineup.

1:20pm Man, Jeter was hit by a pitch from Angel's starting pitcher. We can't have another injury from our starting lineup.

1:24pm It looks like Jeter hurts his neck when he steals second base. Hopefully, he is alright. By the way, Aybar was taken out the game at the same play Jeter hurts his neck. Angels certainly can't hit more bad luck this season.

1:40pm CC is in the jam now with bases loaded. This is the big moment of the game. If CC is able to get out of this inning without giving up any run, it will frustrate Angels team. CC gets a big strikeout and a line out to end the inning.

1:51pm As many of us expect, the bottom of lineup do nothing in the bottom of second inning.

1:57pm I was about screaming at "Don't walk the leadoff hitter of the inning" and then CC got him out with a infield pop out.

2:00pm Is it just me to feel this way? I feel 2009 Yankees team is so different than the Yankees team the past few year.

2:02pm Melky makes a great diving catch at right field after Gardner makes a diving catch at center field. Great plays for both Yankees young outfielders.

2:11pm The way Yankees offense looks the first three innings of the this game. CC better has a great day. However, I will definitely feel nervous when Yankees bullpen has to hold a one-run lead.

2:14pm Pena just makes a great play at 3B. Yankees has made three great defense plays behind CC. It's so nice to see that from Yankees team. Oh, by the way, CC hits one of Angels to send a message, "Don't keep hitting my teammates."

2:33pm CC has pitches 5 scoreless innings. However, he uses a lot of pitches to do so. At this rate, We will be lucky if we can get 7 innings out of CC. And then.......?

2:38pm Yankees always turn no-name pitchers or everyone-hit-hard pitchers into Cy Young award winners for some reasons.

2:44pm Pena just makes another nice play and Yankees almost get a double play. Now, Jeter makes an error.

2:50pm Now, double steal from Angels. Angels tie the score. This one hurts because Jeter makes an error.

2:59pm Jeter certainly redeems himself for that leadoff double. Hopefully, Yankees is able to play abc ball to get that run in.

3:00pm Damon does his part to get Jeter to third base with less than 2 outs. Teixeira doesn't do his job.

3:13pm CC picks up another huge strikeout.

3:39pm CC ends up with giving up 5 runs. The way Yankees bullpen goes, it certainly can't fault Girardi to let CC pitch 7th inning. When CC hasn't pitched like an ACE so far this season, he hasn't pitched badly.

3:46pm I understand Veras has a great arm. However, the way he pitches I don't understand why he is still on Yankees team. The reason I says this is not from his terrible pitching performance. Veras never has good command of strike zone. I hate a pitcher can't throw strike. Let alone a relief pitcher who pitches late in the game can't throw strike. I know Veras doesn't have options left, but I don't think losing him is a big lost for Yankees.

4:10pm Well, Robertson certainly doesn't do himself any favor. I don't care about two runs, but I care about two walks he gives up.

4:18pm Posada hits a two-runs homerun to keep Yankees alive.

4:30pm Gardner walks and then scores on Angels' error. The three runs Yankees bullpen give up look big right now.

4:33pm I finally have a little free time to watch a baseball game and then witness Yankees end their 4-games winning streak. However, I am pride of what Yankees keep fighting.