What a crazy game is!

I told you so on preview post. Yankees will somehow get a split against Angels. Baseball play on the field, not on paper.

First of all, When you consider yesterday game against Angels starts at 3am in Sydney and how terrible Yankees look like at the first 4 innings, you have to wonder how come I am able to watch the whole game? I am the one never give up my team until it is over, but I was about turning off my computer around 3rd inning yesterday and then I saw that Abreu's terrible base running mistake that cost Yankees a run and a possible rally. I decide to keep watching to see how terrible Yankees can play.

I am glad I did. What a crazy game is! Yesterday game is one of those games make fans crazy whatever your team win or lose. I am glad Yankees win this one.

Secondly, Whatever Yankees win or lose their chance to play in October, I rather watch Kennedy and Hughes(when he is ready) pitching and losing it. We all know what Ponson, Rasner and Pavano can do and their future are not going to be with Yankees. Give kids down the farm a chance to perform.

I actually thought Yankees had chances to score some runs on Lackey yesterday because his velocity seems down a little bit and if Yankees are able to lay off his breaking pitches which they did later on. When Edwar gave up that glam slam, I was screaming on my computer, "Are you kidding me? What a terrible way to lose a game". But, Christian came out and save Yankees fans' day. The speed Christian bring on the table is the most amazing play of yesterday game for me.

Numbers on Wang

These are some numbers on Wang so far this season which can help me to explain the Wang's performance.

Run support 3.78 (Beckett 7.33 /Webb 6.82 /Dice-K 6.46/ Santana 6/Sabathia 5.30/ Mussina 5.07/ Saunders 4.67 / Shields 4.46/Lee&Pettitte 4.25/ Bedard 4.10/ Halladay3.38)

ERA 3.51 IP 66.2(Lead-Halladay 69.2/10 Starts) H 56 E(ER) 26 HR 2 WHIP 1.17
Home(6G) 5.02 Road(4G) 1.55
Day(2G) 0.00 Night(8G) 4.36
Grass(9G) 3.77 Turf(1G) 1.29
April(6G) 3.23 May(4G) 3.90

BAA .266 /OBP .289/ SLG .302/ OPS .592/vs Left .236 /vs Right .216
leading off .269 /Bases empty.224 /Runner on 1B .263/ Runner on 2B .167/ Runner on 3B .250
/Runners on 1B,2B .220/ Runners on 1B,3B .333/ Runners on 2B,3B .167/ Bases Loaded .400/ RISP .206 .182

BB 22/ vs Left 16/ vs Right 6(only one game without issuing walks, others walk 2 or 3 per game) (Webb 17)

G/F 2.13(Webb 3.47)
P/IP 14.4(Webb 14.3) P/PA 3.52(Webb 3.56)
K/9 5.27(Webb 6.96)
Quality Starts 8 out of 10(Webb 8 out of 9)

First of all, I am pretty sure tons of people killing Wang after this game. In fact, Wang is very hard on himself on post-game interview with Taiwanese media even though Taiwanese media keep asking the impact of lack of run support on his pitching.

Basically, This is what Wang said,

"I am very disappointed at myself and my poor performance","I didn't give my team a chance to win.","I gave up too many runs","Lost command and threw too many balls down the middle in the fourth inning","I just try to focus on producing double play ball and slow down everything in that fourth inning."

Pitchers will never admit the impact of lack of run support on their pitching, but how can you not try to be perfect when you know you are going to lose game if you give up one or two runs. Look at the number on run support I give to you above, only Halladay receive fewer run support than Wang among pitchers in that list above. In fact, Bombers only score 2 runs when Wang pitches during 25.2 inning span since third inning against Mariners.

But, this also leads to my first observation about Wang's pitching. Wang need to figure out a way to pitch well from stretch immediately, especially how not to lose the bite on his sinkers. Furthermore, don't try to focus on producing double play solely when there are runners on bases because opponents will know the sinker is coming. On top of that, we all know how good Yankees' defense is, especially when you consider Wang may get see-eye single as well.

As you guys see the stats above, Wang improve all pitching stats so far this season, including whip, hit&HR allowed, BAA against left and right, ERA(especially on road), percentage of Quality Starts, Innings pitched and Strikeouts/9, etc. Only strange thing is Wang's home ERA, but I expect this will come back to normal very soon.

But, Wang issues a little more free passes this season. The reason is I think Wang still try to command all the pitches(sinkers, sliders, change-ups, splitters, four-seamers) and learn how to mix them during this transition period of time. Because that, it seems Wang throws more cookies down the middle(bad pitches) than preview seasons even though he gives up fewer hits.

Conclusion? If Wang can improve this two aspects of games, he will be even better. As a Taiwanese, I can tell you one thing for sure. A lot of fans on Taiwanese website discuss Wang's weakness and wish he can use this opportunity to improve. I believe Wang can do it, not just focus how many run support he gets. Furthermore, we will turn this around if everyone on the team only think about how to improve themselves and how to help each other out.

Is it just me to feel this? Does Wang lose some velocity? I saw Wang's velocity around 90-92 so far this season and hit 93.94 once a while. I may think too much, but I remember Wang's velocity should hit 93, 94 more often. Hopefully, Wang's velocity heat up when weather heat up. Wang may just sacrifice some velocity in order to have better command on his sinkers. Furthermore, I never understand why Wang doesn't throw more four-seamers that usually sit around 94.95.

Pitching is so hard...

This is my thought recently when it comes down to our young pitchers. I know they are struggling now, especially when you consider Hughes is even on the DL and Johan Santana is coming for Subway Series. But, we need to be patience. I am not sure who will pay off eventually among all the young pitchers we have, but I have faith on them.

Pitching is so hard. You can lose a game when you miss few pitches. Look at Kennedy's last start as an evidence.

I always remember Everyone talk about no.3 is Wang's highest ceiling when he just call up. I always remember Yankees almost trade him with Cano to get Randy Johnson. Every year, Yankees have their chance to trade Wang to a lot of stars, such as Zito, Beckett, Santana. But, they didn't do it. You may still want to do it, but I am not with you.

I always remember Myers said:"Wang won 19 games without knowing how to pitch." Wang still get long way to go and get a lot of stuffs need to improve on. For example, he need to learn how to read hitters, how to pitch, command all his pitches(sinkers, sliders, fastball, splitters, changeup), how to pitch better when there are men on bases.

But, Is it glad to see our homegrown Yankees' pitchers grow in front of our eyes? I have faith on them. Do you?

Finally...Here come ending of Santana's episodes...Hopefully...

I was about going to write something else, but Santana trade news came out. I have mixed feeling and reactions about this Santana trade. That's why it took me so long to write about this trade.

First of all, you guys know my stand which I am glad to hear that Yankees keep all their kids. I don't know how kids from Yankees, Red Sox and Mets will perform in the future and how well Santana will pitch the rest of his career, so I am not going to justice this trade. But, I just feel Twins will regret not to take Hughes and Melky deal from Yankees when they have that chance at the winter meeting.

Secondly, I am right Twins have to deal Santana before season starts, but I am wrong on Yankees will get Santana because obviously I miscalculate two things which Cashman didn't make any offer at all and how badly Twins wants to send Santana out of AL.

I am more curious about some details. Did you guys surprise at Yankees didn't make any offer at all even though Santana may end up with Red Sox? I guess Yankees really change their philosophy. Did you guys surprise at Twins take Mets' offer instead of Red Sox's offer? I guess Twins really want to send Santana out of AL. Does it mean Nathan on the trade block?

I can't stop thinking how dominant Santana will be in the NL. How many AL pitchers are glad to see Santana out of AL CY young race when how many NL pitchers hate to see Santana joining their NL CY young race.

Unstoppable Santana rumor

A Blogger called Chris posted a great article about Wang on Made in 1903 Yankees Forum. If you are interested in, please click here to check it out. But, I want to share this quote with you guys,

Give it time. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is a great pitcher. It takes time and can be frustrating when some on other teams experience instant success.

Because Yankees pulled off their deal "for sure" on the newest Santana rumor, it means my lovely homegrown rotation may come true. But, I want to use this quote to reminder everyone don't jump over the bridge when our homegrown talented young pitchers don't perform well this season and don't rush to judge or sell them all for Santana again before trading deadline.

Updated at Jan 15th: Obviously, my headline is right. It's not possible to stop Santana rumor until he wears someone one's uniform. It looks like my prediction on Jan 6th is right on the money and I still remain my observation on Santana trade I had on Nov 28th 2007. By the way, I am one of pinch hitting bloggers on Peter's blog at Jan 25th. My topic is a little bit related to this whole situation. Please look forward to reading that post at near future.

Let's Go Yankees

I love Yankees keeping kids,I can't predict the future and I believe everyone can't.I don't know how well kids will performance,but you don't how well Santana will performance too.There is not a sure thing in life.I always appreciate at their efforts from my favorite team instead of judging players by results.Guys,you have to enjoy the moment and process.Homegrown Yankees can bring priceless excitment.That's why I love to root homegrown yankees.

Homegrown Yankees

Hello all Yankees fans,so far so good,right? Santana remains a Twins,not a Red Sox. I am glad I am right so far barring any surprising news.I told you before and you can read that from preview post.Red Sox are bluffing and Twins are playing games with us.I am glad that Cashman and Hank make a right decision so far.I also told you before.I like the combination of Hank and Cashman.It takes a lot of guts to make this decision when your job is on the line,Cashman.I am happy you are our General Manager.I believe Hank and Cashman make this decision when they hear Andy's decision on Sunday which is the date Hank setting the deadline.I am also glad to hear Hank saying "I’m really pleased at the fan reaction to keeping Hughes, and the fans do matter. Their opinion does matter".“They’re the ones that buy tickets and watch the YES Network. I like the way they get attached to homegrown Yankee players, just like the rest of us do in ownership and the front office. I was actually kind of surprised. But the fans seem to be in favor of keeping Hughes, and that’s a good thing.”

I can't predict the future.I don't know the kids will pan out or not.I am sure for one thing.Even though Red Sox get Santana,it is not the end of world.I have been said this many times.You don't play baseball game on paper;you play that on the field.Don't believe what you hear from most talk shows when most hosters are panic and angry at Yankees' decision on keeping kids.Getting Santana from Twins for Red Sox doesn't automatically get them a ring or a playoff ticket.I am the one rooting for keeping kids and playing the 2008 season and behind because I believe what I saw from them from last season.PS.I also won't be the one jump on kids if they struggle in the 2008 season.I will accept the result.

As a baseball fan,no matter your favorite team go all the way or not, you still have to enjoy every moment along with process.This makes baseball game amazing in my opinion.Don't you feel differently when miss game and watch scoreline directly even though Yankees win that game.You still feel something missing.That's totally different feeling when you watch the whole game.Of course,you will feel horrible when they lose that game.

I posted the following sentences on numbers blog already earlier today.If Mussina doesn't win a spot on the rotation in 2008 season.We have a 100% homegrown rotation for 2008 season,including Pettitte,Wang,Hughes,Joba,Kennedy.WoW!!That's amazing.

How lucky we are as yankee fans....

When rumors surround with Santana trade,I realize how lucky we are as yankee fans.Some owners kill them to spend money;Others kill them to lose games.We have an owner is willing to upgrade our favorite team no matter the costs.That's why most yankees fans seem to play fanstay baseball league all the time.Image this....Next March...We have a rotation include Santana.Wang.Pettitte.Joba....WoW!!!

But,I will say this again on my blog.It's much more enjoyable for me to root for guys I like and win champion with them.As a baseball fan,enjoyment of watching every regular season game is essential for me during long baseball season.Hopefully,I have chances to watch Hughes,Kennedy,Melky,Wang.etc. playing for us 2008 season.It will be sad and feel hurt for me to watch Hughes,Kennedy,Melky or Wang wearing another team uniform.

If you ask me now,I think Santana will get traded this off-season.Twins are not going to make the same mistake which they let Hunter go without getting anything back.Of course,Twins can get draft picks for that.If Twins have second chance for Hunter,they probably choose to trade him before 2007 season or 2007 trade deadline and get some prospects back for him.If I were Twins front office,I would save all money to sign Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer no matter how good Santana will be.There is bigger risk to give huge contract to pitchers than position players.Even though Twins have new stadium coming and PR get crashed for Hunter leaving recently,I still feel Twins fans are used to accept taking prospects for the player they can't afford as a small market team.They can get better offer during off-season for Santana.They also have Francisco Liriano come back from Tommy John surgery.

From Yankees point of view,Yankees already spent too much on winning now and it kills yankee front office to see Red Sox's celebration twice for 4 years.Plus,Brian Cashman is on the last year of his contract and Hank Steinbrenner wants to make a statement when he takes over Yankee from his father for the first year.

I think Yankees front office will try to get Santana at appropriate prices because huge contract Santana will ask for.There are not so many teams can afford that price.Angels and Dodgers need hitting not pitching.I doubt Santana want to go to pitch in West or NL as well.Mets don't have enough prospects to win this battle over Yankees.

Santana is better suit to Yankees stadium than Fenway Park.You can get the evidence for that from Santana's career stats at Yankees stadium and Fenway Park.I doubt Santana want to be co-ace with Josh Beckett as well.Santana will be clear ace and savior in Yankees staff and doesn't have to share ace status with somebody.If Red Sox give that huge contract to Santana,how much they are gonna give Beckett two years later.On top of that,Red Sox are not willing to part with Jacoby Ellsbury and Clay Buchholz.The only chance for Red Sox to have Santana is to put these two players into package for Twins.

If I were Yankees front office,I would try to get Joe Nathan as Mo's set up man as well and treat him as a replacement for MO in the near future.On top of that,We have to get Pettitte back as well even if we get Santana.