Can Yanks win with a broken Wang?

An 0-3 start for a starting pitcher isn't the end of the world. And, believe it or not, neither is an astronomical 34+ earned run average. After all, when you're playing for the New York Yankees, it comes down to what you do in September and October. Unfortunately, when you struggle in April, the question becomes can the Bombers blast their way to the postseason in a loaded AL East with Chien Ming-Wang doing his best Sidney Ponson impression?

The Taiwanese sinkerballer anchored the staff in 2006 and 2007 with 19 wins each year. He was off to an 8-2 start a season ago before a freak injury on the base paths cost him the rest of his 2008 campaign. Pitching coach Dave Eiland insists that "the stuff" is still there in bullpen sessions, but Wang has been unable to replicate that on the field. Club personnel suggest mechanical issues. If so, one has to believe it's only a matter of time before he rights the ship. However, there are others insisting his velocity is down, which could be a reason for concern. His start on Saturday aired on Fox and the speed of each pitch was not displayed. The few they did show had his fastball touching around 90-91, which is slightly down. Although the coaching staff maintains its position on blaming the poor starts on his mechanics, Wang has publicly refuted those claims. So what else could it be? Judging by the pep talks he received upon his departure from yesterday's outing from Jeter and Girardi, it seems he's struggling with his confidence. With his next start scheduled for Fenway park next weekend, the Yankees are perilously close to dealing with a major crisis. If the Yankees hope to emerge from a brutal AL East, Wang needs to return to form against their arch rival.