There were many question marks entering the 2009 season for the Yankees. How would they adapt to a new home? How would the new additions adjust to New York? Should Joba be in the pen? One thing was certain: Chien-Ming Wang would be the top number three starter in all of baseball. Unfortunately, after his first three starts, he couldn't be a number three starter on my co-ed softball team. The team has decided to skip his scheduled start this weekend in Fenway and have set up an audition at their extended spring training in Tampa. They estimate Wang will throw about 100 pitches and the outcome will determine his immediate future with the team. If he struggles and his velocity continues to be an issue, a trip to the Disabled List is a strong possibility.
So what should the Yankees do with Wang? They've already bruised his ego by shipping him south and skipping his spot in the rotation. Although it's early, the Yankees can't afford to let him work out his issues in the big leagues. Unfortunately they have very few options. They can't send him to Scranton without a trip through waivers. Even though Phil Hughes is off to a strong start in Triple A, listening to offers for Wang would be foolish because he has little trade value at the moment (except possibly in a heavy asian market such as Seattle).
Wang maintains that he has no injury or mechanical issues, but he'd get a strong opposing argument from Brian Cashman and Joe Girardi. Pitching coach Dave Eiland insists that the tall righty has had strong bullpen sessions and will carry that on to the field shortly. The Yankees are hoping to find out he's right during Thursday's audition.
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