Wang rejects minor-league deal
Posted by Christopher Glotfelty (12/13/2009 @ 5:53 pm)
After the Yankees opted not to enter arbitration with Chien-Ming Wang, the team offered the 29-year-old a contract to pitch in the minors. The skimpy deal included a promise to recall Wang to the majors once his shoulder had fully healed. Of course, Wang wouldn’t have have any of that. He says he’ll be ready by May 1.
The pitcher’s agent, Alan Nero, told the organization that they wanted guaranteed money. The Yankees will be title defenders in 2010 and are reportedly interested in Roy Halladay. They can’t take their chances on a pitcher coming off reconstructive surgery. Thus, both parties decided to move on.
They’re also showing confidence in Chad Gaudin, the young pitcher they acquired from the Padres last season. He’ll receive a decent contract soon enough and might even start in 2010 if the team can’t acquire a pitcher like Halladay.
Chien-Ming Wang non-tendered by Yankees
Posted by Christopher Glotfelty (12/12/2009 @ 6:10 pm)
Once upon time, Chien-Ming Wang pitched consecutive 19-win seasons for the Bronx Bombers. He got off to another terrific start in 2008, but a foot injury kept him out of the rest of the season. Still, the Yankees were not going to give up on their former ace, deciding to avoid arbitration and simply sign him to a one-year, $5 million contract. Unfortunately, Wang had a horrendous season in 2009. Like Fausto Carmona, his fall from grace was shocking considering his past dominance. Anyone remember the game where the Indians beat the Yankees 22-4? Yeah, Wang was the Yankees’ starter that day. Wang finished his April with an 0-3 record and a 34.50 ERA. That obviously wasn’t going to cut it. On July 30, Wang had season ending shoulder surgery.
Now it’s being reported that the Yankees won’t tender Wang a contract. The Yankees are in the hunt for a more reliable (and expensive) starter like Roy Halladay, so this move isn’t surprising. Wang’s agent claims his client will be ready to return by May 1, only a month into the season. The Dodgers, Marlins, and Rockies are all possibilities.
The Dodgers seem like a good fit for two reasons. 1) Wang pitched for Joe Torre on the Yankees from 2005-2007 and 2) The Dodgers are running low on starters. After letting Randy Wolf go, the Dodgers are looking to solidify their rotation this offseason. If they can’t afford John Lackey, a guy like Wang wouldn’t be a bad get.
