Let's Go Yankees Blog

No-tender Wang?

2009-11-17T14:23:00.002+11:00

I have read comments from quite a few experts believe Wang will be willing to accept any kind of deal to stay with Yankees in order to get his big endorsement deals. As a Taiwanese who loves Yankees for a long time, I can tell you this belief is totally wrong. This belief definitely comes from an American’ point of view. I can’t blame many experts from U.S have that thought when you consider how big franchise Yankees is in the United States. I realize this when I was in the United States few years ago.

In Taiwan, we have quite a few successful people in all kinds of fields who are very famous around the world, such as Ang Lee, etc. Among them, we also have few other very successful athletes as well. But, I believe Wang means so much to Taiwanese than anyone else because his personality, his work ethics, his charity works, etc.

As long as he keeps fighting and pitching at least at average level in the major league. No matter which team he goes, most Taiwanese will follow him around and support him as usual. In fact, Wang just get a new big sponsorship deal from one of his biggest sponsors, Acer, few days ago. Acer not only pays Wang the same amount of dollars as previous years but also promise to let him leave earlier for rehab without making ads for them. In the past two seasons, Wang still gets quite few endorsement deals even though he was injured most of time.

Furthermore, more and more Taiwanese hopes Wang chooses to leave Yankees. Most of Taiwanese understand baseball and the business side of baseball. Believe me, most Taiwanese expect much more out of Wang than any Yankee fan. Many Taiwanese just feel Yankees front office don’t show enough respect to Wang. many of them hopes Wang not to keep saying how much he wants to stay with Yankees because that may decrease his leverage.

For me, I have mixed feeling regard of Wang’s situation. I know many pitchers can not come back from shoulder surgery. However, I hope he stays because you never have enough pitching. Any pitching staff can be looked terrible when they suffer one or two injuries. Even if Wang comes back at 50% of his 2006-2007 form, he can be a good enough no.4 or no.5 starter.

But, I don’t think Wang will be back. First of all, at this moment, Wang needs playing time to reestablish his value. Small market teams can fill that bill. Secondly, I think one of 30 clubs will give Wang a major league deal and is willing to gamble on him. Thirdly, Wang may have some hard feeling toward to Yankees front office because the way they treat him even though most Asian don’t express their feeling much. Fourthly, Wang once says he like the life style of Seattle, LA, etc. Fifthly, Brian Cashman and his front office staff express more than once how much they like to have power and strikeout pitchers on Yankees staff. Lastly, I believe Wang can accumulate service time if he gets a major league deal somewhere. At the end of 2009 season, it sounds Wang knows Yankees don’t want to have him back when he was interviewed by Taiwanese reporters.

It’s interesting to see how the things turn out. Hopefully, Yankees can work out a deal with Wang because Wang wants to stays. Wang once says Yankees is a great team and the only team he has played for.

From parade

2009-11-07T07:51:00.005+11:00

Great pictures from The Journal News on parade.

Let the Hot Stove begins!

2009-11-06T02:50:00.002+11:00

This is just the life of our Yankee fans. This is just the reaction and love we have toward to our beloved New York Yankees.

Let us talk about this after parade.

Yes, Every Yankee fan, Here is 27th Title

2009-11-06T02:19:00.005+11:00

Let me describe the scene I saw yesterday at my office. As I told you on previous post, I can't take a day off because I just report to the new job.

Once the o'clock turned to lunch time yesterday, a lot of my colleagues ran toward to cafeteria for television. At that time, the game was on top of 8th inning. Marte just got the lefty out he need to . Here we go. Girardi called on Mo to close the game.

Since that moment, everyone in the cafeteria wants to have a strike call for every pitch. With every minute and every pitch passing by, our lunch break closes to the end. Everyone in the cafeteria start screaming on "come on".

When Mo gets the ground ball to Cano, everyone stands up and ready go back to work with a smile on the face.

Let go Andy!

2009-11-05T01:54:00.002+11:00

Before game 6 of ALCS, I said I have a hunch that Bombers would win game 6. However, I don't know what will happen for game 6 of World Series. I really don't want to see game 7.

I won't be able to watch live game tomorrow because of job.

Let go Andy. Let us celebrate.

Yankees will win Game 6 of ALCS

2009-10-26T01:56:00.003+11:00

I know you guys hate to see game 6 of ALCS getting rained out and move to today. I really think MLB should get rid of all off days except travel days. Those off days really cool off fans.

By the way, I just get my new job in Taiwan and start working tomorrow when Yankees play against Angels for game 6 at Yankees stadium. So, I can't be there for Yankees tomorrow. But, I have a hunch that our bombers will come through. Why? I have two reasons.

First of all, I truly believe I bring bad luck to my team. There is always some bad things happening when I watch. Every time I go to ball parks to watch games, it seems my team loses most of time. Do you guys remember game 5 when Hughes give up those 2 runs to Angels that eventually let Yankees lose that game? I just wake up and turn on TV. So, If I can't be there for Yankees tomorrow for Yankees, they will win that game.

Second reason comes from a playoff game I watched yesterday. I went to watch game 6 of Taiwan Series which is world Series of Taiwanese professional baseball league with my sister yesterday. My sister's favorite team is in that series. That game ends up playing 17 innings for 6 hours 14 minutes which is the longest playoff game in the world.(P.S. The longest playoff game in MLB is 5 hours 50 minutes. I think.) The point is my sister's favorite team wins that game. So, Yankees will be tomorrow as well.

Let's Go Yankees!

Sweep! Yankees advances to ALCS

2009-10-12T13:48:00.003+11:00

I have to admit I feel so frustrated to watching Pavano to throw a great game against us.

The biggest play of the game is Jeter throwing out that base runner at the bottom of 8th inning when Hughes is in trouble again.

I know most Yankees fans may still be in the heaven for advancing to second round of playoffs. But, be honest, I feel nervous about our bullpen. Joba, Hughes and even Mo look shaky. Another thing worries me is the lineup. It seems to me Jeter, A-Rod and Teixeria are the only persons hitting now. Hopefully, I just think too much.

The players of the game: Pettitte, Jeter and A-Rod.

Yankees have a 1-0 series lead

2009-10-08T12:54:00.003+11:00

Jeter is the man. This man is unbelievable. I know CC and the rest of bullpen pitch well. Of course, A-Rod finally comes through with man on base with two RBI. Plus, don't forget Swisher and Matsui for their big hits.

But, in my opinion, the hero is the Captain, Derek Jeter. When CC gives up two runs, Posada looks nervous for whatever reasons and the whole lineup can't hit against a guy they don't see often, Jeter wakes up the whole team.

Game 1 of ALDS_Twins at Yankees

2009-10-08T11:08:00.013+11:00

8pm It's 8am in the morning in Taiwan. I wake up on time to see A-Rod come through with a big RBI single. And then Matsui hit another home run against lefty. Of course, I miss the big two-run home run by Captain.

8:20pm At the same time, a well rest CC with run support keep putting on zero on the scoreboard.

8:35pm Well, It starts making everyone nervous, doesn't it? Come on, CC.

8:40pm A job well done by CC. Let's go Hughes. We need this big out.

8:48pm Guess what? Hughes get that big out by throwing fastball right by Cabrera

9:03pm A-Rod likes to face Twins in the post season, right?

9:21pm It's good to get everyone in the game to feel the pressure of playoff.

9:47pm It's hard for me to get nervous when Mo is on the mound. Congrats to Yanks for game 1 win(7-2).

Pettitte vs TOR

2009-09-06T03:34:00.012+10:00

1:36pm Today, I need to work on some of my family stuffs, so I will stay up late. Of course, That means I can watch some Yankees games. It's 1:36am in Taiwan.

1:39pm I just watch opening ceremony of 2009 Summer Deaflympics in Taipei. It is great, especially the part presents Taiwan delicious food. It is so cue. If you have the chance to watch it. Do it and tell me how you feel.

1:46pm OK, go back to the Yankees game. Amazing. Our bombers don't waste any more time to get a lead on the top of second inning.

1:52pm I only can say Jeter is a great actor for that ball 4.

1:54pm I thought I could see Swisher work the count to get a ball 4 for a run.

1:57pm Man, that is quick. Pettitte just gives up a run right back.

1:59pm Wait. I don't think it is a homerun. I guess replay agree with me as well.

2:26pm It seems to me Melky pays for his buddy, Cano for that homerun.

2:43pm That is a great play by Cano to get the 3rd in order to avoid Blue Jays scoring that lead run.

2:46pm That is a great job by Teixeira to give Yankees and Pettitte a lead back this soon.

3:34pm This is the breathing room Pettitte and Yankees bullpen needs.

Wang met Taiwan little league team

2009-09-01T16:33:00.002+10:00

Wang just got off the sling and was re-checked by doctor according to Taiwanese news channel. Wang said he is going to everything he can to be ready for next season.

As Peter writes on his blog, Wang has done his part to help out Taiwan. In fact, this is not the only thing Wang has done for his hometown.

Taiwan little league team presents Asia Pacific and goes to Williamsport for 2009 Little league World Series. Even though the team from California wins 2009 Little League World Series, Taiwan little league also has played well to win second place.

Wang shows up by himself to give all kids a surprise. He not only met kids but also brought gifts.

It is fresh for me to watch kids playing baseball.

Blog updated!

2009-09-01T16:12:00.002+10:00

As you guys know, I just come back to Taiwan for a month. I have been busy at settling down.

At the same time, I have just learned how to design my own website. At the near future, I am going to have my own website to write about Yankees. So, please stay with me and keep eyes on my blog. As soon as my website is ready, I will let you guys know.

By the way, our bombers are so great this season, aren't they? I was watching Pettitte game this morning. Of course, Pettitte is going to say all the right things at the post-game interview. But, he will always have "what if" deep inside his heart. This tells how hard to pitch a no-hitter or perfect game.

Joba vs A's

2009-07-25T11:11:00.004+10:00

9:12pm I wake up at the top of 7th inning when Matsui hit that ground ball to drive in A-Rod. Good ABC baseball

It seems Joba has another good outing.

9:44pm Great job from Coke to save two base runners Joba left on base.

9:45pm It's funny to see Mo's face after Posada hit that home run.

9:52pm It is hard to tell Swisher is safe or out. It looks like A's doesn't tag Swisher. But, I can see why A's manager is angry because throw beats Swisher so much.

9:55pm It looks like a right decision to sit down Mo immediately.

10:12pm Another win in the book for Yankees.

Yankees is back to first place

2009-07-21T13:24:00.002+10:00

Yes. When Yankees win tonight to combine the lost from Red Sox, our bombers are back to first place. Not to mention Rays also lose. Now, Yankees is 5 games ahead of Rays in the wild card standing.

Let's Go Yankees!

A setback for Wang

2009-07-21T12:21:00.003+10:00

Wang plays catch before the game for 10 minutes. Unfortunately, Wang suffers a setback and will stop 4 more days.

When Wang suffers the injury on July 4th, Yankees coach staff and front office are more optimistic than Wang himself regard of the his return date. The same thing happened last season when Wang injured his right foot.

Hopefully, Wang can get healthy and come back to help us in time. However, Yankees can't count on him and need to get a back end starter to add the depth of rotation because Yankees will be in deep trouble if they lose another starter. I don't think we are able to get Roy Halladay. I also agree with Cashman not to pay twice. Don't get me wrong. Halladay is one of my favorite pitchers to watch. I like to have Halladay on Yankees team. The best thing can happen to us is Blue Jays to trade Halladay to a NL team.

Pettitte vs Orioles

2009-07-21T10:00:00.007+10:00

8pm Hello, it's 8am in Taiwan. I just wake up and turn on the television. Pettitte is in the mini jam at the top of 3rd inning.

8:32pm Is it just me to feel this way? After coming back from All-star break, Yankees offense haven't wake up. I do think Tiger pitchers may have something to do with. And here comes another young pitcher they haven't seen before.

9:13pm Good job by Andy. But, Yankees need a strikeout to get out of jam.

9:14pm Wow! That is the real first baseman can do for you. I don't think Giambi will be able to do what Teixeira just did. Not to mention the way Molina hold on the ball.

9:16pm Wow! Wow! What a play by Molina and Coke for that wild pitch.

9:38pm Great job by Aceves. What about another walk-off win? Sound great for me.

9:47pm Just like a scriptplay. Hero is Matsui. However, don't forget two great plays by Teixeira, Molina and Coke.

Attention!!!

2009-07-21T03:10:00.003+10:00

Dear all loyal readers,

I just move back to Taiwan and live with my family now. Because of different time zone and the rules of my family, I probably won't be able to watch any Yankees day game. If I do so, I probably will get killed.

Don't worry. I am probably able to watch night games for now. Since I have few free time, I will start making changes for my blog.

Thank you so much to keep eyes on my blog, everyone.

A.J. vs Tiger

2009-07-18T10:53:00.012+10:00

8:54pm I just wake up and need to leave home soon for my sister's work pretty soon. I will try to watch this game as much as I can. When I turn on my television, I just saw A.J. struggling with his command at the top of 5th and 6th inning. However, the good thing is A.J. still somehow to keep Yankees in this game.

9:03pm Melky makes another great play in the center field second inning in a row. In the 5th inning, he gunned down Tiger Cabrera at the 2nd inning. In the 6th inning, he makes a great catch to complete double play.

9:06pm Great to see another Taiwanese player in the major league. I have mixed feeling because I want Yankees to win, but I don't want Yankees to hit Ni well.

9:15pm Man, If Posada is not the base runner at the 2nd base, we score that tie run.

9:43pm What a big hit from Teixeira. One more big hit from Swisher will win this game for Yankees.

9:48pm Now, it's up to Melky to give our bullpen more breathing room to work with.

9:49pm I will let Hughes pitch 8th inning. Let see what Girardi will do.

9:53pm I guess Girardi agree with me.

10:00pm Hughes, one more out, please. We will see Mo.

10:05pm What a performance by Hughes. YAH!

10:09pm Man, I hate this rain delay. Hopefully, Mo haven't warm iup. I probably won't be able to watch the ending.

2009 All Star Game

2009-07-15T10:55:00.015+10:00

8:56pm I finally finish all the works and go back to Taiwan. I will be back to post regard of my situation.

8:58pm The last thing Yankees want is to get Jeter hurt. Dear Lincecum, don't hit Jeter.

8:59pm How about that, the home town player, Pujols, makes a error to cost NL at least one run.

9:05pm By the way, it never is a good sign when the team give Halladay two run lead in the first inning.

9:08pm As I always say, defense and pitching is so important for baseball game.

9:10pm Will they let Halladay hit? Let us see.

9:25pm I guess Halladay is a human being as well. But, I think Michael Young's defense on 3rd base has something to do with the second run. I don't think Halladay needs to backup on the 3rd base. Pitchers always try to save the run.

10:06pm Joe Mauer hits a clutch double to tie the game for AL. He is really something to watch. I can't image Twins let him go under any circumstances. I guess Pujols redeems himself a little bit.

10:20pm Hopefully, this game doesn't become another extra inning all star games.

10:35pm Papelbon is so lucky this inning.

10:51pm Guess what! If AL holds up this score, lucky Papelbon will get a win.

11:22pm That is the Mo we know and love. Another win and home field advantage for AL.

Big game for Wang tomorrow

2009-06-10T16:08:00.004+10:00

So much for taking pressure off Wang, right? After the way first game of this series goes, it only adds more pressure on Wang. Instead of commenting on this terrible first game, how about giving you guys the latest Q&A a Taiwanese reporter have with Wang.

Tomorrow game is the tough task for Wang. No doubt about that, especially when you consider how Wang pitches against Red Sox in his career and Wang is still on his way back to his old self. However, you will think Yankees is due to win a game against Red Sox, right? It will be so ironic that Wang win his first game of 2009 season and Yankees finally beat Red Sox.

Q: You must feel quite happy to go back to rotation,right?
A: Fine. It's ok because I haven't pitched well to secure a spot in the rotation.

Q: How to prove you are deserved to have a spot in the rotation?
A: Simple. Pitching at least 6 good innings for Yankees.

Q: What the biggest problem you have so far?
A: I can't get the key out when I need to

There are many more questions in this Q&A section in Taiwanese news. But, I only post key parts.

Joba vs TB(20th come from behind victory of 2009 season)

2009-06-08T05:26:00.005+10:00

I can't keep watching this game. I need to go to bed. If Yankees can somehow end up with winning this game, Yankees have to thank two great defense plays. One is by Teixeira. The other is by Melky. Those two great defense plays at least save two runs for Yankees.

Let's Go Yankees!

OK! I am lying. I say I need to go to bed, but I can't. I don't want to turn the game off when Yankees is down. This team is different. You never can count them out. Guess what? I get another Yankees' rally. Mo is one out away from saving the game for Yankees. Guess what? The last batter he faces is Longoria.

Do you concern about Mo after yesterday game? If you do, shame on you. I don't. I guess Mo tells Girardi doesn't tell the greatest closer of the all time to walk anyone intentionally. The more I watch Girardi managing the game, the more I question whether Girardi can be a good manager for Yankees or not. and you?

Good way to evaluate Wang

2009-06-06T15:04:00.004+10:00

As you guys know, Taiwanese media follow Wang's every step. One of things they like to do recently is to interview opponent's hitters regard of Wang. I guess it is the good way to evaluate Wang.

Rangers' manager Ron Washington says, "Wang's sinker is back. However, this is still not the Wang we are so used to see in the past"

Nelson Cruz says, "Wang is fine, but this is the real Wang yet. In the past, Wang can throw sinker down the strike zone consistently."

Michael Young says, "I told Mark Teixeira Wang pitched much better than he pitched earlier in the season when I get on first base. People don't realize how hard it is to go back to old form. Let alone to do that from just returning from injury. It takes some time."

These comments tell us a lot regard of Wang, right?

Wang still builds up his arm strength and consistency. In the big league, big league hitters will hammer any mistake from pitcher. In Wang's first start since coming back from DL, Wang loses a little speed of his pitches and command of his pitches after 50 pitches(around fourth-fifth ining). I believe Wang will be back to old Wang we love around middle June(after 2-3 starts).

Wang vs Rangers

2009-06-05T02:18:00.025+10:00

12:22pm As I am waiting for Wang's game, it's amazing for me to hear so many people claim Wang is done, Hughes is on his way to win a Cy Young Award and what a bad move by Yankees. People tend to keep doubting Wang no matter what he does and not only don't give the benefit of doubt to him but also don't give the credit he deserves. Let us wait and see.

12:41pm Girardi hope Wang can give us 5-6 inning for his 75-80 pitching count.

1:12pm Good news for Wang to get first break. It's important not to let first guy get on base.

1:18pm Nice first inning for Wang with two strike outs. 13 pitches 9 Strike.

1:21pm It seems to me Wang has offense back him up. Yankees lead 1-0

1:28pm Teixeira has some weird game on the base path recently.

1:32pm Two more ground balls for Wang. Another good sign.

1:34pm One more strikeout to end 2nd inning for Wang. 23 pitches 15 Strikes. At this rate, Wang certainly can finish 6 innings. I guess Wang is back. What a big boost for bombers.

1:43pm It seems Rangers' pitcher has settle down as well. Meanwhile, Wang is in the mini jam.

1:50pm If Wang can get out of this inning when he only gives up one run, we will be fine.

1:53pm Well, Wang is in trouble. All things considered, giving two runs is not bad at all. Hopefully, our offense doesn't go on sleep two games in a row.

2:03pm It seems to me Wang has troubles with left hand hitters that is a problem he always has.

2:07pm Wang has more troubles here. Wang looks rusty and can't maintain his stuff when pitching count raises, but he certainly has his stuff back. When he makes his regular turn in the rotation, he will be fine. One more thing, Wang and Cervelli make adjustment too slow when Rangers hitters sit on Wang's sinker. When they realize and make adjustment, Wang gives up two more runs. I know Wang gives up 5 runs for 4.2 inning. But, the way he pitches is different from the way he pitches in April.

2:41pm Let see if bombers can pick him up.

2:42pm Bases are loaded with no one out. Swisher just walks in second run for Yankees.

2:45pm I think Michael Young at 3B just costs Rangers three run here. The ball Teixeira hits Michael Young should catch. Good hitting by A-Rod to give us the lead.

3:20pm Tie game again. I don't have a good feeling about this game because the game will be decided by who has better bullpen which is the weakest link of this Yankees team.

3:54pm Guess what? I forget Melky with his late inning magic. Let go Mo and close another series.

4:03pm Well, Mo is in trouble. I guess it is not that easy. This is the major league.

4:06pm Of course, Mo is Mo.

There are three important things I take out from today's game. First of all, the confidence this team has no matter what kind of situation they are in. If they get Wang into his old form and build up a healthy bullpen, we may be on our way to 27th title. Secondly, the nice bullpen work from everyone to allow offense to come from behind. Finally, the progress Wang shows to us today is good in my opinion. I believe he will get better each start.

Andy vs Rangers

2009-06-04T09:13:00.008+10:00

Wang is back to rotation and Hughes is in the bullpen. Yankees need to find out whether old Wang is back or not. Eventually, Yankees need Wang to back in form. To keep messing around Wang physically and mentally is not a right thing to do. As for Hughes, Yankees should send Hughes back to minor as a start to make sure we have an insurance for injury to one of our starters. That being said, it won't be a bad idea to put Hughes in the bullpen before Bruney and Marte come back.

7:19pm Andy hasn't been able to command his pitches at low strike zone. Is his back ok? Hopefully, he is fine.

7:21pm Andy is in trouble immediately. first and third at 1 out.

7:28pm Andy is in bigger trouble. All things consider, it will be fine for Yankees if Andy only gives up 2 runs in this inning.

7:30pm Well, Three run is a little bit too much. But, as a starter, if this is only three runs Andy giving up, we will be fine. I just worry about Andy's back.

8:19pm What a turn around inning for Pettitte! After letting the first two guys to get on the base with no one out, he strike out the side to end the inning.

8:21pm Let us see if Swisher can get that run in with less than 2 outs.

9:25pm What a terrible game for A-Rod so far! Let see whether Yankees can come back to win this or not.

9:42pm Posada cut the deficit to 2 runs. There is the hope.

10:36pm Well. Big day for Wang tomorrow. If we can win tomorrow game, we will take another series which is fine. We can't win it all. But, I did concern about Pettitte's back. I believe Wang will perform well. However, Because the limit of pitching count(75-80), this game may be decided by the work from bullpen.

You win some and lose some

2009-06-01T10:35:00.004+10:00

This is just the nature of baseball game. When we enjoy those walkoff wins so much, we will be the victim of walkoffs eventually one day. For me, it's about process. It's about how Yankees play this game. This is a great game to watch.

In the end, we know our bombers do their best to come back from 4 runs down to tie the game. I like their toughness. Our bombers are different than those other Yankees team we have watched the past few seasons. They may go down eventually, but they fight hard to make opponents earn their victory. I rather them lose this way than losing to Pavano.

The story of the game is Chien-Ming Wang. He takes another big step to prove the world he is ready. I know Yankees lose the game, but getting a proven winner with back to back 19 wins is so important to Yankees' championship run. As I keep saying, we need Wang back to his oldself. Right now, it is just matter of time for Wang to get back to rotation. When he builds up his arm strengths and pitching counts, he will be back.

Now, Phil Hughes doesn't pitch badly. I actually think he pitches better than his line. But, it is about result in the end. You can't say he pitches decently when he gives up 4 runs in 5IP, when you consider Indians lose their three best hitters in their lineup.

I understand Hughes and Joba are going through their expected growing pain. As I keep saying, Hughes and Joba will be sucessful starters in the big league one day. However, those back to back short outing will kill Yankees eventually when we get deeper in the summer for playoff run. that is the reason we need Wang back to this rotation. The deeper starters go, the better bullpen we will have.

Not to mention Yankees has a not so good bullpen now. Cashman really needs to bring more capable arms from our farm system while he tries to make a trade at the same time.

I know many people blaming Gardner, Coke and Robertson for this lost. Rookies make mistakes. If one of A-Rod, Cano and Posada can do their job they are supposed to do, we may win this one.