Interesting tidbit via MLBTR. Apparently, the Phillies have scouted Chien-Ming Wang in the hopes that the Yankees may make him available. Here’s what Jim Salisbury over at the Philidelphia Inquirer had to say about the Phillies’ search for a starting pitcher.
They want pitching. Starter or reliever? “Doesn’t matter. They’re looking for anything they can get,” a rival scout said. The Phils will get one. GM Ruben Amaro Jr. spent so much time talking to teams last week that it looks as if he has a BlackBerry growing out of his ear. The Phils have been all over Boston’s Brad Penny – “I’ve seen Penny three times, and every time the Phillies have had someone there,” a scout said – but the Red Sox might hold on to him in the wake of Daisuke Matsuzaka’s trip to the DL and John Smoltz’s shaky outing Thursday. They’ve kept tabs on Jarrod Washburn and Jason Marquis, but will resurgent Colorado want to deal Marquis? The Phils have even scouted Chien-Ming Wang, in case the Yankees make him available.
Obviously, Wang is mentioned as a big “what-if,” here, as Penny, Washburn and Marquis seem like more realistic targets. In fact, one would think that the Phillies were probably wasting their time scouting Wang. Salisbury mentions that the Red Sox want to keep Penny around because of Dice-K and Smoltz, well, I can almost guarantee that the Yankees want Wang around because (1) he can be a dominant starter, (2) Joba and A.J. are not the most reliable arms around, health-wise, (3) Andy Pettitte isn’t getting any younger and, (4) last but not least, when you’re always in contention, you can use all the arms you can get (cheap arms like Wang are a plus). So, the Yankees have similar reasons to keep a guy like Wang on their side, even if he has struggled and even if Phil Hughes is around. Also, as I noted yesterday, Wang is expected to remain in the rotation
for the foreseeable future, especially after earning his first win of the season against the Mets.
While this is an interesting tidbit, that’s all it really appears to be—an interesting side story and nothing more (don’t expect any new developments here).
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9 Responses to Phillies keeping an eye on Wang (just in case)
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TIQ IQ
Agree- you will not get much for him now. He is worth more as a lottery ticket, with a chance to pay off by pitching as he used to.
Depending on the return I would trade Wang. Does anyone believe Wang will sign a long term deal with the Yankees? Does anyone believe Wang will be on the 2011 Yankees even it he recovers fully?
The Yankee have both Aceves and Hughes available to move into the rotation.
I don’t know if I would trust moving Aceves into the rotation and Hughes isn’t nearly as proven as Wang is. I would move Wang for the right package, of course. But, I think such a trade should probably occur after the season is over, if at all.
Why would you not trust Aceves? All he has done is pitch well since he came up last year.
Aceves is no Wang, forget it. He’d be a .500 tops on all except the elite teams.
Let’s see Aceves after the hitters have seen him 2-3 times.
I’m not denying he’s a solid pitcher but his current role is his best role.
Wang who has never had any arm issues is a horse again next season.
Agreed, Larry.
Would Wang be better than .500 on anything other than an elite team? He has been the beneficiary in the past of very strong run support. This year has improved from awful to mediocre, but his pitches lack consistent movement and his command remains iffy.
That said, I don’t see Aceves as the answer. He is probably in the ideal role for him. Hughes will start eventually, but likely as Pettite’s successor. So when Wang goes, there will be a hole to fill
I definitely think Wang would win a lot of games, no matter what team he were on. He obviously wins more with the help of his offense, but he’s a good pitcher, too (credit needs to be given where credit is due). I do agree, though, in that his command has gotten worse over the years and now he seems to be dealing with mechanical issues a lot more. I think all the Yankees can do is let him pitch this year and hope that he’ll start 2010 off on the right foot.
Wang has always been an average to slightly below average first pitch strike thrower. This is one of the main issues I have with him. I think if the Yankees can get a good return they should trade him. As for Aceves he has been outstanding since coming up. He has a career 2.27 Era in only 63.1 innings. Aceves has a good 91 mph fastball and is not just a slop pitcher. He has real value. If the Yankees do trade Wang I want Aceves moved into the rotation so he can gain starter experience so hopefully he can be moved at the 2010 trade deadline if needed.