MLB Bits: Bedard Finally Sent to Seattle, Wang and Yanks Headed for Hearing, Rotation Coming Together

Three things tonight:

1. Erik Bedard was finally traded to Seattle (yay!) and was dealt for a package of prospects, including super prospect, Adam Jones. I expect a Cubs-Orioles trade is soon to follow (for Brian Roberts).
2. Cashman told PA that Chien-Ming Wang and the Yankees appear as though they are headed for an arbitration hearing (they couldn’t come to an agreement).
3. Cashman also said that Wang, Pettitte and Mussina are in the rotation. The final 2 spots will be competed for by Hughes, Kennedy and Joba. Right now, it’s looking more and more likely that Joba will end up in the pen (even though Cashman explicitly stated that he will be conditioning himself as a starter).

More tomorrow.

Mrs. Clemens Used HGH… Huh?

From the NY Daily News:

Brian McNamee told congressional investigators Thursday that Roger Clemens’ wife took human growth hormone before she appeared with the pitcher in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue in 2003, according to a Washington source.

This story has quickly journeyed into absurdity. Actually, this journey started long before this accusation was ever out in the public realm. Either way, I simply do not care what Debbie Clemens did or took or how she looked as good as she did in that SI spread.

But, at least it gives me a legitimate reason to post her pics up on the blog, right?

As a side note, remember to check into the new iYankees Community Board, that will soon be hosting giveaways. Register today to discuss the latest new and info!

Questions in Our Their Rotation

 From the ESPN:

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The doctor who claims he knows Curt Schilling’s shoulder “better than anybody who breathes on this planet” insists surgery is the only way the 20-year veteran can pitch again.

But Boston’s team physician disagrees. He believes rehabilitation is the best way for Schilling to play this year.

Caught in the middle are Schilling and his $8 million contract.

“I think his chance of coming back to pitching with rehab or a conservative approach is zero,” Dr. Craig Morgan said Friday in telephone interview with The Associated Press. “He might not come back after surgery, either. However, if the surgery is successful, he should be fully rehabbed by about All-Star break.”

I hope we don’t see any bloody sleeves in the future (the sock was enough).

Can Wang be an “Ace”?

The prototypical ace is a dominant pitcher (a stopper) who has the ability to strikeout opponents when the situational calls for it. Is Chien-Ming Wang an ace? If not, does he have what it takes to be an ace out of this mold? This old scouting report (2005) from Pinstripes Plus seems to think so, and I agree.

Some people believe that Wang just doesn’t have what it takes to be a strikeout type of pitcher. But, then again, Wang can gear up and throw a 96 MPH sinker, he can basically top his fastball out around 96-97 and he’s able to hit spots. You would think someone with these abilities could make a few adustments in order to get some more K’s.

In 2006, Wang’s K/9 was 3.14 but in 2007, Wang’s K/9 was actually 4.70. He had a 10 K performance against the Mets and five 6 K performances throughout the year (including 2 back-to-back 6 K games against Detroit). Watching the games, you could see that he was utilizing his slider and changeup more than last year. In fact, in a game against Boston (May 21st) you saw him utilize these two (“softer”) pitches a lot (with the fastball) more, allowing him to get the win and strikeout 5 in total.

“I can get a lot of guys out [with the new style],” said Wang, who improved to 3-4 in eight career starts against Boston.

Wang knows that he’s still developing a bit at the Major League level and he’s still experimenting with things that work, in order to supplement his sinker. Let’s face it, sometimes Wang has too much movement on that thing, especially in the opening frame and he needs to rely on his other pitches (secondary pitches) to help him through it all. I think that Wang will make even more adjustments this year, earning himself some more K’s (+130?).

Here’s a quote from the Boston Herald:

While some baseball officials feel that two-time 19-game winner Chien Ming-Wang is not going to be an ace, a few scouts say not so fast. Aces are sometimes hatched from experience and maturity. Wang turns 28 in March.

“Way too premature to say that Wang won’t be an ace,” said a rival American League scout. “He’s got the stuff. If he develops the mental toughness – and over time that can come – then you have an ace, because he has the stuff to be an ace.”

I expect Wang to rack up a lot more K’s this year. Maybe we’ll finally see him turn that slider into a real force on the mound (the changeup seems farther off).

Friday Morning’s Bits

Okay, I just got back from bowling late into the night (I know, very cheesy). I’m about to close out my Thursday night, but let’s get Friday started with an assortment of bits.

• PA has got a video tour of the new Yankee Stadium
• Curt Schilling has admitted to a severe shoulder injury (rotator cuff?) although the exact type of injury is still up in the air (they won’t tell anyone). The Red Sox and he have come to the agreement (aka the Red Sox told him) that he will opt for rest and rehabilitation instead of major (caree-ending) shoulder surgery.
• The organization is about to rename Legends Field after George Steinbrenner. Honestly, Steinbrenner Park/Field or whatever sounds pretty horrible, so hopefully they’ll come up with something that sounds a bit better.

Back tomorrow with more (including discussions on Wang).

Posada Changes His Perspective

From the Canadian Press:

TAMPA, Fla. – Jorge Posada is expecting big things from a trio of New York Yankees’ pitchers who are under 23.

Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy could wind up together in New York’s rotation at some point.

“We’ve got three young phenoms. They’re going to come up and help us this year,” the 36-year-old catcher said Thursday after working out at the Yankees’ minor-league complex. “We’re looking forward to that.”

Thanks for the change in attitude Jorge. Now take care of the kids.