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).