Filtered Journalism

From Mike Ogle of the NY Times:

On a windy, bitter 46-degree day, Wang struggled with his command early but still didn’t give up a hit through his first four and a third innings.

Wang sported elbow-length sleeves underneath his jersey while the entire left side of the Rays’ infield wore long sleeves and hoods. His location was all over the place early, but the Rays repeatedly bailed him out by swinging at bad pitches. Wang (2-0) gave up four hits and no runs in six-plus innings, striking out six and walking two.

Was Wang’s command terrible in the beginning of the game? Hmm, I was watching and I thought his command began to slip a bit later on (particularly in the sixth and then into the seventh inning) and was fine for the most part. I mean, in all fairness he only walked 2 batters and allowed only 4 hits, so his command was essentially on point. This account by Ogle is interesting, as it seems to have been written with a particular framework and understanding of Wang in mind (by the author Ogle).

Wang is not seen as a strikeout pitcher. For Ogle, as he watched the game and then drew up his account for the Times, he obviously had this in the back of his mind. So, as he watched multiple Rays swing and miss at a variety of pitches, Ogle didn’t know how to react to Wang’s newfound K-ability. Therefore, he writes that “the Rays repeatedly bailed him out by swinging at bad pitches,” effectively explaining Wang’s strikeout total and chalking it up as a deviation. I mean, if Wang’s command was off this would make sense, but, again, he seemed fine with his stuff.

After the game, Wang stated that he was trying to find “new ways” to get guys out, using splitters, sliders, changeups and sinkers. Therefore, that explains the deviation but the explanation is based upon Wang’s inherent talent and ability to adapt and develop as a pitcher. In Ogle’s piece, he’s essentially resorting to a lame excuse for Wang’s K total in the game (e.g. lack of discipline by the Rays).

Actually, what we saw today was a pitcher who is still developing and a guy who could really surprise a lot of people this year (including writers, fans, teams and players).

Call Me Ace

Chien-Ming Wang threw 6 dominant innings today, striking out 6 Rays and allowing no runs (thanks to Joba Chamberlain and a great double play by Cano and Betemit). Wang showcased a new look, mixing in sliders and changeups (along with that “turbo sinker”), and he was simply dealing against Tampa Bay. Health permitting, this could be the 20-win year for Chien-Ming Wang.

The bats didn’t really wake up today but there were signs that indicate they’re on the verge of busting out. Multiple Yankees had multiple hits and Hideki Matsui, batting fifth, which is where I hoped he would be, launched a 2-run homer that was ultimately the difference maker (scoring wise) for the game. The Yankees have not been able to hit with RISP thus far, but they could possibly change all of that tomorrow against the very mediocre Jason Hammel.

Game 3: Yanks VS. Rays

Here’s the lineup:

YANKEES
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Cano 2B
Posada C
Betemit 1B
Cabrera CF
Wang RHP

Notice Matsui is batting behind A-Rod. I knew it would happen.

Who’s Jake Peavy?

From the North County Times:

Joe Torre claims to have never seen Jake Peavy pitch, either on TV or in person.

Torre seems to have forgotten Peavy’s major-league debut against the New York Yankees in June 2002 at Qualcomm Stadium when Torre managed the Yankees.

Peavy threw 6 innings, gave up 3 hits, struck out 4, and allowed 1 ER that game.

Good Ol’ Sleepy Joe.