Yankees Fans... Why does Chien Ming Wang not get the recognition of any other teams staff ace?

Question

Have you noticed that the buzz around Wang is never equal to the pitching performances he turns in? It's almost as if New York doesn't appreciate the fact that they have the most stoic and steady Ace you could want.

When he is on teams have just as little chance against him as Santana he just gets it done differently...

Answer 1

Mostly because he does it quietly. Last night was his career high in K's with ten. Big K totals draw attention and he throws groundballs mostly. He is overshadowed by basically everyone but Miggy Cairo and Nieves on his own team. that is an exageration but you get the point. You never read any bad press about him on or off the field, or even much good press on him even in the Ny papers. He just isn't that type of personality. He's a blue collar type guy. Plus he hasn't become eligible for the huge contract yet so there hasn't been the attention of a bidding war that draws the interest of casual fans. As a yankee fan I say keep it quiet and let him keep going out there and getting it done off the radar, and do it in pinstripes for a long long time.

Answer 2

I am not sure how to answer, because you've argued points the same points with people that I would have argued. Wang is an ace. When he goes to the mound, you know the Yankees have a great chance to win. He has not struck out a lot this year, but Wang is always 94-95 and does not give up a lot of home runs. He has given up ONE this season. I agree that the playoffs are overrated. Wang did win a playoff game in '06, pitching very well against the Tigers. He has worked hard to add a slider and change to go with his sinker, and I think he will easily win 20 this season. Wang led the entire majors in wins with 38 in '06 and '07, isn't that an ace? I think that a lot of baseball fans are anti-Yankee and don't want to give Wang credit for the great pitcher he is. It's not like he has been winning games because of the Yankees scoring a lot of runs. He always has very good ERAs for pitching in the A.L. I think a guy who is always a threat to win 20, throws in the mid-90s, and doesn't give up home runs is an ace, which Wang is.

Answer 3

Yankee fans are slow to come around. He made a believer of me last year when he won 19 games. He really is a very solid pitcher and a real good guy. The Yankees are so full of stars that you are going to hear about Jeter, A-Rod and others before the name Wang slides off someones lips.

Answer 4

I think it's a couple of things. First of all he does get some recognition because he was slated as their "ace" at the begining of the season. The thing is that the Yankees stank until recently. Also, he's not a fancy strikeout pitcher. The guys who get ground outs and fly-outs aren't as sexy as the Santanas and Randy Johnsons. Also, I hate to say it but maybe because of his nationality. It is most likely harder for americans to associate with him just because he is from Taiwan.

Answer 5

Statistically, he's not as good. Also, he plays for the team that by far produces the most runs, whereas say Brandon Webb could have 20 wins on the Yanks. And the Yankees fans turn on players faster than anyone I know.

Answer 6

He is overshadowed by both Pettite and now Roger Clemens.

Wang is a very good pitcher but to New Yorkers he may be a little to stoic for their tastes.

Answer 7

i agree he is the ace of the staff hes the youngest has the better stuff than evryone in the staff he can dominate any game anytime but hes pitching new york with pettitte and clemens and mussina hes underated but who cares hes still one of best pitchers in mlb rigth know

Answer 8

I'm not quite sure, but it might have to do with the fact that he isn't as good as the other aces. He would be the fourth pitcher in the BoSox rotation if that helps explain things <@:-). Go Red Sox

Answer 9

I have a man crush on Wang.

I agree- - he doesn't get the recognition but I think that is changing quickly.

I think it's because he's not your prototypical strikeout pitcher (last night notwithstanding).

Answer 10

as a Bomber fan myself, I totally agree with you. But you also have to look at the huge picture. Look who he is pitching beside....Clemens, Petite, and Mussina. It's going to take MANY more wins to make his name even known to the media.