Chien-Ming Wang

The New York Yankees showed Friday night, with a dramatic 1-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox, that their years-long attempt to find a number one starter is finally over with the development of Joba Chamberlain.

But as Sidney Ponson’s horrible outing Sunday night in New York’s 9-2 loss to the Red Sox showed, it is the back of their rotation that needs help if the Yankees are to win the American League Eastern Division title, or even the wild card. Teams need top-flight starting pitching once they reach the postseason—but the Yankees may not have enough depth to get there.

The Yankees have three reliable pitchers right now: the reborn Mike Mussina, Andy Pettitte, and, of course, Joba Chamberlain.  read more »

With Chien-Ming Wang on the shelf until at least September with a torn tendon in his foot, the Yankees are scrambling to replace one of the few givens in their 2008 rotation. The Wang Replacement Derby is wide-open—expect plenty of quick hooks and Plan B's until New York settles on a pitcher—or trades for Cleveland’s soon-to-be free agent ace, C. C. Sabathia. Here is a guide to the likely participants, in predicted order of usage:

Dan Giese

If possession is nine-tenths of the law, then Giese has the inside track on the position, having taken Wang’s spot the first time through the rotation Saturday against Cincinnati.  read more »

While the Mets and Yankees played just two games this weekend, due to a Friday night rainout, there were a few illuminating aspects to both games for the heretofore struggling New York teams.

Wang’s Increased Use of Slider is Double-Edged Sword  read more »

What is the reason for Wang’s frequent struggles, and what can the Yankees expect going forward?  read more »