Wang, 29, was a two-time 19 game winner for the Yankees, but never recovered after he injured his ankle in Houston. Last season, among injuries, he pitched to a 9.64 Earned Run Average in 12 games (9 starts).The Yankees decided not to resign Wang, but not because they doubt his talent. The Yankees are a team that doesn't settle for anything less than perfection. Plus, with a talent filled rotation that just won a championship, Wang was simply not needed, and not worth all the question marks.
But, for a team like the Nationals, Wang is a great choice. The Nationals are a team that isn't in contention, and a two-time 19 game winner is a risk worth taking.
Wang wasn't headed for a big pay-day this winter. With the stats he put up in the last two seasons, teams would have no trouble getting him cheaply, regardless of what he accomplished two years ago.
For that reason, Wang was not only a good choice for the Nationals, but he was a steal. Most contending teams don't have the flexibility to take any risks. The Nationals have that flexibility, and have a chance to take advantage of the huge reward that Wang has the potential to present.
Wang will join a much improved Nationals team that has added talented players such as Jason Marquis, Matt Capps, Adam Kennedy, Ivan Rodriguez and others. The Nationals had the worst record in Major League baseball last year at 59-103.
jess.coleman@classactsports.com
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