Wang Update

[love_that_reefer]

Ben Goessling of MASNSports.com reports that Chien-Ming Wang (shoulder) tossed two shutout innings with the Nationals' Instructional League team Tuesday.
Wang's interpreter Alan Chang told Goessling that the right-hander hit 89 mph on the radar gun and induced four groundouts in 17 pitches. "He's feeling very good now," wrote Chang. Wang signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Nationals in February, but missed the entire 2010 season rehabbing from shoulder surgery. The Nationals are currently evaluating Wang's performance in the Instructional League before discussing a new contract with his agent Alan Nero. Wang, who turns 31 next March, is arbitration-eligible this winter.

Good news for Wang and hopefully the Nats. Nats gave him $2 million for basically nothing so they should get him for cheaper this year. 89 mph is a good sign and if he can still get groundballs at a ridiculous rate, Wang could be a huge help for the Nats.

[love_that_reefer]

Nationals re-signed RHP Chien-Ming Wang to a one-year, $1 million contract.
Wang has the opportunity to earn another $5 million via performance-based incentives. He spent all of 2010 with the Nats, but he failed to make an appearance because of chronic shoulder issues. The Nationals are hoping that things will go more smoothly in the upcoming season.

Maybe this time he will actually throw a pitch.

[missionhockey21]

For the contract he had in 2010, did the Nationals get any of their cash back? I know that at least with some players (maybe all), if they are injured during the season, some sort of insurance or something kicks in when the injury is really long (like more than a couple of months.) Since he was already injured though I am curious if that was just a complete sunk cost by the Nationals.

[love_that_reefer]

It was guaranteed money so Wang got it but don't know if insurance protected the Nats from a loss. Good question.

[missionhockey21]

If I stumble on it in any searches, I'll make sure to share reef.

[love_that_reefer]

On Friday, Wang will be making his first start since July of 2009.

[browntown653]

From a firsthand look at Wang for his last two rehab appearances with Syracuse...it was a bit shaky. His best pitch was probably his slider...sinker was around 89/90 and no faster than 91. He gave up a homer in each game and hit a guy in the head in the first one...it was less than pretty. Wang was shaky from the stretch in the games too. I'm concerned about Wang right now but the Nationals have invested so much in him that they sorta have no choice but to at least see what he has.

[love_that_reefer]

Great to hear from you Browntown!!

[browntown653]

When MLB games go 19 innings, I find myself wandering toward the old forums.

[love_that_reefer]

Old? Why I oughta!!!

[browntown653]

Yeah, poor choice of words. How's "my old stomping grounds" for a better term?

[love_that_reefer]

Stomp here more often and I'll let it slide

[browntown653]

Fair deal. How you been LTR...were you disappointed Brian Wilson wore a normal person's outfit to the White House?

[love_that_reefer]

I'm good brother. Glad to hear you are following your dream and kicking ass at it!! Wilson's attire wasn't all that normal but I'll take it. I know I couldn't have pulled it off.

[DirtyKash]