Decision Day 2 For Chien-Ming Wang

"What to do..what to do."

The Yankees saw the best of Chien-Ming Wang when he won 19 games in back-to-back seasons for them from 2006-2007. He was on his way to another fine season (8-2, 4.07) when he ruptured the Lisfranc ligament in his foot running the bases during a 2008 interleague game against the Houston Astros. Shoulder problems and surgery followed and Wang missed the entire 2010 season.

After two years with the Washington Nationals organization, Wang returned to the Bronx Bombers, but with a clause in his contract that allows the 33-year old to become a free agent today at five different points in the season. May 31 is the second of those selected dates (He chose not to opt out at his first chance.). It might not be a tough decision this time around since the Yankees haven't called up their former Cy Young Award candidate despite injuries to starters Andy Pettitte and Ivan Nova. Brian Cashman recently told the NY Daily News his reasons for not giving Wang a call up.

“He’s pitching some good games but he’s not a candidate for this. He’s not the power sinker he used to be, but we believe he needs to mix in more of his breaking balls to have the type of success necessary to pitch up here consistently,” Cashman said in reference to possible roster replacements when Joba Chamberlain was DL'ed due to a strained oblique.

“He’s becoming a different type of pitcher now because he can’t come up here and just sink that sinker every pitch. He needs to incorporate some of his pitches in there and mix and match because he’s that reduced in velocity,” 

Wang is 3-4, 2.65 in eight starts for the Triple-A Scranton RailRiders. He's put together a 1.176 WHIP in 51 innings with 23 strikeouts and 9 walks. He's allowed just two home runs and is coming off his best start of the season in which he tossed seven shutout innings and allowed only two hits. His ground out to air out ratio of 2.12 is not much different than his seasons in the Major Leagues.

According to the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo there are six teams interested in the Wanger's services. The Baltimore Sun's Dan Connolly reported that the Orioles are one of the teams.

If Wang stays on, he can still opt out at the end of June, August 10, and August 31.

Feliciano To Try To Avoid Surgery

After consulting with the "go to guy", Dr. James Andrews, Yankees left-hander Pedro Feliciano will put off surgery for at least a month and a half.

After examining the reliever's shoulder, Andrews recommended a six week shoulder strengthening program. At the point Feliciano will be re-examined to determine if surgery is necessary.

IPK Takes the Next Step

Ian Kennedy, rehabbing from shoulder surgery, took the next step in his rehab by throwing his first mound session today.

IPK threw 25 pitches and felt fine afterwards. He'll go at it again on Friday.

Source: WCBS

Breaking News: Cards Can't Glaus Over Need for Help at Hot Corner

The St.Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that Cardinals' third baseman Troy Glaus will be out 3 months after having shoulder surgery. As it stands right now, Glaus would miss the first month of the regular season.

There was no mention of the problem during the team's fan fest last weekend, and the Cardinals gave no reason as to why Glaus waited so long to have the surgery. Glaus' shoulder was basically cleaned up by renowned orthopedist, Dr. Lewis Yocum.

Surgery in Mo's Future?

The NY Post's George King is reporting this afternoon that Mariano Rivera may need surgery to clean up his aching shoulder. Rivera has reportedly told friends he believes the discomfort is from bone spurs that would require surgical intervention.

UPDATE 4:28 PM from Peter Abraham.

Just spoke to Mariano Rivera. He has been been pitching with a sore shoulder all season. There is inflammation and calcification. He has been given two options: a series of injections and rehab or surgery. He has not made a decision but seems to be leaning toward the surgery.

Surgery in Mo's Future?

The NY Post's George King is reporting this afternoon that Mariano Rivera may need surgery to clean up his aching shoulder. Rivera has reportedly told friends he believes the discomfort is from bone spurs that would require surgical intervention.

UPDATE 4:28 PM from Peter Abraham.

Just spoke to Mariano Rivera. He has been been pitching with a sore shoulder all season. There is inflammation and calcification. He has been given two options: a series of injections and rehab or surgery. He has not made a decision but seems to be leaning toward the surgery.

Posada Skips Surgery for Now

WFAN reports that Jorge Posada will go the rehab route for now, and will temporarily postpone shoulder surgery. More details from Peter Abraham:

The MRI showed that his labrum is worse and that he has capsule damage. He will need surgery and a six-month rehab. However … he will try rehabbing for the next two weeks and consider trying to return as a DH and first baseman.

Posada said the Yankees are willing to have him play again this season even if it means missing part of next season. But if he comes back this season, he won’t catch.

“Catching is out of the question,” he said.

This is absurd. Posada's batting is also impacted by his shoulder and they don't need a weak hitting DH right now. Time to have the surgery and get ready for next year.

Posada Skips Surgery for Now

WFAN reports that Jorge Posada will go the rehab route for now, and will temporarily postpone shoulder surgery. More details from Peter Abraham:

The MRI showed that his labrum is worse and that he has capsule damage. He will need surgery and a six-month rehab. However … he will try rehabbing for the next two weeks and consider trying to return as a DH and first baseman.

Posada said the Yankees are willing to have him play again this season even if it means missing part of next season. But if he comes back this season, he won’t catch.

“Catching is out of the question,” he said.

This is absurd. Posada's batting is also impacted by his shoulder and they don't need a weak hitting DH right now. Time to have the surgery and get ready for next year.