Yankee Fans Unite

It seems that although the Yankees and Wang are fairly close numbers wise, $4.6 million is what Wang wants, $4 million is what the Yankees are willing to give, the two sides, originally thought to be so close that it would get done...

The Yankees appear, according to Cashman, to be heading to arbitration hearings.

I don't really understand this move. Is roughly half a million when considered in Yankee terms, all that much difference that it is worth going to an arbitration hearing over? Could it be that the Yankees will bring up the post season as their reason for not giving the additional money? Wang had wanted a long term deal. The Yankees are not going to give that to him, and I can understand that. This matter though seems too much to be fighting over and possibly bringing a negative affect on Wang.

Wang is the only pitcher to have 38 wins over two seasons. He had the finger injury last year that I don't think ever had a chance to heal during the season, yet Wang gritted out some tough wins. Even without his best stuff he was darn good. At least until he came to the post season.

I don't think Wang will be top of the order 2 or 3 years from now. Joba and Hughes look likely as candidates to bump him out as 1st. If the Yankees have the opportunity to sign CC, still remote at this point of time, it might push Wang back further in the rotation. Still, this is about the 2008 season, not 2009 and 2010.

Wang can be an important piece in the rotation for years to come. If he doesn't do well this season then I can see scaling back. Wang is the front line guy this season until the kids are truly ready.

Maybe they will find common ground between now and the 14th - when the hearing is scheduled for. Its looking more unlikely though as each day passes. I think Wang deserves the benefit of the doubt for this season. He might even show improvement with Eiland being the coach. It seems little enough to gamble on rather than fighting it out and creating bad feelings that could linger. Wang isn't asking for millions over his value, I hope the Yankees give him his due.

Imagine if Wanger is our third or fourth best starter... THAT will strike fear into the hearts of other teams.

That was exactly my thought Chuck. If Wang is 3rd or 4th---what kind of rotation does that give us!!!

I agree Goat. Sort of foolish here. Just pay him and have it out of the way. It's not like it's as big a gap as it was when they went to arbitration with Rivera.

Fortunately, Rivera didn't think anything of it, so hopefully Wang won't either. I don't think he will. Very even-keeled, business-like fellow, the Wanger is.

Yeah, Chuck and John, that's why I was so mad we didn't do the Santana for Kennedy/etc package. Could you imagine our future in that case? Potentially FOUR aces?!

I don't play much poker, but I DO know that 4 aces generally wins

Arbitrators agreed that Wang's request was excessive. Awarded $4 million. Which is still a massive increase over his previous salary of a little under $500,000.

It could be that the Yankees looked at the over all increase and had some concerns, as we did, over some of his outing last season.

I don't think it will negatively affect Wang. Its not like he didn't get a big increase. Its also sending a message about the Yankees being willing to pay for performance (ie, Mariano, Posada, A-Rod), Wang was good, but the post season probably brought him down a bit.

I have to wonder if Wang had pitched well in the post season - would the Yankees have given him his request?

Another thought, maybe Wang and his agent felt that because they weren't offering a long term deal that he wasn't going to budge off of the 4.6 million.

I think that was the big sticking point with Wang and his agent. They really wanted a long term deal. If the Yankees have offered a 4 year deal at $4 million, I think they would have jumped at it immediately. It was the one year deal that caused them to draw the line at the higher amount.

I think it also might have a bit to do with the fact they also have more than one young pitcher who will be in the same situation in the future.. Joba, Phil and IPK. They have to consider that and set a precedent on this occasion.

Excelent point, Angel. This was a battle that is for the future negotiations as well.

Of course, there might not be much negotiations if the three kids really turn it on this year.

Over all, I think Wang will eventually get his long term deal. More than likely it will happen next year provided he doesn't fall off a cliff.

I read somewhere the only pitcher who has gotten more in the same situation was Dontrelle Wills and he got 4.25 M. So I can understand the Yankees not wanting to set the bar higher - while still showing they are willing to compensate Wang (and other future pitchers) nicely for what he has done the last few seasons. I wish someone would give me $4M instead of $4.6, lol. He'll get his multi-year deal, and he seems to be handling it with a lot of maturity and dignity.