推 charles0307:Posada 好挺Wang ^^ 10/04 11:06
※ [本文轉錄自 CMWang 看板]
作者: jaye2046 (御川新司) 看板: CMWang
標題: [新聞] MLB網站頭條:Subdued Wang given critical test
時間: Thu Oct 4 09:40:04 2007
Subdued Wang given critical test
Righty prepared to open Yankees' second consecutive ALDS
CLEVELAND -- Chien-Ming Wang exudes confidence through his calm demeanor. That's
one reason the Yankees have turned to him to take the mound in what is sure to
be a raucous atmosphere at Jacobs Field on Thursday night.
For the second year in a row, Wang will start for New York in the opener of the
American League Division Series -- this time against a potent Indians offense.
For the Yankees, Wang is the type of pitcher who appears to be immune to the
kind of jitters that can arise in such a critical situation.
"He doesn't seem to get fazed by too much," Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter said.
"You can never tell by his expression."
On Wednesday, Wang wore a slight smile as he sat bright-eyed before a large
crowd of media during a press conference at the ballpark. After an assortment
of short responses to a variety of questions, one reporter asked if, similar to
last October in Detroit, Wang was more nervous for the meeting with the press
than he was for his actual start.
"Same," said Wang, who smiled as the room erupted in laughter. "I think I'm
calm a lot, and I don't get nervous to pitch in the postseason."
If the height of Wang's anxiety exists in the interview room, that's a great
sign for the Yankees, who went a perfect 6-0 against the Indians in the regular
season this year. A year ago, Wang picked up a victory in Game 1 of the ALDS
against the Tigers, who then dealt three straight losses to the Yankees en
route to the AL pennant.
Now, the Yankees are paired up against the Indians, who are making their first
postseason appearance since 2001. Wang will square off against Cleveland's
C.C. Sabathia, who is one of the leading candidates for this year's AL Cy Young
Award. New York hasn't faced Sabathia since 2004, while Wang hasn't pitched
against the Tribe since last year.
"We're going to have to go out there and, like we've done so often in the past,
go out there and try to match him," said Yankees manager Joe Torre, referring
to Sabathia. "That's what Wang's job is -- to try to keep things close and,
hopefully, win the ballgame."
Wang will aim for another Game 1 win behind a style that is as subdued as his
personality.
The 27-year-old native of Taiwan won't overpower Cleveland, but Wang will
rely heavily on his sharp sinker and attempt to induce early contact. This
season, Wang tied for the Major League lead by forcing hitters to ground into
32 double plays, and he created 381 groundouts, which was the third-highest
total in the AL.
Wang's approach isn't flashy, but it has helped him notch 19 victories in each
of the past two seasons. Cleveland will make an interesting opponent, though.
Granted, they haven't faced Wang since last July, but the Indians grounded into
the fewest double plays (114) in the league this season and ranked 12th in the
AL in ground-ball outs.
Then again, the fact that Cleveland hasn't stepped into the batter's box
against Wang in so long might work in the pitcher's favor.
"Or, it could hurt him -- we'll see," Yankees catcher Jorge Posada said. "He's
been through this before and knows what it's all about. I just think with the
stuff that he's got, he's so good that I've got great confidence in him."
His stuff aside, the Yankees believe the composure that Wang -- 2-1 with a 3.72
ERA in three career starts against the Indians -- has shown over the past few
years is enough to trust him with such a daunting assignment.
"His personality is great -- period," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman
said. "He's as professional as they come. He's not excitable and, obviously,
in our market, usually that's very helpful, because there's a lot that goes on
around you.
"He's even-keeled always and very consistent in his performance. So, we've
grown to have a great deal of confidence every time he takes the mound -- for
good reason."
Wang said that his parents, along with some friends, were making the trip from
Taiwan to Cleveland for Thursday's opener. That would seem to add another
element that could spawn some game-time nerves for the right-hander, but Wang
said he doesn't think the game will feel any different than a regular-season
contest.
"He's been able to put everything aside and really focus on what his job is,
" Posada said, "and really be focused on what pitches he needs to throw. He's
worked really hard and prepared really hard to face a team like the Indians."
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請多多指教....
翻譯稍晚才能送上哦...
歡迎幫翻...感恩 ^ ^
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