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Updated Monday, December 14, 2009 9:32 am TWN, The China Post news staff and agencies

In this April 8, 2009 file photo New York Yankees pitcher Wang Chien-ming works the first inning of a baseball game with the Baltimore Orioles. The Taiwan-born pitcher became a ...

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Yankees release Wang

Wang, who is eligible for arbitration, would have had to be tendered a contract of at least US$4 million, or no more than a 20 percent pay cut from his 2009 salary.

The Taiwanese ace is not expected to pitch until sometime between April and June. The Yankees obviously did not want to risk committing US$4 million to a pitcher who may not be productive in the upcoming season.

After signing with the Yankees in 2000, Wang was finally called up to the big league team in 2005, when he compiled a respectable 8-5 record and 4.02 ERA.

He had a breakout season in 2006, winning 19 games to tie for most in the American League with Johan Santana and posting a 3.63 ERA. He finished second to Santana in the voting for the American League Cy Young award, the most prestigious award for Major League Baseball pitchers.

He again recorded 19 wins in 2007 despite starting the season on the disabled list.

Some baseball analysts said the Yankees management is obviously still concerned about Wang's injuries while his agent said his recovery is faster than expected.

He said Wang still maintains careful and rigorous training in order to return to the mound as early as possible.

Wang's fans in Los Angeles said they would welcome Wang with open arms if he joins the Dodgers managed by Joe Torre, who was manager of the Yankees when Wang had his best years.

Another factor for Dodgers' interest in Wang is the large Asian-American population on the U.S. West Coast. But the management of the team has so far refrained from making public comments on the issue.

Wang's mother-in-law said in southern Kaohsiung yesterday that all family members support Wang no matter what team he eventually joins.

She also said that Wang has not shown much emotion over the Yankees' latest move and that the family “will respect his decision.”

Wang returned with his wife and their newborn son to Tainan last month, but he couldn't be reached for comments as of yesterday evening.

Corporate sponsors that have chosen Wang to help market their products and services said they will stay with Wang no matter which team he will choose because he still retains a strong following of loyal fans in Taiwan.

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