Chien Ming Wang Signs with Nationals

Another starting pitcher has been taken off the free agent market, a market that proves that signing with a team early is better than holding out for more money. Trying to get settled in with new teams before the start of the new season, the slow offseason is starting to pick up. According to Peter Abraham, writer for the Boston Globe, right handed pitcher Chien Ming Wang has signed a deal to play for Washington. The length of the contract is not yet known, but believed to just be a one year deal right now.

Kevin Davidoff reports that Wang is guaranteed $2M (with a chance to more than double that through incentives) from the Washington Nationals. Wang, who is 29, was not resign by the New York Yankees because of multiple injuries that had kept him sidelined for mostly the entire 2009 season. Wang will join newcomers Miguel Batista, Brian Bruney, Eric Bruntlett, Matt Capps, Chris Duncan, Eddie Guardado, Adam Kennedy, Jason Marquis, Kevin Mench and Ivan Rodriguez for the new look Washington Nationals who are coming off a last place finish in the major leagues, and a disappearing fan base in the nations capital. While there is the potential for Wang to return to form (two time 19 game winner with the Yankees in the 2006, and 2007 season), Wang also comes with a risk as the righty is coming off shoulder surgery. Wang finished his New York Yankees career (that had started back in 2000)in limited play last season with a 9.64 ERA in 9 starts.

Other teams interested in Wang were the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds. While there has been some big signings during this offseason (John Lackey to Boston and Jason Bay to the Mets), it has been a relatively slow offseasons for free agents looking to cash in on new deals. Other free agents still looking for a home, just weeks before the start of spring training, includes 1B Rich Aurillia, C Paul Bako, RF Rocco Baldelli, C Rod Barajas, LF Endy Chavez, 1B Carlos Delgado, RF Jermaine Dye and LF Johnny Damon.