Wang throws pain free bullpen session

Right hander Chien-Ming Wang reported no pain in his right shoulder following a Thursday morning bullpen session.

The Nationals originally acquired Wang prior to the 2010 season signing him to a 1 year, $2 million dollar deal with incentives that could have added another $3 million to the deal. At the time of the signing it was thought that Wang who was coming off a 2009 season ending shoulder surgery would be able to pitch for the Nationals at some point during the 2010 season. After setbacks in his recovery though Wang had to sit out the entire season.

The Nationals after non tendering Wang this off season signed him once again to 1 year deal in hopes that his shoulder was finally healed to where he could pitch again. Despite having felt no pain Wang is still not back to throwing full strength and will more than likely not pitch in a regular season game until late April or May.

While I would not recommend Nats fans to get their hopes as far as Wang goes it is hard to ignore what potential a healthy Wang could bring to the team. Wang 30, won 19 games in both the 2006 and 2007 seasons while with the Yankees and had 2 seasons of an era under 4 during his first 4 seasons in the league. Excluding his injury plagued 2009 season the highest era he put up was a 4.07 in 2008.

If Wang can get back to at least close to his 2006 and 2007 season form than he could potentially be a nice surprise for the Nationals this season.