Sophomore pitcher Chien-Ming Wang has been chosen by Yankees manager Joe Torre to start game 1 of the ALDS over veterans Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina. Wang has risen above the rest of the starting staff, and has laid claim to the title of ace. He won his 19th game Wednesday night, tied for the MLB lead with the Twins' Johan Santana. Wang shot to the top with his stamina, consistency, good head on his shoulders, and grace under pressure. He's the cream of the crop.

Wang has stood up in big series all season, has become the Yankees stopper, and there is no reason to feel he'll wilt under the pressure of the post-season. Wang gives the Yanks a lot of innings, goes deep into the game, and doesn't finish prematurely. If Wang gets in trouble, he usually wiggles out of it.

Wang in game 1 may be a surprise to some, but who would you rather have going for you, a young Wang, or an old Johnson?

Choosing Wang was not a hard decision, and by going in game 1, he'll be scheduled for the decisive game 5, if the series goes all the way. "I'm sure there will be some butterflies on Tuesday when they start introducing people," Torre said, "but this kid doesn't let you know how he's feeling." It's true. He's unflappable. Even if he serves up a dinger, you wouldn't know by his expression. Wang never gets bent out of shape. He's hard to beat.

My prediction: Wang will rise to the occasion and come up big in the playoffs. The competition will be stiff, but Wang will hold his own.