Catch a rising star.....Chih-Hsien Chiang

CHIANG at the 2003 World Youth "AA" Championships

After talking to a buddy of mine a lil while back, I've decided to get the 411 out on Chiang, who probably has as much potential as recent NPB 1st round pick Chung-Shou Yang. One of Taiwan's best young high school hitters, Chih-Hsien Chiang is a 17 year old multi-positional fielder who even pitches a bit. Born February 21, 1988, Chiang has good size; he stands 6'1" tall and weighs 180 pounds. He throws righty, but hits lefty. Chiang has played at all levels of Taiwan's national teams in international youth and junior aged competitions. Chiang starred as a 2B/OF in the 2003 World Youth Championships (for 13 to 15 year olds), where he led Taiwan to a silver medal, falling only to the US in the championship game. Chiang hit 2 HR's (including a big grand slam against youth powerhouse Cuba) and led the entire tourney in RBI's.

In the abbreviated 2004 World Junior Championships (for 16 to 18 year olds) - as one of the younger kids in the tourney (16 years old) and playing 1B primarily, Chiang held his own and hit .267 in 15 AB's with 3 doubles and 2 RBI's.

Chiang will get one final opportunity to showcase his talents at the 2006 World Junior Championships. Don't be surprised to see Chiang playing SS defensively, as he is currently learning to play the "glamour position" in HS.

Overall, Chiang is a talented athlete who has a lot of tools that will allow him to succeed at the "next" level, wherever that may be. Chiang compares very well to Yang, and is in fact bigger than him. Offensively, he projects to be better than Yang - with his ability to hit for average and power. He has good speed and quick feet, as well as the ability to toss 88 mph fastballs, which should help with his transition to the SS position. If he continues to develop, the sky is the limit for him, and his dreams of playing in the MLB someday could become a reality.