CPBL:
Bulls 4 - T-Rex 1: Repping the Bulls, Japanese pitchers Iba Tomokazu and Katayama Fumio would combine on a shutout for the first 6.1 innings, allowing only 6 hits. Fumio would pick up the W for the Bulls. Leading the way on offense for the Bulls were: NT star RF Chien-Ming Chang who was 2-4 with a double and a RBI/ 2B Chih-Wei Chen was 1-3 with 2 RBI's. For the T-Rex, Chia-Hsien Hsieh was 0-4 while SS Shih-Hao Wang provided the only offense for his team by hitting a solo shot in the 7th inning. He was 1-3.
Lions 5 - Bears 4: Down 4-1 in the bottom of the 9th, the Lions would win in dramatic fashion with a 4 run rally in the inning. Game MVP - Lions 2B Sen Yang (1-4) hit a 3-run triple to propel his team to a come-from-behind win. Other Lions in the lineup: 1B KC Kao was 0-4/ 3B Chin-Tien Shih was 2-3 with a double and a RBI/ reserve C Cheng-Hua Kao was 1-1 with a double and a RBI.
Earning a tough ND was Bears starter Wen-Hsiung Hsu, who allowed only 1 run on 3 hits to go along with 4 K's and walks. Bears NT members: SS Chih-Sheng Lin was 2-4 with a HR and 2 RBI's, whild C Feng-Min Chen was 2-4 with a HR and a RBI. Bears DH Gary Burnham was 1-3 with a RBI.
MLB ST:
Hu was 1-2 while filling in at 3B as the Dodgers lost to the Angels 4-2.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
One-Run Affairs.....
CPBL:
Bulls 9 - T-Rex 8: NT hero Chien-Fu Yang picked up his first win of the CPBL season for the Bulls after allowing 5 runs (3 earned) over 5.2 innings. He had 5 K's, 1 walk, and 9 hits allowed. Game MVP - Bulls 2B Chih-Wei Chen hit a key grand slam in the first inning and was 2-4 with a double and 6 RBI's. Other key Bulls contributors: DH Chung-Yi Huang was 2-4 with a double and a RBI/ Tarzan was 1-3.
For the T-Rex, 2B Shih-Yang Deng was 2-4 with a HR and 2 RBI's/ RF Su-Chi Chou was 2-3 with a double/ LF Chuan-Chia Wang was 2-4 with a RBI/ 1B Chia-Hsien Hsieh was 2-5 with a RBI/3B Ivanon Coffie was 1-1 with a double and a RBI.
Whales 7 - Elephants 6: Whales DH Chia-Hung Chen picked up game MVP honors after hitting his first HR of the season. He was 2-4 with a double and 2 RBI's. Other Whales in the lineup: 2B Lin was 2-4 with a double/ SS Che-Wei Kang was 2-5 with 2 RBI's/1B C. Villalobos was 0-5/ 3B Chun-Chiang Kao was 2-4 with a double/ LF Chun-Hsiung Lu was 1-3 with a RBI/ C Hsin-Min Wang was 3-3 with a RBI.
For the Elephants, C Rui-Chang Chen hit his 1st HR and was 2-5 with a double and a RBI. Other Elephants on the rampage: 2B Chiang-Ho Chen was 3-5 with a double and a RBI/ rookie CF Cheng-Wei Huang was 2-5 with a double and a RBI/ Chia-Chia DNP while the 3 Chen's in the middle of the lineup combined to go 3-11 with no extra base hits and 1 RBI.
MLB ST:
Wang has been chosen to start the Yankees season opener against the Blue Jays, despite allowing 4 runs on 6 hits in 5.2 innings to D-Rays' minor leaguers today.
The Dodgers lost 9-8 to the D-Backs. Hu was 1-4 with a walk, a RBI, and was CS. Kuo allowed 2 runs on 1 hit over 1.2 innings.
Bulls 9 - T-Rex 8: NT hero Chien-Fu Yang picked up his first win of the CPBL season for the Bulls after allowing 5 runs (3 earned) over 5.2 innings. He had 5 K's, 1 walk, and 9 hits allowed. Game MVP - Bulls 2B Chih-Wei Chen hit a key grand slam in the first inning and was 2-4 with a double and 6 RBI's. Other key Bulls contributors: DH Chung-Yi Huang was 2-4 with a double and a RBI/ Tarzan was 1-3.
For the T-Rex, 2B Shih-Yang Deng was 2-4 with a HR and 2 RBI's/ RF Su-Chi Chou was 2-3 with a double/ LF Chuan-Chia Wang was 2-4 with a RBI/ 1B Chia-Hsien Hsieh was 2-5 with a RBI/3B Ivanon Coffie was 1-1 with a double and a RBI.
Whales 7 - Elephants 6: Whales DH Chia-Hung Chen picked up game MVP honors after hitting his first HR of the season. He was 2-4 with a double and 2 RBI's. Other Whales in the lineup: 2B Lin was 2-4 with a double/ SS Che-Wei Kang was 2-5 with 2 RBI's/1B C. Villalobos was 0-5/ 3B Chun-Chiang Kao was 2-4 with a double/ LF Chun-Hsiung Lu was 1-3 with a RBI/ C Hsin-Min Wang was 3-3 with a RBI.
For the Elephants, C Rui-Chang Chen hit his 1st HR and was 2-5 with a double and a RBI. Other Elephants on the rampage: 2B Chiang-Ho Chen was 3-5 with a double and a RBI/ rookie CF Cheng-Wei Huang was 2-5 with a double and a RBI/ Chia-Chia DNP while the 3 Chen's in the middle of the lineup combined to go 3-11 with no extra base hits and 1 RBI.
MLB ST:
Wang has been chosen to start the Yankees season opener against the Blue Jays, despite allowing 4 runs on 6 hits in 5.2 innings to D-Rays' minor leaguers today.
The Dodgers lost 9-8 to the D-Backs. Hu was 1-4 with a walk, a RBI, and was CS. Kuo allowed 2 runs on 1 hit over 1.2 innings.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Extra Innings....
CPBL:
Whales 4 - Bulls 2 (12 innings): Whales 1B Carlos Villalobos was clutch for his team, driving in the GW runs on a double in the top of the 12th. A pitcher's duel for most of the game, Villalobos was the difference-maker, going 4-6 with 2 doubles, a triple, and 2 RBI's to earn game MVP honors. For the Bulls, 3B Tarzan was 3-6 with a double/ LF Da-Hung Chen was 2-6 with a RBI/ SS Tsung-Nan Lin was 2-4 with a RBI. Whales SP Fu-Te Ni earned a ND despite allowing only 1 run on 9 hits over 6 IP to go along with 6 K's and 2 walks.
Lions 7 - Elephants 6 (11 innings): The Lions would rally to tie things up in the bottom of the 7th with a 3 run outburst and then win the game in the bottom of the 11th on a RBI single by game MVP Chih-Kao Kao. That was Kao's only hit of the game (1-5 with a RBI). The Lions hit two key HR's that accounted for 5 of their runs. RF Fu-Hao Liu (1-4) hit a 3 run shot in the 3rd inning. LF Tai-Chi Kuo (1-2) hit a 2 run HR in the 7th. Lions 1B Kuo-Ching Kao was 1-5 while 2B Sen Yang was 2-2 with a double.
For the Elephants, the 3 Chen's in the middle of their lineup (3-5) drove in all 6 runs. LF Chih-Yuan Chen was 3-5 with 2 RBI's; DH Kuan-Jen Chen was 3-6 with 2 RBI's; 3B Jui-Chen Chen was 4-6 with 2 RBI's.
MLB ST:
Hu was 1-4 with a triple and 2 RBI's as the Dodgers beat the White Sox 8-2.
Whales 4 - Bulls 2 (12 innings): Whales 1B Carlos Villalobos was clutch for his team, driving in the GW runs on a double in the top of the 12th. A pitcher's duel for most of the game, Villalobos was the difference-maker, going 4-6 with 2 doubles, a triple, and 2 RBI's to earn game MVP honors. For the Bulls, 3B Tarzan was 3-6 with a double/ LF Da-Hung Chen was 2-6 with a RBI/ SS Tsung-Nan Lin was 2-4 with a RBI. Whales SP Fu-Te Ni earned a ND despite allowing only 1 run on 9 hits over 6 IP to go along with 6 K's and 2 walks.
Lions 7 - Elephants 6 (11 innings): The Lions would rally to tie things up in the bottom of the 7th with a 3 run outburst and then win the game in the bottom of the 11th on a RBI single by game MVP Chih-Kao Kao. That was Kao's only hit of the game (1-5 with a RBI). The Lions hit two key HR's that accounted for 5 of their runs. RF Fu-Hao Liu (1-4) hit a 3 run shot in the 3rd inning. LF Tai-Chi Kuo (1-2) hit a 2 run HR in the 7th. Lions 1B Kuo-Ching Kao was 1-5 while 2B Sen Yang was 2-2 with a double.
For the Elephants, the 3 Chen's in the middle of their lineup (3-5) drove in all 6 runs. LF Chih-Yuan Chen was 3-5 with 2 RBI's; DH Kuan-Jen Chen was 3-6 with 2 RBI's; 3B Jui-Chen Chen was 4-6 with 2 RBI's.
MLB ST:
Hu was 1-4 with a triple and 2 RBI's as the Dodgers beat the White Sox 8-2.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Chia-Jen Lo Update...
Taiwanese news reports are stating that amateur pitcher Chia-Jen Lo has received quite a bit of interest from three MLB clubs: the Texas Rangers, the Oakland A's, and the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox reportedly offered Lo ~ a $200 K signing bonus, an amount Lo considered too low.
The 21 year old (about to turn 22 next month), who was the hardest throwing NT member at the Final OQT, has been listed anywhere from 5'10" to 6'1" (as listed on his web profile). If he doesn't sign a pro contract, Lo hopes to make the NT and participate in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The 21 year old (about to turn 22 next month), who was the hardest throwing NT member at the Final OQT, has been listed anywhere from 5'10" to 6'1" (as listed on his web profile). If he doesn't sign a pro contract, Lo hopes to make the NT and participate in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Wed. Scoreboard...
CPBL:
Bears 6 - T-Rex 4: Pitching in relief of starter Andrew Lorraine, Feng-Hua Lee picked up game MVP honors and the win. Lee threw 4 scoreless innings, giving up only 1 hit while K'ing 6 and walking 1. Bears CF Long-Yi Huang continued his torrid start with his 2nd HR of the year. He was 3-5 with a RBI. Other Bears of note: SS Chih-Sheng Lin was 1-4/ DH Gary Burnham was 2-4/ 1B Chung-Wei Pan was 2-3/ 3B Chih-Wei Shih was 1-4 with a RBI/ LF Hao-Chu Cheng was 3-4 with 2 doubles and a RBI/ C Feng-Min Chen was 2-4 with a double and 2 RBI's.
Offensively for the T-Rex, 1B Chia-Hsien Hsieh was 1-4/ LF Chuan-Chia Wang was 2-5/ DH Ivanon Coffie was 1-4/ CF Yuan-Chia Chen was 2-3 with a RBI/ 3B Wei Kao was 1-3 with a RBI.
Elephants 8 - Lions 0: Elephants SP Yu-Cheng Liao threw a CG 2-hit shutout. He also had 11 K's and 6 walks allowed in picking up game MVP honors. Elephants DH Chih-Yuan Chen was 2-4 with a double and a RBI. Other contributing Elephants in the lineup: LF Ming-Hsien Lin was 2-5/ RF Kuan-Jen Chen was 1-3 with 2 RBI's/ 3B Jui-Chen Chen was 1-4 with a RBI/ rookie SS Sheng-Wei Wang was 1-4 with a RBI/ RF Huai-Shan Chen(off the bench) was 1-1 with a double and 2 RBI's.
Sluggers CM Peng and Tilson Brito DNP. Reigning league MVP KC Kao was 0-2 for the Lions.
OTHER:
I missed this from a while back, but it's a good read on Po-Yu Lin's translator from last year.
Bears 6 - T-Rex 4: Pitching in relief of starter Andrew Lorraine, Feng-Hua Lee picked up game MVP honors and the win. Lee threw 4 scoreless innings, giving up only 1 hit while K'ing 6 and walking 1. Bears CF Long-Yi Huang continued his torrid start with his 2nd HR of the year. He was 3-5 with a RBI. Other Bears of note: SS Chih-Sheng Lin was 1-4/ DH Gary Burnham was 2-4/ 1B Chung-Wei Pan was 2-3/ 3B Chih-Wei Shih was 1-4 with a RBI/ LF Hao-Chu Cheng was 3-4 with 2 doubles and a RBI/ C Feng-Min Chen was 2-4 with a double and 2 RBI's.
Offensively for the T-Rex, 1B Chia-Hsien Hsieh was 1-4/ LF Chuan-Chia Wang was 2-5/ DH Ivanon Coffie was 1-4/ CF Yuan-Chia Chen was 2-3 with a RBI/ 3B Wei Kao was 1-3 with a RBI.
Elephants 8 - Lions 0: Elephants SP Yu-Cheng Liao threw a CG 2-hit shutout. He also had 11 K's and 6 walks allowed in picking up game MVP honors. Elephants DH Chih-Yuan Chen was 2-4 with a double and a RBI. Other contributing Elephants in the lineup: LF Ming-Hsien Lin was 2-5/ RF Kuan-Jen Chen was 1-3 with 2 RBI's/ 3B Jui-Chen Chen was 1-4 with a RBI/ rookie SS Sheng-Wei Wang was 1-4 with a RBI/ RF Huai-Shan Chen(off the bench) was 1-1 with a double and 2 RBI's.
Sluggers CM Peng and Tilson Brito DNP. Reigning league MVP KC Kao was 0-2 for the Lions.
OTHER:
I missed this from a while back, but it's a good read on Po-Yu Lin's translator from last year.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
3/18/08 Scoreboard...
CPBL:
dmedia T-Rex 6 - La new Bears 1: Rookie pitcher Chun-Nan Lai was terrific in his CPBL debut as he allowed only 1 run on 2 hits over 7 IP. He also K'd 7 with 1 BB in picking up the W and game MVP honors. The only mistake Lai would make was a solo HR allowed to Bears CF Long-Yi Huang (2-4) in the 3rd inning. On the losing end for the Bears was starter Kevin Huang, who got shelled for 6 runs in 5 innings of work. Offensively for the T-Rex (who cranked out 12 hits), CF Yuan-Chia Chen was 2-3 with a double and 3 RBI's/1B Chia-Hsien Hsieh was 3-4 with a RBI/DH Ivanon Coffie was 2-4 with a double/3B Shih-Hao Huang was 1-3 with a RBI/LF Chuan-Chia Wang was 2-5/& RF Su-Chi Chou was 1-3 with a HR and a RBI.
Chinatrust Whales 7 - Sinon Bulls 0: The Whales were led by their import players as SP Steve Watkins threw 7 shutout innings (5 H, 4 K's, 2 BB), earned the win and gathered game MVP honors. Whales 1B Carlos Villalobos was 3-5 with a double and 2 RBI's. Other Whales of note: RF Chun-Hsiung Lu was 3-4 with a double and a RBI/C Chin-Shou Shih was 3-4/3B Chun-Chiang Kao was 1-5 with a HR and 2 RBI's/CF Chin-Chang Lin was 1-4 with a double and a RBI.
For the Bulls, SP Jose Espinal was the losing pitcher of note. He allowed 4 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits over 7 IP to go along with 10 K's and 0 walks allowed. OF Da-Hung Chen was the lone bright spot on offense for the Bulls as he was 3-4 with a double. Tarzan was 0-3.*edited
MLB ST:
Tsao pitched 1/3 of an inning. The Royals lost to the Cubs 6-5.*updated
dmedia T-Rex 6 - La new Bears 1: Rookie pitcher Chun-Nan Lai was terrific in his CPBL debut as he allowed only 1 run on 2 hits over 7 IP. He also K'd 7 with 1 BB in picking up the W and game MVP honors. The only mistake Lai would make was a solo HR allowed to Bears CF Long-Yi Huang (2-4) in the 3rd inning. On the losing end for the Bears was starter Kevin Huang, who got shelled for 6 runs in 5 innings of work. Offensively for the T-Rex (who cranked out 12 hits), CF Yuan-Chia Chen was 2-3 with a double and 3 RBI's/1B Chia-Hsien Hsieh was 3-4 with a RBI/DH Ivanon Coffie was 2-4 with a double/3B Shih-Hao Huang was 1-3 with a RBI/LF Chuan-Chia Wang was 2-5/& RF Su-Chi Chou was 1-3 with a HR and a RBI.
Chinatrust Whales 7 - Sinon Bulls 0: The Whales were led by their import players as SP Steve Watkins threw 7 shutout innings (5 H, 4 K's, 2 BB), earned the win and gathered game MVP honors. Whales 1B Carlos Villalobos was 3-5 with a double and 2 RBI's. Other Whales of note: RF Chun-Hsiung Lu was 3-4 with a double and a RBI/C Chin-Shou Shih was 3-4/3B Chun-Chiang Kao was 1-5 with a HR and 2 RBI's/CF Chin-Chang Lin was 1-4 with a double and a RBI.
For the Bulls, SP Jose Espinal was the losing pitcher of note. He allowed 4 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits over 7 IP to go along with 10 K's and 0 walks allowed. OF Da-Hung Chen was the lone bright spot on offense for the Bulls as he was 3-4 with a double. Tarzan was 0-3.*edited
MLB ST:
Tsao pitched 1/3 of an inning. The Royals lost to the Cubs 6-5.*updated
Monday, March 17, 2008
3 Year Deal for Chia-Hsien Hsieh...
Hsieh (far L)pic from the CPBL website
The dmedia T-Rex signed veteran star Chia-Hsien Hsieh to a 3 year deal worth 12 million NT ( ~ $397,000 USD). This makes Hsieh one of the four highest paid players in the CPBL (~$10,900 USD/month).
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Sunday Scores....
MLB in China:
The Dodgers fell to the Padres 6-3 in the final game of their two game exhibition set in China. CL Hu was 1-3.
Recap/Boxscore
In front of 6000+ fans, the Uni-7 Eleven Lions defeated the La new Bears 14-9 in the league's opening game. The Lions slugged 3 HR's led by last year's league MVP Kuo-Ching Kao (who hit a grand slam in the 4th inning) and teammate DH Lien-Hung Chen (who hit 2 HR's: a grand slam in the first and a 3-run shot in the 8th inning). Game MVP honors went to 1B KC Kao who was 1-3 with 5 RBI's while teammate LH Chen was 2-5 with 7 RBI's!*edited
Other Lions with multiple hits included: CF Sung-Hsien Yang 3-5/LF Wu-Hsiung Pan 2-5 with a RBI/SS Sheng-Chieh Hsu 3-3 with a double. Tilson Brito was 1-2 with 3 walks.
The Bears who were without CFC, were led by 1B Chung-Wei Pan who was 4-5 with a HR and a RBI. His battery mates with multiple hits included: CF Long-Yi Huang 2-4/SS Chih-Sheng Lin 2-3 with a double and 3 RBI's/C Feng-Min Chen 2-5 with a double and 2 RBI's. Cleanup hitter Gary Burnham was 1-3 with 2 RBI's and 2 walks.
The SP's from both sides got hammered as Bears starter Mike Johnson allowed 9 runs on 8 hits over 4 IP. Lions starter Greg Wiltshire gave up 7 runs on 9 hits over 3.2 innings.
MLB ST:
CMW had 7 K's in 4.1 innings of work, but he also allowed 4 runs on 6 hits (including a solo HR to Sizemore). The Yankees beat the Indians 7-6.
Recap
Boxscore
*Updated
The Dodgers fell to the Padres 6-3 in the final game of their two game exhibition set in China. CL Hu was 1-3.
Recap/Boxscore
CPBL Opener:
Game MVP # 68: KC Kao
Game MVP # 68: KC KaoIn front of 6000+ fans, the Uni-7 Eleven Lions defeated the La new Bears 14-9 in the league's opening game. The Lions slugged 3 HR's led by last year's league MVP Kuo-Ching Kao (who hit a grand slam in the 4th inning) and teammate DH Lien-Hung Chen (who hit 2 HR's: a grand slam in the first and a 3-run shot in the 8th inning). Game MVP honors went to 1B KC Kao who was 1-3 with 5 RBI's while teammate LH Chen was 2-5 with 7 RBI's!*edited
Other Lions with multiple hits included: CF Sung-Hsien Yang 3-5/LF Wu-Hsiung Pan 2-5 with a RBI/SS Sheng-Chieh Hsu 3-3 with a double. Tilson Brito was 1-2 with 3 walks.
The Bears who were without CFC, were led by 1B Chung-Wei Pan who was 4-5 with a HR and a RBI. His battery mates with multiple hits included: CF Long-Yi Huang 2-4/SS Chih-Sheng Lin 2-3 with a double and 3 RBI's/C Feng-Min Chen 2-5 with a double and 2 RBI's. Cleanup hitter Gary Burnham was 1-3 with 2 RBI's and 2 walks.
The SP's from both sides got hammered as Bears starter Mike Johnson allowed 9 runs on 8 hits over 4 IP. Lions starter Greg Wiltshire gave up 7 runs on 9 hits over 3.2 innings.
MLB ST:
CMW had 7 K's in 4.1 innings of work, but he also allowed 4 runs on 6 hits (including a solo HR to Sizemore). The Yankees beat the Indians 7-6.
Recap
Boxscore
*Updated
Saturday, March 15, 2008
News and Notes.....
The 2008 CPBL season kicks off tomorrow with a matchup between the league's top two teams: the Uni-Lions and the La New Bears. The league will take a 2-week hiatus in August during the Olympic Games.
Sinon Bulls pitcher Chien-Fu Yang has garnered a lot of attention from NPB and MLB teams for his performances at the OQT. The 28 year old comes from a baseball-rich family background. Chien-Fu Yang is related to NPB players Yao-Hsun Yang and Chung-Shou Yang, and CPBL stars Sen Yang, Tai-Shan Chang, and Chih-Yuan Chen. All of these great players are of aboriginal descent from the Amis tribe.
Rumors from Taiwanese news sources that 21 year old NT/CCU pitcher Chia-Jen Lo was offered a 6 figure signing bonus by a certain MLB club (the A's) are NOT true according to one well-placed source.*Edited 3/16
Sinon Bulls pitcher Chien-Fu Yang has garnered a lot of attention from NPB and MLB teams for his performances at the OQT. The 28 year old comes from a baseball-rich family background. Chien-Fu Yang is related to NPB players Yao-Hsun Yang and Chung-Shou Yang, and CPBL stars Sen Yang, Tai-Shan Chang, and Chih-Yuan Chen. All of these great players are of aboriginal descent from the Amis tribe.
Rumors from Taiwanese news sources that 21 year old NT/CCU pitcher Chia-Jen Lo was offered a 6 figure signing bonus by a certain MLB club (the A's) are NOT true according to one well-placed source.*Edited 3/16
MLB in China....
The Dodgers and Padres played to a 3 all tie in their first exhibition game on Saturday. Hu was 0-4, while Kuo threw 2 scoreless innings. Dodgers SP Chan Ho Park was sharp again - throwing 5 scoreless innings.
Game Recap/Boxscore
Friday, March 14, 2008
4-3 Loss to South Korea....
Taiwan lost its final game to South Korea and finished the tourney with a 5-2 record, placing third behind Canada and South Korea. Amateur SP Chen-Chang Lee (hyped by Keith Law as the top Taiwanese collegiate pitcher last year) allowed 4 runs (although only 2 were earned) over the first 2.1 innings. It didn't help that his defense behind him committed 2 errors that led to two costly unearned runs. Chih-Chia Chang would relieve Lee and hold South Korea scoreless over the last 6.2 innings. Chang's reemergence as a reliable starter has to be encouraging to Taiwanese baseball fans.
Boxscore
Game Recap 1
Game Recap 2
NT Final Stats
A lot of the team's success has to be attributed to Coach Hong. He did a lot more with less - meaning that this team relied on some young inexperienced talent and did not have a lot of the name players that were in last year's World Cup debacle. The NT's OF seems set for the next few years with youngsters Che-Hsuan Lin and Kuo-Hui Lo manning 2 of the 3 spots. Lin's ability to make tough plays in the OF look routine is breathtaking. Lo did his best CFC impression in this tourney.
Other winners on the day in tightly contested games included Canada, Australia, and Mexico
Congrats to South Korea, Canada, and Taiwan on making it to Beijing! They will now join host nation China, the US, Cuba, Japan, and the Netherlands in the 8 team field.
The CTBA received praise from the IBAF for its efforts in organizing the tourney.
Boxscore
Game Recap 1
Game Recap 2
NT Final Stats
A lot of the team's success has to be attributed to Coach Hong. He did a lot more with less - meaning that this team relied on some young inexperienced talent and did not have a lot of the name players that were in last year's World Cup debacle. The NT's OF seems set for the next few years with youngsters Che-Hsuan Lin and Kuo-Hui Lo manning 2 of the 3 spots. Lin's ability to make tough plays in the OF look routine is breathtaking. Lo did his best CFC impression in this tourney.
Other winners on the day in tightly contested games included Canada, Australia, and Mexico
Congrats to South Korea, Canada, and Taiwan on making it to Beijing! They will now join host nation China, the US, Cuba, Japan, and the Netherlands in the 8 team field.
The CTBA received praise from the IBAF for its efforts in organizing the tourney.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
4-0 Win Vs South Africa.....
The winless South African squad gave the NT a run for its money as the S.A. pitching staff limited the NT's offense to only 5 hits. Thankfully for the NT, a few of those knocks were extra-base hits as Chih-Hsien Chiang hit his first HR of the tourney, and Kuo-Hui Lo tripled in another run. SP Chien-Ming Chiang threw 6 scoreless innings, allowing only 3 hits to go along with 6 K's and 2 BB's.
Boxscore
With the win, the NT has officially secured a berth alongside South Korea and Canada. Canada beat SK today, giving SK its first blemish on a previously undefeated record. Other winners on the day included Australia and Mexico.
Chih-Chia Chang is a possible starter for tomorrow's final game against South Korea. The game has no implications on qualifying for the Olympics, but national pride is at stake here.
Conspiracy Theory? - Jon Deeble, the HC of the Australian squad, insists that there was a conspiracy by the "Asian" countries to ensure that Australia did not qualify.
Other:
Yung-Chi Chen was assigned by the Mariners to the AAA Tacoma Rainiers team.
Boxscore
With the win, the NT has officially secured a berth alongside South Korea and Canada. Canada beat SK today, giving SK its first blemish on a previously undefeated record. Other winners on the day included Australia and Mexico.
Chih-Chia Chang is a possible starter for tomorrow's final game against South Korea. The game has no implications on qualifying for the Olympics, but national pride is at stake here.
Conspiracy Theory? - Jon Deeble, the HC of the Australian squad, insists that there was a conspiracy by the "Asian" countries to ensure that Australia did not qualify.
Other:
Yung-Chi Chen was assigned by the Mariners to the AAA Tacoma Rainiers team.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Coming to America?
It's only a matter of time before we can expect to see some more amateur signings from Taiwan.
A couple of the more well-known HS senior (& recent grad.) pitchers have been showcasing their wares to MLB scouts in Taiwan. Kupao SR RHP Rong-Hao Hsieh (CSMG client) and former Kupao ace RHP Chih-Lung Huang (Jerry Sung client) each had an individual bullpen showcase yesterday. Nan-Ying SR RHP Wei-Chen Huang (Bros Sports client) had his bullpen showcase ~ a month ago. If the interest is there, it'll all come down to the kid's signability.
A couple of the more well-known HS senior (& recent grad.) pitchers have been showcasing their wares to MLB scouts in Taiwan. Kupao SR RHP Rong-Hao Hsieh (CSMG client) and former Kupao ace RHP Chih-Lung Huang (Jerry Sung client) each had an individual bullpen showcase yesterday. Nan-Ying SR RHP Wei-Chen Huang (Bros Sports client) had his bullpen showcase ~ a month ago. If the interest is there, it'll all come down to the kid's signability.
On to Beijing!
Well, assuming Taiwan takes care of business against last-place South Africa tomorrow, the NT has pretty much secured a ticket to Beijing along with South Korea and Canada.
Taiwan defeated a young but talented Australian squad 5-0 behind a gem from Chien-Fu Yang. Proving his worthiness of staff ace, Yang threw a CG shutout, allowing only 4 hits to go along with 6 K's. On offense, Taiwan did most of its damage in the 2nd inning on the strength of 5 hits and an error. After Kuo-Hui Lo and Chih-Sheng Lin led off the inning with back-to-back singles, Yi-Chuan Lin would advance both runners 90 feet with a sacrifice bunt. Catcher Chun-Chang Yeh then singled in Kuo-Hui Lo. The next batter, Yen-Wen Kuo would reach on a FC with Yeh being forced out at second. A botched throw from the Australian SS would allow Chih-Sheng Lin to score on the same play. Back-to-back doubles by OF's Chien-Ming Chang and Che-Hsuan Lin would complete the scoring in the inning.
The NT would score its final run in the 7th on a WP.
Box Score/Play-By-Play
Other winners on the day included South Korea, Canada, and Mexico.
Following tomorrow's game with S.A., Taiwan will then play for national pride against regional power and currently undefeated South Korea on Friday. South Korea will be matched up against Canada in the marquee game of tomorrow.
Taiwan defeated a young but talented Australian squad 5-0 behind a gem from Chien-Fu Yang. Proving his worthiness of staff ace, Yang threw a CG shutout, allowing only 4 hits to go along with 6 K's. On offense, Taiwan did most of its damage in the 2nd inning on the strength of 5 hits and an error. After Kuo-Hui Lo and Chih-Sheng Lin led off the inning with back-to-back singles, Yi-Chuan Lin would advance both runners 90 feet with a sacrifice bunt. Catcher Chun-Chang Yeh then singled in Kuo-Hui Lo. The next batter, Yen-Wen Kuo would reach on a FC with Yeh being forced out at second. A botched throw from the Australian SS would allow Chih-Sheng Lin to score on the same play. Back-to-back doubles by OF's Chien-Ming Chang and Che-Hsuan Lin would complete the scoring in the inning.
The NT would score its final run in the 7th on a WP.
Box Score/Play-By-Play
Other winners on the day included South Korea, Canada, and Mexico.
Following tomorrow's game with S.A., Taiwan will then play for national pride against regional power and currently undefeated South Korea on Friday. South Korea will be matched up against Canada in the marquee game of tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Back on Track....
MLB ST:
The trio of Wang, Tsao, and Kuo were all in action today:
-CMW threw 3.2 shutout innings, picked up the W, and allowed only 2 hits as the Yankees beat the Jays 6-1.
-Pitching in relief, Tsao picked up a W for his team as he threw 1 shutout inning in the 7th as the Royals beat the D-Backs 8-7.
-Kuo threw a scoreless inning, K'ing 2. The Dodgers lost to the Marlins 7-6.
-The Rockies beat the Mariners 4-1. YC Chen was 0-1 with a walk.
OQT:
Chien-Fu Yang will most likely get the start tomorrow as Taiwan will look to clinch a spot in Beijing with a win against Australia. Che-Hsuan Lin & Chih-Hsien Chiang are no strangers to Australian head coach Jon Deeble, the Red Sox Pac-Rim Scouting Director.*updated
The trio of Wang, Tsao, and Kuo were all in action today:
-CMW threw 3.2 shutout innings, picked up the W, and allowed only 2 hits as the Yankees beat the Jays 6-1.
-Pitching in relief, Tsao picked up a W for his team as he threw 1 shutout inning in the 7th as the Royals beat the D-Backs 8-7.
-Kuo threw a scoreless inning, K'ing 2. The Dodgers lost to the Marlins 7-6.
-The Rockies beat the Mariners 4-1. YC Chen was 0-1 with a walk.
OQT:
Chien-Fu Yang will most likely get the start tomorrow as Taiwan will look to clinch a spot in Beijing with a win against Australia. Che-Hsuan Lin & Chih-Hsien Chiang are no strangers to Australian head coach Jon Deeble, the Red Sox Pac-Rim Scouting Director.*updated
Monday, March 10, 2008
KH Lo's 3-Run Jack....
Vs. Canada 3/10/08:
MLB ST:
CL Hu was 2-3 with a run scored as the Dodgers beat the Orioles 7-4.
YC Chen walked in his only PA as the Mariners fell to the White Sox 9-8.
MLB ST:
CL Hu was 2-3 with a run scored as the Dodgers beat the Orioles 7-4.
YC Chen walked in his only PA as the Mariners fell to the White Sox 9-8.
Extra Innings Loss to Canada....
The NT lost in 10 innings to Canada 6-5 on Monday. After falling behind 4-2 through 5 1/2 innings, the NT would respond with a 3-run HR from Kuo-Hui Lo to take the lead. Relievers Chia-Jen Lo, Chien-Ming Chiang, and Kevin Huang were unable to hold the lead for starter Fu-Te Ni (7.2 IP, 3 ER, 9 Hits) as Canada would score once in the 9th to tie the game and then take the lead for good in the top of the 10th.
Game Recap
Box Score
Other winners on the day included South Korea, Germany, and Mexico. The NT gets an off-day tomorrow before taking on Australia on Wednesday in what will be a must-win game if it wants to control its own destiny. Remaining on the NT's schedule after the game with Australia is South Africa on Thursday and then South Korea on Friday.
Other:
A mention of the Twins' Wang-Wei Lin
Game Recap
Box Score
Other winners on the day included South Korea, Germany, and Mexico. The NT gets an off-day tomorrow before taking on Australia on Wednesday in what will be a must-win game if it wants to control its own destiny. Remaining on the NT's schedule after the game with Australia is South Africa on Thursday and then South Korea on Friday.
Other:
A mention of the Twins' Wang-Wei Lin
Sunday, March 09, 2008
7th Inning Offensive Highlights vs. Germany....
Part I (Chih-Sheng Lin's double):
Part II (Kuo-Hui Lo's double/Chih-Kang Kao's single):
Kuo-Hui Lo has been tearing the cover off of the ball so far in the tourney. He looks a lot bigger than when I last saw him in 2005. He was listed at 6'2" 182 back then. The 2008 Mariners media guide has him currently listed at 6'2" 188 now. If that's accurate, he's been packing on some lean muscle. I expect his power numbers to increase this year, especially if he starts the year in California.
Lo - Then (2005)
Lo - Now
(photo Apple Daily)
Part II (Kuo-Hui Lo's double/Chih-Kang Kao's single):
Kuo-Hui Lo has been tearing the cover off of the ball so far in the tourney. He looks a lot bigger than when I last saw him in 2005. He was listed at 6'2" 182 back then. The 2008 Mariners media guide has him currently listed at 6'2" 188 now. If that's accurate, he's been packing on some lean muscle. I expect his power numbers to increase this year, especially if he starts the year in California.
Lo - Then (2005)
Lo - Now(photo Apple Daily)
Taiwan Vid. Highlights vs. Mexico....
Kai-Wen Cheng has been representing his country for quite some time now. A teammate of Che-Hsuan Lin since his younger formative years (2000 Bronco League WS, Nan-Ying HS, junior national team) and now the national team, Cheng although a star player in his own right, has been in CH Lin's shadow for quite some time now. On Saturday, Cheng had a chance to show off his repertoire to the scouts in attendance of Taiwan vs. Mexico's game. Here's a vid. highlight of KW Cheng from Saturday:
Here's another vid of some defensive gems from the same game (Yi-Chuan Lin at 3B, Kuo-Hui Lo in LF, and Che-Hsuan Lin in CF):
Here's another vid of some defensive gems from the same game (Yi-Chuan Lin at 3B, Kuo-Hui Lo in LF, and Che-Hsuan Lin in CF):
Close Win Against Germany....
Flustered by the "soft-tossing" German pitching staff, the NT managed to break a scoreless tie in the 7th inning thanks to clutch hitting from Kuo-Hui Lo and Chih-Kang Kao. SP Chih-Chia Chang picked up the W with 5 shutout innings, while relievers Ko-Chien Lin, Kevin Huang, and Chia-Jen Lo preserved the shutout.
Game Recap 1
Game Recap 2
Box Score
With the win, Taiwan and South Korea are atop the standings with 3 wins a-piece. Other winners on Sunday included Australia, Spain, and South Korea. Taiwan plays another experienced squad - Canada tomorrow. Lefty Fu-Te Ni may get the start in the important match up.
MLB ST:
Hu had a single against Dice-K on Sunday. He was 1-3 as his team won 4-0 against Boston despite collecting only 3 hits. Story on Hu's willingness to play 2nd or 3rd.
A Seattle ss is losing 2-0 to the Brewers. YC Chen is in the game at 2nd.
Game Recap 1
Game Recap 2
Box Score
With the win, Taiwan and South Korea are atop the standings with 3 wins a-piece. Other winners on Sunday included Australia, Spain, and South Korea. Taiwan plays another experienced squad - Canada tomorrow. Lefty Fu-Te Ni may get the start in the important match up.
MLB ST:
Hu had a single against Dice-K on Sunday. He was 1-3 as his team won 4-0 against Boston despite collecting only 3 hits. Story on Hu's willingness to play 2nd or 3rd.
A Seattle ss is losing 2-0 to the Brewers. YC Chen is in the game at 2nd.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Bottom of the 7th Against Spain....
To the anonymous poster regarding what happened in the 7th inning of the NT vs. Spain game:
Here's the vid:
Here's the vid:
MLB ST 3/8....
-CH Tsao didn't fare so well in his 2nd spring outing. Tsao allowed 3 runs on 2 hits (including a HR) in 2/3 of an inning. The Royals lost to the Brewers 8-2.
-The Mariners lost to the A's 5-2. YC Chen got in the game as a PR and scored a run.
-The Dodgers annihilated the Red-Birds 20-6. CL Hu was 1-3 with a RBI. Hong-Chih Kuo was back in action - throwing 1 scoreless inning.
-The Mariners lost to the A's 5-2. YC Chen got in the game as a PR and scored a run.
-The Dodgers annihilated the Red-Birds 20-6. CL Hu was 1-3 with a RBI. Hong-Chih Kuo was back in action - throwing 1 scoreless inning.
Huge Win Against Mexico!
The NT defeated Mexico 6-1 on Saturday. This was an impressive victory considering who was on the Mexican NT. The Mexican NT had several players with AAA or MLB experience including positional players Karim Garcia, Jesus Cota, & Miguel Ojeda, and pitchers Roberto Ramirez, Jose Silva, & David Cortes.
SP Chien-Fu Yang and amateur relievers Kai-Wen Cheng (clocked at a high of 94 mph!) & Chia-Jen Lo (clocked at a high of 95 mph!) limited the potent lineup to only 1 run on 7 hits combined. On offense, Cheng-Min Peng led the way with 3 hits and 2 RBI's. The NT collected 13 hits against the Mexican pitchers.
Game Recap
Box Score
Other winners on the day included South Korea, Canada, and Germany.
Taiwan plays Germany tomorrow.
*Here's a look at the personal sites/albums of Kai-Wen Cheng and Chia-Jen Lo.
SP Chien-Fu Yang and amateur relievers Kai-Wen Cheng (clocked at a high of 94 mph!) & Chia-Jen Lo (clocked at a high of 95 mph!) limited the potent lineup to only 1 run on 7 hits combined. On offense, Cheng-Min Peng led the way with 3 hits and 2 RBI's. The NT collected 13 hits against the Mexican pitchers.
Game Recap
Box Score
Other winners on the day included South Korea, Canada, and Germany.
Taiwan plays Germany tomorrow.
*Here's a look at the personal sites/albums of Kai-Wen Cheng and Chia-Jen Lo.
Friday, March 07, 2008
MLB ST 3/7....
-Hu was 0-1 as the Dodgers lost to the Cardinals 6-4.
-Chen was 0-1 as the Mariners lost to the Cubs 6-4.
OQ News:
Chien-Fu Yang is expected to get the start tomorrow in a very important match-up against Mexico.
-Chen was 0-1 as the Mariners lost to the Cubs 6-4.
OQ News:
Chien-Fu Yang is expected to get the start tomorrow in a very important match-up against Mexico.
Opening Win Against Spain.....
The NT defeated Spain 13-3 in a 7-inning mercy-rule shortened game on day 1 at the OQ Tourney. SP Chien-Ming Chiang picked up the W after allowing 2 runs over 5 IP. The NT's offense came to life as Cheng-Min Peng and Kuo-Hui Lo both slugged HR's, while the team rapped out 12 hits. Also the outfield trio of Chien-Ming Chang, Che-Hsuan Lin, and Kuo-Hui Lo each swiped a base, flashing some of the speed and aggressive base running that has been missing from the NT in recent years.
Game Recap
Box Score
Play-by-Play
South Korea, Canada, and Australia all won their opening games as well.
Taiwan's next game is tomorrow against Mexico.
Game Recap
Box Score
Play-by-Play
South Korea, Canada, and Australia all won their opening games as well.
Taiwan's next game is tomorrow against Mexico.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
3/6 Scoreboard...
MLB ST:
Wang was roughed up against the Reds, as he allowed 6 ER in only 2/3 of an inning. The Yanks lost 12-8.
The Mariners beat the Brewers 5-2. YC Chen was 0-2 with a run scored.
Wang was roughed up against the Reds, as he allowed 6 ER in only 2/3 of an inning. The Yanks lost 12-8.
The Mariners beat the Brewers 5-2. YC Chen was 0-2 with a run scored.
OQ NT Roster Changes.....
After failing a random drug test, NT pitchers Po-Yu Lin and recent addition Yu-Chieh Shen were removed from the roster. Taking their places are LHP Wei-Hua Lee (Lions) and RHP Chen-Chang Lee.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
3/5 Updates...
MLB ST:
-Hu was 0-3 as the Dodgers lost to the Mets 3-2.
-Tsao pitched 1 scoreless inning as the Royals beat the Giants 3-1.
OTHER:
South Korea has selected its final 24.
Alex Speier from Baseball America has a nice article on CH Lin and CH Chiang in the Red Sox system (Requires a subcription - or check out the print edition (March 10th-23rd, page 34) on news stands now.*Updated
-Hu was 0-3 as the Dodgers lost to the Mets 3-2.
-Tsao pitched 1 scoreless inning as the Royals beat the Giants 3-1.
OTHER:
South Korea has selected its final 24.
Alex Speier from Baseball America has a nice article on CH Lin and CH Chiang in the Red Sox system (Requires a subcription - or check out the print edition (March 10th-23rd, page 34) on news stands now.*Updated
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
OQ NT FINAL ROSTER....
Here's who Coach Hong is going with for the upcoming tourney:
(Compare with the Prelim. Roster)
PITCHERS (10):
1)Chien-Fu Yang (Bulls)
2)Chien-Ming Chiang (Giants)
3)Chih-Chia Chang
4)Kevin Huang (Bears)
5)Fu-Te Ni (Whales)
6)Yu-Chieh Shen (Whales)
7)Po-Yu Lin (White Sox)
8)Ko-Chien Lin
9)Kai-Wen Cheng
10)Chia-Jen Lo
CATCHERS (2):
1)Chih-Kang Kao (Lions)
2)Chun-Chang Yeh (Bulls)
INFIELDERS (7):
1)Tai-Shan Chang (Bulls)
2)Chih-Sheng Lin (Bears)
3)Kuo-Ching Kao (Lions)
4)Sheng-Wei Wang (Elephants)
5)Yi-Chuan Lin (Bulls)
6)Chih-Hsien Chiang (Red Sox)
7)Yen-Wen Kuo (Reds)
OUTFIELDERS (5):
1)Cheng-Min Peng (Elephants)
2)Chien-Ming Chang (Bulls)
3)Kuo-Hui Lo (Mariners)
4)Che-Hsuan Lin (Red Sox)
5)Chen-Yu Chung (Bears)
As you can see the roster is heavy-laden with CPBL talent. Most of the kids playing in the US have only rookie-level or low-A game experience. Based on who they're bringing to Taiwan, South Korea/Canada/& Mexico have to be the 3 early favorites in the OQ Tourney.
MLB ST:
-Yung-Chi Chen blasted his first HR of the spring as his team lost 9-6 to the A's. He was 1-3 with a walk and a RBI.
-A (ss) Dodger squad lost to the Nats (ss) 4-3. Hu was 1-4 with a double.
-Bad News for Kuo - Not a good sign....read more here.
(Compare with the Prelim. Roster)
PITCHERS (10):
1)Chien-Fu Yang (Bulls)
2)Chien-Ming Chiang (Giants)
3)Chih-Chia Chang
4)Kevin Huang (Bears)
5)Fu-Te Ni (Whales)
6)Yu-Chieh Shen (Whales)
7)Po-Yu Lin (White Sox)
8)Ko-Chien Lin
9)Kai-Wen Cheng
10)Chia-Jen Lo
CATCHERS (2):
1)Chih-Kang Kao (Lions)
2)Chun-Chang Yeh (Bulls)
INFIELDERS (7):
1)Tai-Shan Chang (Bulls)
2)Chih-Sheng Lin (Bears)
3)Kuo-Ching Kao (Lions)
4)Sheng-Wei Wang (Elephants)
5)Yi-Chuan Lin (Bulls)
6)Chih-Hsien Chiang (Red Sox)
7)Yen-Wen Kuo (Reds)
OUTFIELDERS (5):
1)Cheng-Min Peng (Elephants)
2)Chien-Ming Chang (Bulls)
3)Kuo-Hui Lo (Mariners)
4)Che-Hsuan Lin (Red Sox)
5)Chen-Yu Chung (Bears)
As you can see the roster is heavy-laden with CPBL talent. Most of the kids playing in the US have only rookie-level or low-A game experience. Based on who they're bringing to Taiwan, South Korea/Canada/& Mexico have to be the 3 early favorites in the OQ Tourney.
MLB ST:
-Yung-Chi Chen blasted his first HR of the spring as his team lost 9-6 to the A's. He was 1-3 with a walk and a RBI.
-A (ss) Dodger squad lost to the Nats (ss) 4-3. Hu was 1-4 with a double.
-Bad News for Kuo - Not a good sign....read more here.
Tues. Wrap Up.....
The Korean NT beat the Sinon Bulls 3-0 on Tues. The game was a scoreless deadlock until the Korean NT rallied for 3 runs in the top of the 9th, led by slugger 3B Dong-Joo Kim who doubled in two runs in the last frame. A moral victory for the Bulls? Perhaps, when three of your top offensive players are on the NT (TS Chang, CM Chang, and CC Yeh). Bulls RF Da-Hung Cheng collected 2 hits while SP Iba Tomokazu, Fu-Jen Shen, and Kuo-? Wang combined to shutout the Korean NT on 4 hits over 7 innings.
The NT played its last warm up match against an amateur team and won 15-4. Kun-Sheng Lin and Kuo-Ching Kao both collected 3 hits while Chih-Hsien Chiang hit a HR. *Edited/Updated
Next up for the Korean and Taiwanese NT is Friday's opening games in the OQ Tourney.
Here's a look at the other top 3 teams in the tourney:
The Australian 24-man roster has been announced.
Here's Mexico's final roster.
The Canadian NT roster.
OTHER:
Hu and Kuo are headed to China to face the Padres in a 2-game exhibition series.
The NT played its last warm up match against an amateur team and won 15-4. Kun-Sheng Lin and Kuo-Ching Kao both collected 3 hits while Chih-Hsien Chiang hit a HR. *Edited/Updated
Next up for the Korean and Taiwanese NT is Friday's opening games in the OQ Tourney.
Here's a look at the other top 3 teams in the tourney:
The Australian 24-man roster has been announced.
Here's Mexico's final roster.
The Canadian NT roster.
OTHER:
Hu and Kuo are headed to China to face the Padres in a 2-game exhibition series.
Monday, March 03, 2008
NT 10 - Bulls 0.....
The NT's offense finally came around and the pitching staff looked sharp as the team shut out the Sinon Bulls 10-0 on Monday. The NT outhit the Bulls 13-5. Leading the charge on offense was reserve OF Chih-Yao Chan who was 2-2 with a double, a triple and 3 RBI's. SP Chien-Fu Yang was solid, giving up 2 hits and K'ing 3 over 3 scoreless innings.
Starting Lineup:
1)Chien-Ming Chang (LF) 1-3 with a RBI
2)Che-Hsuan Lin (CF) 0-2 with a walk
3)Cheng-Min Peng (RF) 0-2 with a walk
4)Tai-Shan Chang (3B) 1-5 with a RBI
5)Yi-Chuan Lin (DH) 2-5 with a double and a RBI
6)Kuo-Ching Kao (1B) 2-4 with a double and a RBI
7)Chih-Hsien Chiang (2B) 1-4 with a walk
8)Chih-Kang Kao (C) 2-3 with a RBI
9)Yen-Wen Kuo (SS) 0-2
Off the Bench:
-Sheng-Wei Wang (SS) 1-1 with a walk
-Chih-Yao Chan (OF) 2-2 with a 2B, 3B, and 3 RBI's
-Chen-Yu Chung (OF) 1-2 with a 2B and 2 RBI's
-Feng-Min Chen (C) 0-2
-Kuo-Hui Lo (CF) 0-1 with a walk
Hurlers:
1)SP Chien-Fu Yang: 3 IP/ 0 ER/ 2 H/ 3 K's/ 0 BB
2)Chih-Chia Chang: 2 IP/ 0 ER/ 0 H/ 1 K/ 1 BB
3)Yu-Chieh Shen: 2 IP/ 0 ER/ 1 H/ 1 K/ 1 BB
4)Po-Yu Lin: 1 IP/ 0 ER/ 1 H/ 0 K/ 0 BB
5)Chia-Jen Lo: 1 IP/ 0 ER/ 1 H/ 0 K/ 0 BB
OTHER:
-Taiwanese-Americans playing college baseball in the US? Check out Marco Chen at UMass Lowell - an NCAA Div. II program.
-CMW working on the changeup.
-ST: Hu was 0-1 with a walk and a run scored as the Dodgers tied the Mets 4-4 in 10.
-An update on Nelson Figueroa, ex-Lions star pitcher
*Updated
Starting Lineup:
1)Chien-Ming Chang (LF) 1-3 with a RBI
2)Che-Hsuan Lin (CF) 0-2 with a walk
3)Cheng-Min Peng (RF) 0-2 with a walk
4)Tai-Shan Chang (3B) 1-5 with a RBI
5)Yi-Chuan Lin (DH) 2-5 with a double and a RBI
6)Kuo-Ching Kao (1B) 2-4 with a double and a RBI
7)Chih-Hsien Chiang (2B) 1-4 with a walk
8)Chih-Kang Kao (C) 2-3 with a RBI
9)Yen-Wen Kuo (SS) 0-2
Off the Bench:
-Sheng-Wei Wang (SS) 1-1 with a walk
-Chih-Yao Chan (OF) 2-2 with a 2B, 3B, and 3 RBI's
-Chen-Yu Chung (OF) 1-2 with a 2B and 2 RBI's
-Feng-Min Chen (C) 0-2
-Kuo-Hui Lo (CF) 0-1 with a walk
Hurlers:
1)SP Chien-Fu Yang: 3 IP/ 0 ER/ 2 H/ 3 K's/ 0 BB
2)Chih-Chia Chang: 2 IP/ 0 ER/ 0 H/ 1 K/ 1 BB
3)Yu-Chieh Shen: 2 IP/ 0 ER/ 1 H/ 1 K/ 1 BB
4)Po-Yu Lin: 1 IP/ 0 ER/ 1 H/ 0 K/ 0 BB
5)Chia-Jen Lo: 1 IP/ 0 ER/ 1 H/ 0 K/ 0 BB
OTHER:
-Taiwanese-Americans playing college baseball in the US? Check out Marco Chen at UMass Lowell - an NCAA Div. II program.
-CMW working on the changeup.
-ST: Hu was 0-1 with a walk and a run scored as the Dodgers tied the Mets 4-4 in 10.
-An update on Nelson Figueroa, ex-Lions star pitcher
*Updated
Sunday, March 02, 2008
More Bad News for the NT....
Casualties to the DL: two of the top pitchers from Taiwan - En-Yu Lin & Wei-Lun Pan........you can now also add Chin-Feng Chen to that list. Due to a slow-healing back injury, CFC has withdrawn himself from the NT. Who'll replace Chen's big bat in the lineup? Coach Hong will probably have to choose between a few CPBL veterans: KC Kao, CM Peng, or TS Chang to bat 4th in the lineup. Getting to Beijing this summer just got a whole lot tougher.
Another Close Call....
The NT defeated the La New Bears 2-1 on Sunday; its third straight one-run win over a CPBL team. Again, the NT was outhit 8-6 by the Bears (keep in mind that CFC, CS Lin, and FM Chen are on the NT). Thankfully SP Chien-Ming Chiang and his relievers pitched well enough to pick up the W for the NT.
Starting Lineup:
1)Chien-Ming Chang (RF) 0-4
2)Che-Hsuan Lin (CF) 0-3 with a walk and 2 SB's
3)Cheng-Min Peng (1B) 0-2 with 2 walks
4)Tai-Shan Chang (DH) 2-4
5)Yi-Chuan Lin (3B) 1-4
6)Chin-Sheng Lin (SS) 2-2 with a double and a SB
7)Chih-Hsien Chiang (2B) 0-1
8)Chun-Chang Yeh (C) 0-2 with a sac-fly RBI
9)Kuo-Hui Lo (LF) 1-4 with a SB
Off the Bench Contributors:
-Yen-Wen Kuo (2B) was 0-2 with a sac-fly RBI
-Sheng-Wei Wang (SS) was 0-1 with a walk and a SB, scored the GW run
NT Hurlers:
-SP Chien-Ming Chiang: 5 IP/ 4 Hits/ 1 ER/ 1 K/ 0 BB
-Ko-Chien Lin: 2 scoreless innings - 1 hit allowed
-Chu-Kuan Lee: .2 scoreless innings - 2 hits allowed/ 1 K
-Kevin Huang: 1.1 scoreless innings - 1 hit allowed/ 2 K's
Bears RF Chien-Wei Tsai was 2-4 with 2 doubles and scored his team's only run in the first inning.
The NT plays the Sinon Bulls tomorrow while the SK NT will play the Bulls on Tuesday.
Speaking of the SK NT, the dmedia T-Rex lost 3-1 to the South Korean NT on Sunday. Despite the loss, the T-Rex pitching staff held the powerful SK NT lineup to only 4 hits. T-Rex pitcher Ching-Min Lin came on in relief of starter Hsien-Chih Chang and proceeded to throw 2.2 shutout innings, K'ing 4, and allowing only 1 hit. T-Rex 1B Wei Kao was 3-4 with a run scored. His teammates Ming-Jen Kuo (SS) and Chuan-Chia Wang (LF) collected 2 hits a-piece. DH Chia-Hsien Hsieh, a perennial CPBL all-star, was 1-4 with a double and a RBI.
MLB ST:
YC Chen was 1-2 with a run scored as the Mariners beat the Padres 6-2.
*Updated
Starting Lineup:
1)Chien-Ming Chang (RF) 0-4
2)Che-Hsuan Lin (CF) 0-3 with a walk and 2 SB's
3)Cheng-Min Peng (1B) 0-2 with 2 walks
4)Tai-Shan Chang (DH) 2-4
5)Yi-Chuan Lin (3B) 1-4
6)Chin-Sheng Lin (SS) 2-2 with a double and a SB
7)Chih-Hsien Chiang (2B) 0-1
8)Chun-Chang Yeh (C) 0-2 with a sac-fly RBI
9)Kuo-Hui Lo (LF) 1-4 with a SB
Off the Bench Contributors:
-Yen-Wen Kuo (2B) was 0-2 with a sac-fly RBI
-Sheng-Wei Wang (SS) was 0-1 with a walk and a SB, scored the GW run
NT Hurlers:
-SP Chien-Ming Chiang: 5 IP/ 4 Hits/ 1 ER/ 1 K/ 0 BB
-Ko-Chien Lin: 2 scoreless innings - 1 hit allowed
-Chu-Kuan Lee: .2 scoreless innings - 2 hits allowed/ 1 K
-Kevin Huang: 1.1 scoreless innings - 1 hit allowed/ 2 K's
Bears RF Chien-Wei Tsai was 2-4 with 2 doubles and scored his team's only run in the first inning.
The NT plays the Sinon Bulls tomorrow while the SK NT will play the Bulls on Tuesday.
Speaking of the SK NT, the dmedia T-Rex lost 3-1 to the South Korean NT on Sunday. Despite the loss, the T-Rex pitching staff held the powerful SK NT lineup to only 4 hits. T-Rex pitcher Ching-Min Lin came on in relief of starter Hsien-Chih Chang and proceeded to throw 2.2 shutout innings, K'ing 4, and allowing only 1 hit. T-Rex 1B Wei Kao was 3-4 with a run scored. His teammates Ming-Jen Kuo (SS) and Chuan-Chia Wang (LF) collected 2 hits a-piece. DH Chia-Hsien Hsieh, a perennial CPBL all-star, was 1-4 with a double and a RBI.
MLB ST:
YC Chen was 1-2 with a run scored as the Mariners beat the Padres 6-2.
*Updated
Saturday, March 01, 2008
TSU Takes Collegiate Title....
Tourney MVP: TSU's Wei-Chien Chen
TSU & NT C Kun-Sheng LinTaiwan Sports University (TSU) defeated an undermanned Chinese Culture University 5-0 in the championship game of the recently completed college league baseball tourney. CCU was missing the services of two of its top pitchers in Kai-Wen Cheng and Chia-Jen Lo, both of whom pitched for the NT on Friday against the Uni-Lions. TSU was led by tourney MVP Wei-Chien Chen. The LHP threw 6 shutout innings in the championship game and picked up the all-important W to help his school win only its second title in the event. TSU reliever Ying-Shan Wang helped Chen preserve the shutout victory. TSU's efforts were also bolstered by the presence of NT catcher Kun-Sheng Lin calling the shots from behind the plate.
Rounding out the top 4 (teams) were: 3)Chiayi University & 4)Fu Jen University.
Sat. Scoreboard...
Scores from around ST (3/1):
Yankees 9 - Phillies 3: Wang earns a W after starting and throwing 2 scoreless innings.
Mets 1 - Dodgers 0: Hu was 0-3; Kuo threw 2 shutout innings.
Yankees 9 - Phillies 3: Wang earns a W after starting and throwing 2 scoreless innings.
Mets 1 - Dodgers 0: Hu was 0-3; Kuo threw 2 shutout innings.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Come-From-Behind Win for the NT....
CH Lin - Doing It AgainThanks to two late inning blasts, the NT pulled out an 8-7 win against the Uni Lions. Down 6-3, heading into the 8th inning, NT SS Chih-Sheng Lin would even things up with one swing, hitting a 3-run HR in the inning. Tai-Shan Chang, who would enter the game as a late replacement for DH Kuo-Ching Kao, hit a 2-run HR in the top of the 9th inning to give the NT a lead it would not relinquish. Youngster Che-Hsuan Lin continued his power surge by hitting a 2-run HR in the 5th.
View CH Lin's HR:
NT Starting Lineup:
1)Chien-Ming Chang (RF) 2-5 with a RBI
2)Che-Hsuan Lin (CF) 1-5 with a HR and 2 RBI's
3)Cheng-Min Peng (1B) 1-4
4)Kuo-Ching Kao (DH) 0-3
5)Yi-Chuan Lin (3B) 1-5
6)Chih-Sheng Lin (SS) 3-4 with a HR and 3 RBI's
7)Chen-Yu Chung (LF) 0-2
8)Chih-Hsien Chiang (2B) 0-1
9)Chih-Kang Kao (C) 0-0
NT Hurlers:
1)SP Kai-Wen Cheng 3.1 IP/4 runs allowed (3 earned)/9 hits/ 0 K's/ 0 BB
2)Chien-Ming Chiang 1.2 IP/2 runs allowed (1 earned)/ 4 hits/ 1 K/ 0 BB
3)Fu-Te Ni 3.0 IP/0 runs allowed / 0 hits/ 6 K's/ 0 BB -picked up the W
4)Chia-Jen Lo 1.0 IP/ 1 run allowed (1 earned)/ 1 hit/ 1 K/ 2 BB
The Lions actually outhit the NT 14-10. Leading the way on offense for the Lions were: CF Sung-Hsien Yang who was 3-3 with a RBI/ LF Tai-Chi Kuo who was 2-4 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI's/ & 1B Lien-Hung Chen who was 1-1 with a double and 2 RBI's.
Despite the win, the NT received some bad news when SP and current NT ace, Wei-Lun Pan reaggravated an injury to his shoulder on Thursday. Pan will not play in the OQ's. This means that the role of staff ace will fall to one of the following trio: Chien-Fu Yang, Chien-Ming Chiang, or Chih-Chia Chang. Also troubling is slugger CFC's absence (back injury) these past 2 games.
The NT will resume action Sunday against the La New Bears. The Korean NT will play the T-Rex on Sunday as well.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Che-Hsuan Lin Leading The Way.....
CH LinStarting Lineup:
1)Chien-Ming Chang (RF) 1-4
2)Che-Hsuan Lin (CF) 2-4, 2B, HR, 1 RBI
3)Cheng-Min Peng (1B) 1-3
4)Kuo-Ching Kao (DH) 0-4
5)Tai-Shan Chang (3B) 0-2
6)Chih-Sheng Lin (SS) 0-1
7)Chih-Hsien Chiang (2B) 1-3
8)Kuo-Hui Lo (LF) 1-3
9)Chih-Kang Kao (C) 2-4, 1 RBI
Chih-Chia Chang started for the NT and allowed 1 run on 3 hits over 5 innings to go along with 5 K's and 2 walks. Wei-Lun Pan, Po-Yu Lin, and Chia-Jen Lo would blank the Whales the rest of the way.
The NT will play the Uni-"7-Eleven" Lions on Friday.
ST Box Scores:
LA 5 - Braves 4
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
NT 9 - Elephants 5....
After tying the T-Rex 2-2 yesterday, the NT defeated the Brother Elephants in an exhibition match on Tuesday (despite being outhit 10-7). Ko-Chien Lin picked up the win for the NT, while Elephants starter Yu-Cheng Liao took the loss.
Here's how the NT's starting lineup fared:
1)Chien-Ming Chang (RF) 2-4 with 2 RBI's
2)Che-Hsuan Lin (CF) 1-4 with a RBI3)Cheng-Min Peng (1B) 1-4 with a double and 2 RBI's
4)CFC (DH) 0-45)Yi-Chuan Lin (3B) 1-3 with a RBI
6)Chih-Sheng Lin (SS) 1-27)Chih-Hsien Chiang (2B) 0-2
8)Kuo-Hui Lo (LF) 1-1 with a double9)Feng-Min Chen (C) 0-3
As for the NT's hurlers in the game:
1)Wei-Hua Lee started and lasted 4 innings. He gave up 3 runs on 6 hits. 2)Ko-Chien Lin pitched the next 2 scoreless innings, allowing only 1 hit.
3)Chih-Lung Huang threw 1 inning, allowing 2 unearned runs - he also allowed 2 walks.4)Chu-Kuan Lee and Kevin Huang would throw a scoreless inning each, allowing one hit each.
The NT gets the day off tomorrow while the Korean NT plays the Chinatrust Whales on Wed.
The NT will be back in action on Thursday against the Whales.
OTHER:
Kuo impresses Torre.
The NT gets the day off tomorrow while the Korean NT plays the Chinatrust Whales on Wed.
The NT will be back in action on Thursday against the Whales.
OTHER:
Kuo impresses Torre.
OQ Prep......
Well, in preparation for the impending OQ in March, the NT has been playing a series of exhibition matches at home against amateur and CPBL teams.
The biggest question mark heading into the tourney will be the pitching staff. With some of the biggest names unable to participate in the tourney, the NT will have to look for some of the younger guys to step up to the plate.
Here's a list of the top velocities so far during the current exhibition matches:
rhp Chia-Jen Lo 90
rhp Kai-Wen Cheng 89
rhp Chih-Lung Huang 89
lhp Fu-Te Ni 88
rhp Chih-Chia Chang 87
rhp Chen-Chang Lee 87
rhp Chu-kuan Lee 87
rhp Po-Yu Lin 86
rhp Kevin Huang 86
lhp Tzu-Kai Chiu 83
*amateur players demarcated in red
The biggest question mark heading into the tourney will be the pitching staff. With some of the biggest names unable to participate in the tourney, the NT will have to look for some of the younger guys to step up to the plate.
Here's a list of the top velocities so far during the current exhibition matches:
rhp Chia-Jen Lo 90
rhp Kai-Wen Cheng 89
rhp Chih-Lung Huang 89
lhp Fu-Te Ni 88
rhp Chih-Chia Chang 87
rhp Chen-Chang Lee 87
rhp Chu-kuan Lee 87
rhp Po-Yu Lin 86
rhp Kevin Huang 86
lhp Tzu-Kai Chiu 83
*amateur players demarcated in red
HS Notes: Follow-up....
Some more HS baseball news to pass on: In the recently completed HS tournament, representatives from CSMG (Kelvin Lee), WMG (Charlie Yang), and Bros Sports (Niba Chang) were seen actively shopping their clients to MLB scouts (~10 to 12 teams present at the tourney).
The premium names being mentioned by the three different agencies?
1)CSMG/Lee: RHP Rong-Hao Hsieh
2)WMG/Yang: RHP/IF Wei-Da Su
3)Bros Sports/Chang: RHP Wei-Chen Huang
Hsieh has received plenty of shine on this blog.
Su was profiled in a previous post and was named as one to watch back in 2005.
Huang, who's probably a little bit more of an unknown commodity, is a senior RHP from Nan-Ying HS. He stands 6'0" and was clocked ~ 85-86 mph during the recent tourney. The Bros client is reportedly seeking ~$150 to 200 K.
Speaking of Bros Sports, the news in Taiwan is reporting that the agency has fired their creative director, Slow Yang, for her role in supporting and serving as the consultant for DPP presidential candidate Frank Hsieh. Slow has been a controversial figure in the past.
OTHER
Pic of CH Tsao in his new threads:
photo from UDN
Sunday, February 24, 2008
ML Notes....
*Barring any setbacks, CMW figures to be the Yankees starter on Opening Day.
*For HC Kuo, it's a crucial spring for him - read more here.
*YC Chen is turning some heads in the Mariners organization.
*For HC Kuo, it's a crucial spring for him - read more here.
*YC Chen is turning some heads in the Mariners organization.
Friday, February 22, 2008
HS Notes....
Taichung Gao-Nong HS won the recently completed Taiwan HS Cup. The top 4 finishers of the Taiwan Cup are as follows:
1)Gao-Nong HS
2)Shi-Yuan HS
3)San-Hsin HS
4)Nan-Ying HS
Leading the way for Gao-Nong HS was junior 2-way star Wei-Da Su. Su had the highest BA and the most HR’s in the tourney. The 17 year old (DOB: 11/10/90) is another member of the talented HS class of 2009 (Yi-Hao Lin and Yao-Wen Chang have already signed professional contracts). Su, who stands 6'1" (T:R/B:L), is one of Gao-Nong's top pitchers (able to throw in the high 80's). However his ticket to a bigger and brighter future is his bat (and sweet swing).
Gao-Nong senior RHP Cheng-Hao Wang (clocked at 90 mph) was selected as the top pitcher in the tourney.
Others who were selected to the tourney all-star team included:
1)P Meng-? Fan (Gao-Nong)
2)C Chao-Hsiang Chen (Gao-Nong)
3)IF ? Lo (Gao-Nong)
4)IF Yi-Jen Lin (Shi-Yuan)
5)IF Chia-Ming Huang (San-Hsin) – hit the tourney’s other HR
6)IF Chia-Liang Hung (Nan-Ying)
7)OF Tsu-Wei He (Shi-Yuan)
8)OF Yi-Kun Huang (Gao-Nong)
9)OF Chieh-Huang Wu (Shi-Yuan)
In other HS baseball news, two of the most hyped pitchers in Taiwan have named their asking price:
1)Senior RHP Rong-Hao Hsieh from Ku-Pao HS (clocked at 83-86 mph during the tourney/represented by CSMG) is looking to sign for ~ $400 K.
2)Junior RHP Wen-Hao Cheng from Mei-Ho HS (84-87 mph during the tourney/represented by KDN Sports) is looking to sign for ~ $500K.
1)Gao-Nong HS
2)Shi-Yuan HS
3)San-Hsin HS
4)Nan-Ying HS
Leading the way for Gao-Nong HS was junior 2-way star Wei-Da Su. Su had the highest BA and the most HR’s in the tourney. The 17 year old (DOB: 11/10/90) is another member of the talented HS class of 2009 (Yi-Hao Lin and Yao-Wen Chang have already signed professional contracts). Su, who stands 6'1" (T:R/B:L), is one of Gao-Nong's top pitchers (able to throw in the high 80's). However his ticket to a bigger and brighter future is his bat (and sweet swing).
WD Su
(pictures courtesy of Liberty Times and Apple Daily)
Gao-Nong senior RHP Cheng-Hao Wang (clocked at 90 mph) was selected as the top pitcher in the tourney.
Others who were selected to the tourney all-star team included:
1)P Meng-? Fan (Gao-Nong)
2)C Chao-Hsiang Chen (Gao-Nong)
3)IF ? Lo (Gao-Nong)
4)IF Yi-Jen Lin (Shi-Yuan)
5)IF Chia-Ming Huang (San-Hsin) – hit the tourney’s other HR
6)IF Chia-Liang Hung (Nan-Ying)
7)OF Tsu-Wei He (Shi-Yuan)
8)OF Yi-Kun Huang (Gao-Nong)
9)OF Chieh-Huang Wu (Shi-Yuan)
In other HS baseball news, two of the most hyped pitchers in Taiwan have named their asking price:
1)Senior RHP Rong-Hao Hsieh from Ku-Pao HS (clocked at 83-86 mph during the tourney/represented by CSMG) is looking to sign for ~ $400 K.
2)Junior RHP Wen-Hao Cheng from Mei-Ho HS (84-87 mph during the tourney/represented by KDN Sports) is looking to sign for ~ $500K.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Not Worth an Additional $600K....
CMW lost his arbitration case and will make $4 million in 2008. Makes you wonder what went down in St. Petersburg Thursday. After 2011, if he so chooses, Wang, who expressed his wishes to remain a Yankee for life, can reciprocate the lack of respect and loyalty shown by his organization to him.
*Updated Link
*Updated Link
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Cobras No More....
The CPBL franchise formerly known as the Macoto Cobras is now the dMedia T-Rex. It'll be weird seeing Chia-Hsien Hsieh and his teammates in a new uni.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
CMW: Earning His Keep.....
Good insight on CMW's possible arbitration hearing. Read more here.
Essentially the 2 major factors working against Wang are:
1)health concerns (history of shoulder surgery and a non-surgically repaired rotator cuff tear)
2)his implosion during the 2007 playoffs
Working in Wang's favor is his production. You could argue that Wang was a key component in helping his team to reach the post season the past 2 years. He led the NYY pitching staff and won 19 games in both 2006 and 2007.
The Yankes won their division by 10 games in 2006. Although the Yankees lost to the Tigers in the Division Championship Series that year, it seems to be forgotten that Wang won the only game for the Yankees in that Series.
In 2007, the Yankees won the AL wild card by 6 games over the Tigers and Mariners. We all know about Wang's forgettable 2 outings during the ALDS against the Indians.
The key thing to remember about all of this is the revenue generated by ticket sales and other venues during the two home games played during each of the 2 past post seasons. The Yankees profited further by making it to the playoffs.
Wang's marketability is also undeniable. He is the face of Taiwan to many unfamiliar with the tiny island nation. When I was in Taiwan last May, Wang's image and news saturated the media 24-7, making it easy for anyone to understand why the NYY organization is the most popular ML team in Taiwan. Hence you can imagine the kind of revenue that Wang generates for MLB and the Yankees. Wang is the main reason for why this lucrative MLB television deal was accomplished in Taiwan. From my personal perspective, I am not a Yankees fan, but I do own a few officially licensed CMW apparel that have the Yankees logo emblazoned prominently.
The above-article suggests that the Yankees are standing firm on their offer of $4 million based on Dontrelle Willis's record-breaking 2006 contract ($4.35 million for a first-time arbitration eligible SP). However if you factor in inflation (let's say we put that number at 3% annually), Dontrelle's contract in 2006 would be worth around ~ $4.61 million today. Is it a coincidence that Wang's sports agency is currently asking for $4.6 million?
Looking at the numbers, Wang and Willis both had pretty similar numbers over the first 3 years of their career:
Dontrelle won 46 games, lost 27 and had a 3.28 ERA from '03-'05.
Wang won 46 games, lost 18 and had a 3.74 ERA from '05-'07.
Willis helped his team to the playoffs in one of those 3 years (The Marlins did win the WS in '03). The Yankees have been to the post season in every one of Wang's first 3 years (although the Yanks have not been able to get out of the ALDS these past 3 post seasons).
Should this go to arbitration, it'll be interesting to see how all this plays out. Personally, I feel Wang deserves the $4.6 million.
Essentially the 2 major factors working against Wang are:
1)health concerns (history of shoulder surgery and a non-surgically repaired rotator cuff tear)
2)his implosion during the 2007 playoffs
Working in Wang's favor is his production. You could argue that Wang was a key component in helping his team to reach the post season the past 2 years. He led the NYY pitching staff and won 19 games in both 2006 and 2007.
The Yankes won their division by 10 games in 2006. Although the Yankees lost to the Tigers in the Division Championship Series that year, it seems to be forgotten that Wang won the only game for the Yankees in that Series.
In 2007, the Yankees won the AL wild card by 6 games over the Tigers and Mariners. We all know about Wang's forgettable 2 outings during the ALDS against the Indians.
The key thing to remember about all of this is the revenue generated by ticket sales and other venues during the two home games played during each of the 2 past post seasons. The Yankees profited further by making it to the playoffs.
Wang's marketability is also undeniable. He is the face of Taiwan to many unfamiliar with the tiny island nation. When I was in Taiwan last May, Wang's image and news saturated the media 24-7, making it easy for anyone to understand why the NYY organization is the most popular ML team in Taiwan. Hence you can imagine the kind of revenue that Wang generates for MLB and the Yankees. Wang is the main reason for why this lucrative MLB television deal was accomplished in Taiwan. From my personal perspective, I am not a Yankees fan, but I do own a few officially licensed CMW apparel that have the Yankees logo emblazoned prominently.
The above-article suggests that the Yankees are standing firm on their offer of $4 million based on Dontrelle Willis's record-breaking 2006 contract ($4.35 million for a first-time arbitration eligible SP). However if you factor in inflation (let's say we put that number at 3% annually), Dontrelle's contract in 2006 would be worth around ~ $4.61 million today. Is it a coincidence that Wang's sports agency is currently asking for $4.6 million?
Looking at the numbers, Wang and Willis both had pretty similar numbers over the first 3 years of their career:
Dontrelle won 46 games, lost 27 and had a 3.28 ERA from '03-'05.
Wang won 46 games, lost 18 and had a 3.74 ERA from '05-'07.
Willis helped his team to the playoffs in one of those 3 years (The Marlins did win the WS in '03). The Yankees have been to the post season in every one of Wang's first 3 years (although the Yanks have not been able to get out of the ALDS these past 3 post seasons).
Should this go to arbitration, it'll be interesting to see how all this plays out. Personally, I feel Wang deserves the $4.6 million.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
High Rate of Attrition....
P's Chin-Hui Tsao & Po-Hsuan Keng, IF Sen Yang, and OF Chia-Hsien Hsieh have withdrawn themselves from consideration for the OQ tourney, possibly clearing the way for some younger players to make the NT. With YC Chen and CL Hu being unavailable, this could be the middle infield combo we'll see come March:
Chih-Sheng Lin (SS) foreground/Chih-Hsien Chiang (2B) background
Chih-Sheng Lin (SS) foreground/Chih-Hsien Chiang (2B) backgroundMonday, February 11, 2008
The Rumor Mill.......
Rumor has it that the New York Yankees have hired Ken Su as their scout in Taiwan. If true, one can only wonder what took them (the Yankees) so long to do so. The Yankees one and only foray into Taiwan was back in 2000, when John Cox (who no longer works for the Yankees) was credited with signing Chien-Ming Wang. That single signing has paid off big time for the NYY organization.
The hearsay hiring of Ken Su (not to be confused with current Twins local scout Kenny Su) does raise an eyebrow or two. Ken, the former Minnesota Twins local scout in Taiwan (for the past 2+ years) also worked for the Boston Red Sox (for around 9 months) prior to his gig with the Twins. In his scouting career, the only player Ken has signed is Twins OF Wang-Wei Lin, who signed for $120 K. Lin struggled in the GCL last year, hitting only .194 with 25 K's in 62 AB's.
It seems as if qualified scouts are hard to come by in Taiwan. The recycling of scouts with different organizations also occurred with Steve Wilson, who worked with the Phillies prior to his current position with the Chicago Cubs.
The hearsay hiring of Ken Su (not to be confused with current Twins local scout Kenny Su) does raise an eyebrow or two. Ken, the former Minnesota Twins local scout in Taiwan (for the past 2+ years) also worked for the Boston Red Sox (for around 9 months) prior to his gig with the Twins. In his scouting career, the only player Ken has signed is Twins OF Wang-Wei Lin, who signed for $120 K. Lin struggled in the GCL last year, hitting only .194 with 25 K's in 62 AB's.
It seems as if qualified scouts are hard to come by in Taiwan. The recycling of scouts with different organizations also occurred with Steve Wilson, who worked with the Phillies prior to his current position with the Chicago Cubs.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Chicken Scratch(ed)....
En-Yu "The Chicken" Lin will not participate in the March OQ Tourney due to a sore right shoulder. This is a big blow to the NT as Lin would've been counted on as the probable ace of the starting rotation.
The NT closed out its tour in PR with a 2-1 win over the PR NT. Chih-Chia Chang continued his impressive run on the island with another good outing Wednesday. Chang allowed only one run on 2 hits over 6 IP. He also had 8 K's.
The NT closed out its tour in PR with a 2-1 win over the PR NT. Chih-Chia Chang continued his impressive run on the island with another good outing Wednesday. Chang allowed only one run on 2 hits over 6 IP. He also had 8 K's.
Monday, February 04, 2008
NT Roster....
Here's the current NT preliminary roster (currently at 37). The list will be pared down to 24 prior to the OQ tourney in March.
Pitchers:
1)Chin-Hui Tsao (Royals)
2)Po-Hsuan Keng (Blue Jays)
3)En-Yu Lin (Eagles)
4)Ming-Chieh Hsu (S. Lions)
5)Chien-Ming Chiang (Giants)
6)Chih-Chia Chang
7)Kevin Huang (Bears)
8)Wei-Lun Pan (P. Lions)
9)Chien-Fu Yang (Bulls)
10)Fu-Te Ni (Whales)
11)Chen-Chang Lee
12)Wei-Hua Lee (P. Lions)
13)Po-Yu Lin (White Sox)
14)Chu-Kuan Lee
15)Kai-Wen Cheng
16)Ko-Chien Lin
17)Chia-Chun Tang (Whales)
18)Chih-Lung Huang
Catchers:
1)Chun-Chang Yeh (Bulls)
2)Feng-Min Chen (Bears)
3)Chih-Kang Kao (P. Lions)
4)Kun-Sheng Lin
Infielders:
1)Kuo-Ching Kao (P. Lions)
2)Sen Yang (P. Lions)
3)Tai-Shan Chang (Bulls)
4)Cheng-Min Peng (Elephants)
5)Sheng-Wei Wang (Elephants)
6)Chih-Sheng Lin (Bears)
7)Chih-Hsien Chiang (Red Sox)
8)Yi-Chuan Lin (Bulls)
Outfielders:
1)Chin-Feng Chen (Bears)
2)Chia-Hsien Hsieh (Cobras)
3)Kuo-Hui Lo (Mariners)
4)Che-Hsuan Lin (Red Sox)
5)Chen-Yu Chung
6)Chih-Yao Chan (Cobras)
7)Chien-Ming Chang (Bulls)
Pitchers:
1)Chin-Hui Tsao (Royals)
2)Po-Hsuan Keng (Blue Jays)
3)En-Yu Lin (Eagles)
4)Ming-Chieh Hsu (S. Lions)
5)Chien-Ming Chiang (Giants)
6)Chih-Chia Chang
7)Kevin Huang (Bears)
8)Wei-Lun Pan (P. Lions)
9)Chien-Fu Yang (Bulls)
10)Fu-Te Ni (Whales)
11)Chen-Chang Lee
12)Wei-Hua Lee (P. Lions)
13)Po-Yu Lin (White Sox)
14)Chu-Kuan Lee
15)Kai-Wen Cheng
16)Ko-Chien Lin
17)Chia-Chun Tang (Whales)
18)Chih-Lung Huang
Catchers:
1)Chun-Chang Yeh (Bulls)
2)Feng-Min Chen (Bears)
3)Chih-Kang Kao (P. Lions)
4)Kun-Sheng Lin
Infielders:
1)Kuo-Ching Kao (P. Lions)
2)Sen Yang (P. Lions)
3)Tai-Shan Chang (Bulls)
4)Cheng-Min Peng (Elephants)
5)Sheng-Wei Wang (Elephants)
6)Chih-Sheng Lin (Bears)
7)Chih-Hsien Chiang (Red Sox)
8)Yi-Chuan Lin (Bulls)
Outfielders:
1)Chin-Feng Chen (Bears)
2)Chia-Hsien Hsieh (Cobras)
3)Kuo-Hui Lo (Mariners)
4)Che-Hsuan Lin (Red Sox)
5)Chen-Yu Chung
6)Chih-Yao Chan (Cobras)
7)Chien-Ming Chang (Bulls)
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Wine One, Lose One....
Friday, February 01, 2008
Staying Put....
*In a move to keep talent in Taiwan, the President Lions signed pitcher Wei-Lun Pan to a 3 year deal. Pan will receive ~ $14,200/month (460,000 NT) in 2008, ~ $15,600/month (500,000 NT) in 2009, and ~ $15,900/month (510,000 NT) in 2010. Pan is the second highest paid domestic player in the CPBL and will earn approximately ~ $172,300 in 2008.
Bears IF Chih-Sheng Lin also cracked the list of highest paid domestic players when he was recently signed to a multi-year deal that will pay him ~ $9,700/month (310,000 NT) in 2008 through 2010.
Tarzan, the veteran star for the Sinon Bulls will make ~ $9,400/month (300,000 NT) in 2008.
CH Hsieh, the Cobras star, is still waiting the fate of his team's status (pending acquisition by D-Media).
*The 411 on the Indians' scouting presence in Taiwan has been updated.
*The NT lost to the PR NT 5-1 on Friday.
*Updates on CMW: If the Yankees can't come to terms with Wang, the arbitration hearing is set for Feb. 14th. As late as this past Tuesday, the Twins asked for CMW as part of a proposed package for Johan Santana.
Bears IF Chih-Sheng Lin also cracked the list of highest paid domestic players when he was recently signed to a multi-year deal that will pay him ~ $9,700/month (310,000 NT) in 2008 through 2010.
Tarzan, the veteran star for the Sinon Bulls will make ~ $9,400/month (300,000 NT) in 2008.
CH Hsieh, the Cobras star, is still waiting the fate of his team's status (pending acquisition by D-Media).
*The 411 on the Indians' scouting presence in Taiwan has been updated.
*The NT lost to the PR NT 5-1 on Friday.
*Updates on CMW: If the Yankees can't come to terms with Wang, the arbitration hearing is set for Feb. 14th. As late as this past Tuesday, the Twins asked for CMW as part of a proposed package for Johan Santana.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
NT in PR....Games 8 & 9
*The NT defeated the PR NT 6-2 on Tuesday. US minor leaguers Yen-Wen Kuo, Che-Hsuan Lin, and Chih-Hsien Chiang all collected 2 hits each.
The NT defeated Carolina, PR today 7-2 behind Chih-Hsien Chiang's big night - he was 2-5 with a double, a triple, and 3 RBI's. The NT is now 6-3 in PR.
*Wang's got a new do':
He's in Arizona preparing for the upcoming season.
*The IBAF has released the schedule for the upcoming March Olympic Qualifying Tourney. Taiwan's schedule:
3/7 vs. Spain
3/8 vs. Mexico
3/9 vs. Germany
3/10 vs. Canada
3/12 vs. Australia
3/13 vs. South Africa
3/14 vs. South Korea
- It looks like Yung-Chi Chen and Chin-Lung Hu will not be available to play in March - the IBAF is ruling that any player on a ML 40-man roster can not participate in the tourney.
The NT defeated Carolina, PR today 7-2 behind Chih-Hsien Chiang's big night - he was 2-5 with a double, a triple, and 3 RBI's. The NT is now 6-3 in PR.
*Wang's got a new do':
He's in Arizona preparing for the upcoming season.*The IBAF has released the schedule for the upcoming March Olympic Qualifying Tourney. Taiwan's schedule:
3/7 vs. Spain
3/8 vs. Mexico
3/9 vs. Germany
3/10 vs. Canada
3/12 vs. Australia
3/13 vs. South Africa
3/14 vs. South Korea
- It looks like Yung-Chi Chen and Chin-Lung Hu will not be available to play in March - the IBAF is ruling that any player on a ML 40-man roster can not participate in the tourney.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
NT in PR...Game 7....
Game action from 1/27 - Taiwan won 5-1 over Carolina, PR. Kun-Sheng Lin led the way with a 3-4 night while Tsung-Han Yu cracked the team's first HR in PR.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Scouting Taiwan....
Since 1999, 4 of the first 6 players signed out of Taiwan have made it to the Show. While the Yankees, Dodgers, and Rockies have all had at least one Taiwanese player make it to the Majors, other ML clubs are searching for the next future ML'er in Taiwan.
In the organizational ladder, the local/area scout is instrumental in identifying players that he feels would be a future asset to his team. Since most of these guys get so little publicity, I thought I'd put together a compilation of current MLB scouts in Taiwan and the highest profile signing that they've been given credit for so far:
Seattle Mariners: Jamey Storvick - signed RHP Chia-An Huang ($700K)
Boston Red Sox: Niko Lin - signed OF Che-Hsuan Lin ($400K)
Atlanta Braves: Jeremy Chu - signed RHP Chen-En Hung ($120K)
Chicago Cubs: Steve Wilson - signed RHP Hong-Wen Chen ($150K)
Minnesota Twins: Cary Broder/Kenny Su - NA (recent hirees)
Detroit Tigers: Allen Lin - NA (recent hire)
Cincinnati Reds: Fu Chiang - signed LHP Tzu-Kai Chiu ($250K)
Chicago White Sox: Samuel Fu - signed RHP Po-Yu Lin ($300K)
Cleveland Indians: Jason Lee/Ming-Hsiao Hung - signed RHP Sung-Wei Tseng ($300 K)/C Chun-Hsiu Chen ($300 K)
*Updated*
In the organizational ladder, the local/area scout is instrumental in identifying players that he feels would be a future asset to his team. Since most of these guys get so little publicity, I thought I'd put together a compilation of current MLB scouts in Taiwan and the highest profile signing that they've been given credit for so far:
Seattle Mariners: Jamey Storvick - signed RHP Chia-An Huang ($700K)
Boston Red Sox: Niko Lin - signed OF Che-Hsuan Lin ($400K)
Atlanta Braves: Jeremy Chu - signed RHP Chen-En Hung ($120K)
Chicago Cubs: Steve Wilson - signed RHP Hong-Wen Chen ($150K)
Minnesota Twins: Cary Broder/Kenny Su - NA (recent hirees)
Detroit Tigers: Allen Lin - NA (recent hire)
Cincinnati Reds: Fu Chiang - signed LHP Tzu-Kai Chiu ($250K)
Chicago White Sox: Samuel Fu - signed RHP Po-Yu Lin ($300K)
Cleveland Indians: Jason Lee/Ming-Hsiao Hung - signed RHP Sung-Wei Tseng ($300 K)/C Chun-Hsiu Chen ($300 K)
*Updated*
Thursday, January 24, 2008
NT in PR.....Game 6......
The NT lost 2-1 to Carolina, PR in another pitcher's duel on Thursday.
Heading for Arbitration?
The NY Times is reporting that both sides (Wang/Yankees) are standing pretty firm on their current $ figures.
Heading for Arbitration?
The NY Times is reporting that both sides (Wang/Yankees) are standing pretty firm on their current $ figures.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Positive ID....
Here's a follow up on an earlier story broken by Baseballfly. I-Che Kan, identified as the best prospect out of the group of kids who came out to LA last year, has his own blog/picture album.
The players pictured from left to right are: I-Che Kan, Shieh-Chieh Hsu (Chung-Dau HS), Wei-Yu Chuang (Gao-Nong HS), LHP Chiao-Hao Lo (Da-Tung HS), RHP Li-Wei Shih (Da-Tung HS). Pictured on the far right is Chin-Lung Yang (Charlie Yang), a CTBA board member and broadcaster for HS games in Taiwan. Yang was instrumental in signing all of these kids for the CTBA & WMG.
NT:
The NT won 2-0 on Wed. in PR. Wei-Hua Lee and Chih-Chia Chang combined on a 3 hit shutout.
Here's a pic from Kan's album:
NT:
The NT won 2-0 on Wed. in PR. Wei-Hua Lee and Chih-Chia Chang combined on a 3 hit shutout.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
NT in PR.....Game 4.....
The NT defeated Carolina, PR 5-3 on Tuesday. The man wielding the big stick for the NT was Chih-Hsien Chiang (3-3 with a triple and 3 RBI's).
Sunday, January 20, 2008
NT Loses to Puerto Rican NT....
Saturday, January 19, 2008
NT News....
The NT is currently in Puerto Rico in preparation for the upcoming Olympic Qualifiers in March. Taiwan will play 13 games through Feb. 6th against competition from P.R..
Taiwan lost its first game yesterday 4-1. Chen-Chang Lee started, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits over 3 IP. He was clocked at a high of 88 mph. Lefty Wei-Hua Lee (the President Lions' top pick), clocked at a high of 87 mph, threw the next 4 innings, allowing 1 run on 2 hits to go along with 5 K's. The NT's offense was only able to collect 5 hits in the game with Yen-Wen Kuo, Che-Hsuan Lin, and Chih-Hsien Chiang collecting one each.
The NT is playing Carolina (Giants), PR today. It looks like Chih-Chia Chang is starting for the NT. Check here to see the starting lineup and follow the game action.
Taiwan lost its first game yesterday 4-1. Chen-Chang Lee started, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits over 3 IP. He was clocked at a high of 88 mph. Lefty Wei-Hua Lee (the President Lions' top pick), clocked at a high of 87 mph, threw the next 4 innings, allowing 1 run on 2 hits to go along with 5 K's. The NT's offense was only able to collect 5 hits in the game with Yen-Wen Kuo, Che-Hsuan Lin, and Chih-Hsien Chiang collecting one each.
The NT is playing Carolina (Giants), PR today. It looks like Chih-Chia Chang is starting for the NT. Check here to see the starting lineup and follow the game action.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Friday News....
*Salary figures have been exchanged between CMW and the Yankees. CMW's (with CSMG) initial figure is $4.6 million dollars while the Yankees offered $4 million. That's approximately an 8-9 fold increase from last year's salary ($489,500).
*Baseball America has an indepth look at Ching-Lung Lo:
"When Lo signed for $1.4 million as a 16-year-old, he showed a mid-90s fastball. Though he never has had arm problems, he now operates with a fringe-average 88-90 mph heater. In 2006, the Rockies decided to let him go back to the Asian style of pitching, even though that means he leans on his back leg and doesn't throw on the downhill plan they prefer. That delivery doesn't allow him to use his legs and puts some strain on his arm, but more conventional U.S. mechanics weren't working. Lo seemed to make some modest progress after revering to his old style, but he regressed in 2007. Colorado also has allowed him to scrap his changeup and resume using a splitter. He throws a slider but it's still a below-average pitch. He doesn't have a plus pitch and doesn't throw enough strikes, so Lo has an uphill climb to the major leagues. He may repeat Double-A this year."
Other prospects of note who were briefly discussed in BA's chats included: Po-Yu Lin (not very positive) and Sung-Wei Tseng.
*As mentioned by Maos, the Rakuten Eagles and the Lin boys will be coming to Tainan, Taiwan in Feb. (on the 23rd) to play the President Lions.
*Baseball America has an indepth look at Ching-Lung Lo:
"When Lo signed for $1.4 million as a 16-year-old, he showed a mid-90s fastball. Though he never has had arm problems, he now operates with a fringe-average 88-90 mph heater. In 2006, the Rockies decided to let him go back to the Asian style of pitching, even though that means he leans on his back leg and doesn't throw on the downhill plan they prefer. That delivery doesn't allow him to use his legs and puts some strain on his arm, but more conventional U.S. mechanics weren't working. Lo seemed to make some modest progress after revering to his old style, but he regressed in 2007. Colorado also has allowed him to scrap his changeup and resume using a splitter. He throws a slider but it's still a below-average pitch. He doesn't have a plus pitch and doesn't throw enough strikes, so Lo has an uphill climb to the major leagues. He may repeat Double-A this year."
Other prospects of note who were briefly discussed in BA's chats included: Po-Yu Lin (not very positive) and Sung-Wei Tseng.
*As mentioned by Maos, the Rakuten Eagles and the Lin boys will be coming to Tainan, Taiwan in Feb. (on the 23rd) to play the President Lions.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
The Fab 5.....
Kid CFC
L-R: Sung, Tseng, ChengFlashback to 1990. The San-Hua LL team from Tainan County won the 1990 LLWS in Williamsport, PA. That team would produce 5 future pro ballplayers - Chin-Feng Chen, IF Chang-Ming Cheng, OF Sun-Hsien Yang, DH Han-Chou Tseng, and P Chao-Chi Sung. CFC's career exploits have been well documented. Tseng, Cheng, Yang, and Sung would all begin their pro careers with the CT Whales in the CPBL.
Although CFC has turned out to be the best of the bunch by far, P Chao-Chi Sung was the star player back in 1990. Sung threw a CG 2-hit shutout, K'ing 16 along the way. As a pro, Sung was one of the best pitchers playing domestically in Taiwan. He had a career year in 2002 with the Chinatrust Whales when he won the Triple Crown in pitching - the first ever such accomplishment in the history of the CPBL. Sung led the league in wins (16W - 8 L), a 2.13 ERA, and 183 K's over 206 IP. (2002 was the last year before the CPBL and TML merged in 2003) Despite his meteoric rise to prominence in 2002, Sung fell off the map when he was released by the Whales a few years back.
As for the other three players:
CM ChengHan-Chou Tseng, the CT Whales team captain and DH was also involved in the scandal and had his contract terminated.
SH Yang*Edited/Updated
What They're Getting Paid...
Here's a look at what a few star CPBL players will make domestically in 2008 - the numbers are monthly figures. Keep in mind that the CPBL season typically runs from March through October annually.
1)Chin-Feng Chen (La New Bears) - 830,000 NT/month ~ $25,600/mo
(CFC's annual salary is roughly around $300,000 a year)*Edited
2)Wei-Lun Pan (President Lions) - 460,000 NT/month ~ $14,200/mo
3)Kuo-Ching Kao (President Lions) - 350,000 NT/month ~ $10,800/mo
4)Cheng-Min Peng (Brother Elephants) - 320,000 NT/month ~ $9,900/mo
According to this poster on the Baseball Fever message board, the avg. monthly salary (in 2007) in the CPBL is ~ $3,400/month. International players make more, averaging $5K to $12K a month. *Edited
Here's a few updates on the 2008 salaries for NPB players:
1)Wei-Chu Lin of the Hanshin Tigers received a significant raise for 2008 - he'll make ~$414,000 this year as compared to ~$163,000 last year.
2)Chung-Shou Yang (Fighters) also received a raise for 2008 - he'll receive ~ $115,000 this year (he made $90,500 in 2007).
3)Wei-Yin Chen (Dragons) will receive ~$55,100 in 2008.
4)Chien-Ming Chiang's (Giants) 2008 salary will remain the same as last year ~$77,000.
For comparative purposes, you can refer back at an earlier post that addresses what some of the overseas players were making in 2007.
1)Chin-Feng Chen (La New Bears) - 830,000 NT/month ~ $25,600/mo
(CFC's annual salary is roughly around $300,000 a year)*Edited
2)Wei-Lun Pan (President Lions) - 460,000 NT/month ~ $14,200/mo
3)Kuo-Ching Kao (President Lions) - 350,000 NT/month ~ $10,800/mo
4)Cheng-Min Peng (Brother Elephants) - 320,000 NT/month ~ $9,900/mo
According to this poster on the Baseball Fever message board, the avg. monthly salary (in 2007) in the CPBL is ~ $3,400/month. International players make more, averaging $5K to $12K a month. *Edited
Here's a few updates on the 2008 salaries for NPB players:
1)Wei-Chu Lin of the Hanshin Tigers received a significant raise for 2008 - he'll make ~$414,000 this year as compared to ~$163,000 last year.
2)Chung-Shou Yang (Fighters) also received a raise for 2008 - he'll receive ~ $115,000 this year (he made $90,500 in 2007).
3)Wei-Yin Chen (Dragons) will receive ~$55,100 in 2008.
4)Chien-Ming Chiang's (Giants) 2008 salary will remain the same as last year ~$77,000.
For comparative purposes, you can refer back at an earlier post that addresses what some of the overseas players were making in 2007.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Prospect Rankings Continued...
Here's a follow up on an earlier post. The "Bible" on minor league baseball prospects is coming out soon. Baseball America's 2008 Prospect Handbook, profiling the top 30 prospects of every ML organization, will have the scouting reports for three Taiwanese prospects: Chin-Lung Hu (D0dgers), Yung-Chi Chen (Mariners), and Che-Hsuan Lin (Red Sox).
In their respective organizations,
Hu was ranked #3
Chen was ranked #20
Lin was ranked #24
Friday, January 04, 2008
Friday News...
Some more tidbits to pass on.....
*Rumor has it that Adam Chang/IBB (represented PY Lin and CA Huang) is quitting his side job as an agent.
*Here's a follow up on Chen-Hua Lin - the RHP (side armer) who was linked to the Minnesota Twins earlier. Lin, currently at CCU in Taiwan, almost signed with the Twins while he was at Chung-Dau HS in Yilan, Taiwan. The Twins lost out on CH Lin (who was pushed by his HS coach to sign) when Lin's dad decided at the last minute that the ~$100K signing bonus was too low. Lin's throwing motion (arm angle) has been changed and he is throwing out of the 3/4 arm slot now.
CH Lin
*Rumor has it that Adam Chang/IBB (represented PY Lin and CA Huang) is quitting his side job as an agent.
*Here's a follow up on Chen-Hua Lin - the RHP (side armer) who was linked to the Minnesota Twins earlier. Lin, currently at CCU in Taiwan, almost signed with the Twins while he was at Chung-Dau HS in Yilan, Taiwan. The Twins lost out on CH Lin (who was pushed by his HS coach to sign) when Lin's dad decided at the last minute that the ~$100K signing bonus was too low. Lin's throwing motion (arm angle) has been changed and he is throwing out of the 3/4 arm slot now.
CH Lin"I Beg To Differ......"
Baseball America has its top 10 prospects up for the Boston Red Sox. Although they didn't make the top 15 list, Che-Hsuan Lin and Chih-Hsien Chiang were mentioned by Jim Callis (the Executive Editor for BA) as two of the international FA signings (alongside O. Tejeda, A. Diaz, M. Almanzar, & Y. Navarro) in the organization with the brightest futures. Lin was also selected as having the best OF arm in the system.
There are a ton of other "gurus" out there with their own organizational prospect rankings for 2008:
1)TPA has CL Hu ranked as the #3 prospect in the Dodgers system while YC Chen is #9 in the Mariners organization.
2)The Scouting Book has CL Hu ranked #94 overall.
3)CL Hu also appears in Project Prospect's Top 5 Organizational List as the #4 prospect in the Dodgers' system.
4)Che-Hsuan Lin was ranked #11 in the Red Sox organization by Baseball Prospectus.
5)John Sickels on MinorLeagueBall.com has Kuo-Hui Lo ranked #12 and Yung-Chi Chen ranked #17 in the Mariners organization. Hu is the #4 LAD prospect.
6)Hu was ranked #3 by BA.
There are a ton of other "gurus" out there with their own organizational prospect rankings for 2008:
1)TPA has CL Hu ranked as the #3 prospect in the Dodgers system while YC Chen is #9 in the Mariners organization.
2)The Scouting Book has CL Hu ranked #94 overall.
3)CL Hu also appears in Project Prospect's Top 5 Organizational List as the #4 prospect in the Dodgers' system.
4)Che-Hsuan Lin was ranked #11 in the Red Sox organization by Baseball Prospectus.
5)John Sickels on MinorLeagueBall.com has Kuo-Hui Lo ranked #12 and Yung-Chi Chen ranked #17 in the Mariners organization. Hu is the #4 LAD prospect.
6)Hu was ranked #3 by BA.
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Nice start! I saw in the end that there was some altercation (pointing and yelling mainly) between the two teams. I didn't watch the entire game to see what the conflict was all about. Can anyone fill me in on this? Thanks.
TTT said...
I may be wrong but I think the Spanish team was upset that Kuo-Hui Lo stole 2nd base in the bottom of the 7th with Taiwan up by 9 runs. They thought it was unsportsmanlike so C Chih-Kang Kao received a brush-back pitch in retaliation. Words were exchanged between the two teams.