Top HS prospect Cheng-Hao Wang of Taichung Gao-Nong HS reportedly tore his UCL earlier in the tourney.
His HS coach Lee - his guardian & agent, still made him pitch yesterday against Ku-Pao, and the injury got more severe, hence leading to his hasty departure in the second inning of yesterday's game.
It's sad to see the abuse & overuse (he appeared in Friday & Saturday's games prior to his start on Sunday) of the young man lead to this.
*Edited
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Movin' On Up!
A preseason top 10 of the current crop of HS seniors was posted before (1-5, 6-10). Based on performance so far in the wood bat tourney:
***
MC Lin
The new #1 prospect is--Chung-Dao RHP Ming-Chie Lin-- he has good size, a projectable build, has significantly improved his delivery & velocity, he's a 2-way player (he's held his own at the plate - decent hitter and catcher), the key for him would be to improve his velocity & develop an average breaking pitch.
***
HH Pan (R)
The biggest surprise so far--Chung-Dao INF Hong-Hsiang Pan--a 5'9'' switch hitter with above average speed, soft hands defensively with average range - gets rid off the ball quickly, has quick & strong wrists.
***
CD Chang
The #1 incoming prospect (equivalent of a US HS sophomore)--Gao-Nong INF Chin-De Chang--has excellent bat speed, a decent stroke from the left-side with power, has a strong throwing arm, is an average runner, but body is thick and filled out on his 5'10'' frame, lacks a defensive position, not very good at 3B. Gao-Nong is fortunate to have him, as the kid almost ended up in Japan.
***
MC Lin***
HH Pan (R)***
CD ChangSunday Rundown....
NT:
-The CTBA plans to hold a second training session for the WBC in early '09. The plan is for the players to train in late January and then have a 30 man squad go to Australia.
-The CTBA & NT HC Yeh said that it is unlikely that they'll use younger players from the US & Japan for the WBC; most likely the younger kids will be selected for the World Cup in September.
-NT pitching coach Tai-Yuan Kuo has stated how hard it's been to choose/eval pitchers since most of the pitchers in camp aren't allowed to throw bullpen sessions yet.
-If selected, the Pirates will allow LHP CH Cheng to play in the WBC.
-CH Tsao's agency - CSMG/Octagon has reported that there are three ML teams interested in him.
Other:
Gambling and corruption have plagued the CPBL for quite some time now. Recently, some news outlets have reported that the KBO has its own gambling scandal.
-The CTBA plans to hold a second training session for the WBC in early '09. The plan is for the players to train in late January and then have a 30 man squad go to Australia.
-The CTBA & NT HC Yeh said that it is unlikely that they'll use younger players from the US & Japan for the WBC; most likely the younger kids will be selected for the World Cup in September.
-NT pitching coach Tai-Yuan Kuo has stated how hard it's been to choose/eval pitchers since most of the pitchers in camp aren't allowed to throw bullpen sessions yet.
-If selected, the Pirates will allow LHP CH Cheng to play in the WBC.
-CH Tsao's agency - CSMG/Octagon has reported that there are three ML teams interested in him.
Other:
Gambling and corruption have plagued the CPBL for quite some time now. Recently, some news outlets have reported that the KBO has its own gambling scandal.
Three Remaining Undefeated Teams....
HS Wood Bat Tourney:
-Nan-Ying took its first loss of the tourney after falling 4-2 to previously winless Kao-Yuan. Fu-Lin Kuo was 0-4 for NYHS.
-Taoyuan Agricultural HS lost 3-1 to Qiang-Shu. Lei Chou, Ching-Hung Lee, and Chih-Hao Yang combined to allow only 1 run on 3 hits for QSHS.
-Shi-Yuan blanked Cheng-Kung 7-0 over 8 innings. Po-Chen Chi started for SY and lived up to the hype, shutting out CKHS over 5 innings (1 H, 6 K's, 4 BB's).
-Chung-Dao continued its perfect run through the tourney with a 10-0 6 inning domination of San-Hsin HS. Yu-Te He started for CDHS and threw 3 innings (1 H, 0 K's/BB's - also 1-3 with 2 RBI at the plate) and was relieved by Yan-Wei Lee who picked up his 5th win in the tourney. Teammate MC Lin played at 1B and was 1-4. For SHHS, Chia-Ming Huang pitched the 6th inning, giving up 2 runs on 2 hits (to go with 1 K and 0 BB's).
-Ping-Zhen HS shutout Hualien PE HS 6-0. PZHS starter Shi-Ying Peng threw 7 shutout innings, K'ing 7, walking 2, and allowing 2 hits. Teammate 2B Hao-Chun Chiu was 3-4 with a 3B and a RBI. Chung-Cheng Chiang pitched one inning of relief for HPEHS, allowing 3 runs (2 ER) on 2 hits (0 K's, 1 BB).
-Gao-Nong defeated Ku-Pao 6-4 to knock them off from the undefeated ranks and remain perfect themselves. Cheng-Hao Wang started for GNHS, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits (2 K's, 1 BB). Wei-Da Su picked up the win for GN after throwing the last 2.1 innings (0 R, 1 H, 1 K, 5 BB's). On offense for GN, 3B Chin-De Chang was 2-5 with a RBI; Wei-Da Su was 4-5 with 2 doubles and a triple. Earning the loss was Kuan-Yu Chen who threw 6.1 innings of relief (allowed 4 runs - 2 ER on 6 hits - 6 K's,1 BB). KPHS SS Wei-Chen Wang was 3-5 with a RBI.
-Mei-Ho remained undefeated after beating San-Min HS 7-5. Wen-Hao Cheng earned his 3rd win of the tourney after throwing 4 inning in relief (2 runs - 1 ER, 5 H, 9 K's, 0 BB's - also 1-4 with a double and a RBI at the plate). Teammate CF Chan-Chia Liu was 3-5 with a 2B, 3B, and 2 RBI. For SMHS, 2B Chun-Hsiang Huang was 4-5.
-Da-Li HS won 3-0 in 10 innings over Chiayi HS. Both team's starters were dominant despite earning ND's. DLHS starter Shu-Ming Yeh's line: (7.2 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 8 K's, 2 BB's)
CHS starter Chi-Hao Huang's line: (9 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 12 K's, 5 BB's).
OTHER:
Pirates LA Scouting Director Rene Gayo is flying to Taiwan next week to hire a director for the region.
*Updated
-Nan-Ying took its first loss of the tourney after falling 4-2 to previously winless Kao-Yuan. Fu-Lin Kuo was 0-4 for NYHS.
-Taoyuan Agricultural HS lost 3-1 to Qiang-Shu. Lei Chou, Ching-Hung Lee, and Chih-Hao Yang combined to allow only 1 run on 3 hits for QSHS.
-Shi-Yuan blanked Cheng-Kung 7-0 over 8 innings. Po-Chen Chi started for SY and lived up to the hype, shutting out CKHS over 5 innings (1 H, 6 K's, 4 BB's).
-Chung-Dao continued its perfect run through the tourney with a 10-0 6 inning domination of San-Hsin HS. Yu-Te He started for CDHS and threw 3 innings (1 H, 0 K's/BB's - also 1-3 with 2 RBI at the plate) and was relieved by Yan-Wei Lee who picked up his 5th win in the tourney. Teammate MC Lin played at 1B and was 1-4. For SHHS, Chia-Ming Huang pitched the 6th inning, giving up 2 runs on 2 hits (to go with 1 K and 0 BB's).
-Ping-Zhen HS shutout Hualien PE HS 6-0. PZHS starter Shi-Ying Peng threw 7 shutout innings, K'ing 7, walking 2, and allowing 2 hits. Teammate 2B Hao-Chun Chiu was 3-4 with a 3B and a RBI. Chung-Cheng Chiang pitched one inning of relief for HPEHS, allowing 3 runs (2 ER) on 2 hits (0 K's, 1 BB).
-Gao-Nong defeated Ku-Pao 6-4 to knock them off from the undefeated ranks and remain perfect themselves. Cheng-Hao Wang started for GNHS, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits (2 K's, 1 BB). Wei-Da Su picked up the win for GN after throwing the last 2.1 innings (0 R, 1 H, 1 K, 5 BB's). On offense for GN, 3B Chin-De Chang was 2-5 with a RBI; Wei-Da Su was 4-5 with 2 doubles and a triple. Earning the loss was Kuan-Yu Chen who threw 6.1 innings of relief (allowed 4 runs - 2 ER on 6 hits - 6 K's,1 BB). KPHS SS Wei-Chen Wang was 3-5 with a RBI.
-Mei-Ho remained undefeated after beating San-Min HS 7-5. Wen-Hao Cheng earned his 3rd win of the tourney after throwing 4 inning in relief (2 runs - 1 ER, 5 H, 9 K's, 0 BB's - also 1-4 with a double and a RBI at the plate). Teammate CF Chan-Chia Liu was 3-5 with a 2B, 3B, and 2 RBI. For SMHS, 2B Chun-Hsiang Huang was 4-5.
-Da-Li HS won 3-0 in 10 innings over Chiayi HS. Both team's starters were dominant despite earning ND's. DLHS starter Shu-Ming Yeh's line: (7.2 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 8 K's, 2 BB's)
CHS starter Chi-Hao Huang's line: (9 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 12 K's, 5 BB's).
OTHER:
Pirates LA Scouting Director Rene Gayo is flying to Taiwan next week to hire a director for the region.
*Updated
Saturday, December 06, 2008
12/6 Action....
HS Wood Bat Tourney:
-Chung-Dao HS moved to 2-0 in the second round with a 2-1 win over Chiayi HS. Ming-Chie Lin started for CDHS but earned a ND. He allowed 1 ER on 3 hits over 3 IP (4 K's, 0 BB's) and helped his own cause with a 1-2, RBI performance at the plate. Yu-Te He pitched a perfect 9th inning, K'ing 1 and drove in the team's other run as he was 1-2 with a RBI. Yu-Fan Tsai was the hard-luck loser for CHS (giving up 2 runs on 3 hits over 8 IP, 9 K's/9 BB's).
-San-Min HS also stayed unbeaten with a 7-1 win over Shi-Yuan HS.
-Ku-Pao is also 2-0 after the team blanked Qiang-Shu 2-0. KPHS starter Li-Chie Sung earned the win after blanking the opposition on 1 hit over 5 IP (6 K's, 2 BB's). KP SS Wei-Chen Wang was 1-4.
-Nan-Ying won its second game of the second round with an 8 inning 8-1 victory over Ping-Zhen HS. NY starter Keng-Hao Chang allowed only 1 unearned run on 2 hits over 8 IP (6 K's, 0 BB's). NY 3B Fu-Lin Kuo was 3-3 with a 2B, 3B, and 2 RBI.
-San-Hsin defeated Da-Li HS 4-3 despite being outhit 6-4 to improve its record to 2-0 in the second round. Tzu-An Wang pitched 4 innings of relief for SHHS, giving up 1 run on 2 hits (5 K's, 3 BB's). SH CF Hua-Wei Lo drove in 3 runs (1-4, 3B) while 3B Chia-Ming Huang was 2-4 with a 3B.
-Mei-Ho stayed among the undefeated with a 5-3 win over Cheng-Kung HS. MH SS Chi-Fang Pan smacked a HR and was 2-4 with 2 RBI. Teammate DH Wen-Hao Cheng was 0-4.
-Gao-Nong HS is now 2-0 also after squeaking by Taoyuan Agricultural HS 1-0. Gao-Nong managed only 3 hits (versus 6 by TAHS). GN starter Wei-Yu Chuang threw 5 shutout innings to pick up the win. Relievers Wei-Da Su (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K/BB; 0-2 at the plate) and Cheng-Hao Wang (1 IP, 0 H, 2 K's, 0 BB's) helped to pitch the shutout. 3B Chin-De Chang had the team's lone XBH (1-4, 2B).
-Hualien PE HS won 6-5 over Kao-Yuan. HPEHS 2B Kai-Wen Cheng was 3-4 with 2 RBI. For Kao-Yuan: SS Chung-Han Tsai was 2-4 with two triples/C Yi-Sa Weng was 1-3 with a RBI/3B-1B Chi-Hung Hsu was 2-3 with 2 RBI.
-Chung-Dao HS moved to 2-0 in the second round with a 2-1 win over Chiayi HS. Ming-Chie Lin started for CDHS but earned a ND. He allowed 1 ER on 3 hits over 3 IP (4 K's, 0 BB's) and helped his own cause with a 1-2, RBI performance at the plate. Yu-Te He pitched a perfect 9th inning, K'ing 1 and drove in the team's other run as he was 1-2 with a RBI. Yu-Fan Tsai was the hard-luck loser for CHS (giving up 2 runs on 3 hits over 8 IP, 9 K's/9 BB's).
-San-Min HS also stayed unbeaten with a 7-1 win over Shi-Yuan HS.
-Ku-Pao is also 2-0 after the team blanked Qiang-Shu 2-0. KPHS starter Li-Chie Sung earned the win after blanking the opposition on 1 hit over 5 IP (6 K's, 2 BB's). KP SS Wei-Chen Wang was 1-4.
-Nan-Ying won its second game of the second round with an 8 inning 8-1 victory over Ping-Zhen HS. NY starter Keng-Hao Chang allowed only 1 unearned run on 2 hits over 8 IP (6 K's, 0 BB's). NY 3B Fu-Lin Kuo was 3-3 with a 2B, 3B, and 2 RBI.
-San-Hsin defeated Da-Li HS 4-3 despite being outhit 6-4 to improve its record to 2-0 in the second round. Tzu-An Wang pitched 4 innings of relief for SHHS, giving up 1 run on 2 hits (5 K's, 3 BB's). SH CF Hua-Wei Lo drove in 3 runs (1-4, 3B) while 3B Chia-Ming Huang was 2-4 with a 3B.
-Mei-Ho stayed among the undefeated with a 5-3 win over Cheng-Kung HS. MH SS Chi-Fang Pan smacked a HR and was 2-4 with 2 RBI. Teammate DH Wen-Hao Cheng was 0-4.
-Gao-Nong HS is now 2-0 also after squeaking by Taoyuan Agricultural HS 1-0. Gao-Nong managed only 3 hits (versus 6 by TAHS). GN starter Wei-Yu Chuang threw 5 shutout innings to pick up the win. Relievers Wei-Da Su (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K/BB; 0-2 at the plate) and Cheng-Hao Wang (1 IP, 0 H, 2 K's, 0 BB's) helped to pitch the shutout. 3B Chin-De Chang had the team's lone XBH (1-4, 2B).
-Hualien PE HS won 6-5 over Kao-Yuan. HPEHS 2B Kai-Wen Cheng was 3-4 with 2 RBI. For Kao-Yuan: SS Chung-Han Tsai was 2-4 with two triples/C Yi-Sa Weng was 1-3 with a RBI/3B-1B Chi-Hung Hsu was 2-3 with 2 RBI.
CH Cheng Signs with Pirates...
*Well, Pittsburgh Pirates GM Neal Huntington stated in a recent Q&A that he has hired/or was in the process of hiring a scout in Taiwan. The Pirates took the plunge into the Taiwanese market by signing former Blue Jays farmhand LHP Chi-Hung Cheng to a one year deal; he'll start in A ball next season.
*Chin-Hui Tsao met with the GM and owner of the Sinon Bulls - will Tsao follow in the footsteps of CFC and play at home? Only time will tell.
*Pics from the Taiwan 5 workout at SC: Link 1/Link 2
According to the author of the blog, the workout began December 3rd and will finish today on the 6th (conducted from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM).
*Chin-Hui Tsao met with the GM and owner of the Sinon Bulls - will Tsao follow in the footsteps of CFC and play at home? Only time will tell.
*Pics from the Taiwan 5 workout at SC: Link 1/Link 2
According to the author of the blog, the workout began December 3rd and will finish today on the 6th (conducted from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM).
Friday, December 05, 2008
Second Round Action Kicks Off.....
HS Wood Bat Tourney:
-Chung-Dao HS won a 1-0 thriller over Da-Li HS. Combining on the 3 hit shutout for CDHS were starter Yan-Wei Lee (7 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 3 K's, 0 BB's) and Yu-Te He (2 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 1 K, 0 BB's). He, playing in RF for most of the game was 1-3 while teammate 1B MC Lin was also 1-3 at the plate. Taking the hard-luck loss for DLHS was Yao-Chun Lin (8 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 2 K's 0 BB's).
-Taichung Gao-Nong won 9-2 in 7 innings over Qiang-Shu. GNHS starter Meng-Chen Fan (3 IP, 1 unearned run, 2 H, 2 K's, 0 BB's) combined with heralded teammates Wei-Da Su (3 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 K, 0 BB's, 1-3 with a RBI at the plate) and Cheng-Hao Wang (1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 K, 1 BB) to shut down Qiang-Shu's offense. GN 3B Chin-De Chang was 2-4 with a double, triple, and 4 RBI.
-Ku-Pao won 9-5 over Taoyuan Agricultural HS. Kuan-Yu Chen started for KPHS and shut down TAHS over the first 3 innings (0 R, 2 H, 3 K's, 1 BB). He was also 1-2 at the plate with a RBI and SB. Ku-Pao leadoff hitter SS Wei-Chen Wang was 2-5 with a triple and a RBI.
-Nan-Ying shutout Hualien PE 7-0 in 8 innings. NYHS starter Chia-Liang Hung threw 8 shutout innings, allowing only 2 hits to go along with 9 K's and 2 BB's. Taking the loss for HPE was starter Chung-Cheng Chiang (5.2 IP, 3 R - 2 ER, 8 H, 9 K's, 1 BB). Nan-Ying 3B Fu-Lin Kuo was 2-4 with a SB.
-Mei-Ho HS beat Shi-Yuan 4-1. Wen-Hao Cheng pitched in relief of the starter and picked up his second win of the tourney. Cheng threw 6 shutout innings, allowing only 2 hits to go along with 3 K's and 3 BB's.
-Ping-Zhen HS blanked Kao-Yuan 7-0 in 7 innings. Starter Po-Ru Lin is now 3-0 in the tourney. He allowed only 2 hits in 7 innings, K'ing 9 and walking 1. PZHS 2B Hao-Chun Chiu was 3-4 with a double and a RBI.
-San-Min won 4-2 over Cheng-Kung. Both team's starters threw CG's. San-Min's Chun-Po Wang earned the W, allowing 2 unearned runs in his 9 innings of work (6 H, 2 K's, 0 BB's). Taking the loss was Che-Wai Lin (9 IP, 4 R - 3 ER, 9 H, 6 K's, 4 BB's/ was also 2-4 with a 2B at the plate).
-San-Hsin HS shutout Chiayi HS 7-0 over 8 innings. Kuo-Hua Lo threw 8 shutout innings for SHHS (3 H, 7 K's, 2 BB's). Teammate Chia-Ming Huang, playing at 3B, was 1-4 with a double and 2 RBI.
*Other:
A brief metion of the Taiwan 5 in LA, hanging out with the Pirates farmhands. It looks like the workout will be held at USC's Dedeaux Field. See pic below:
-Chung-Dao HS won a 1-0 thriller over Da-Li HS. Combining on the 3 hit shutout for CDHS were starter Yan-Wei Lee (7 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 3 K's, 0 BB's) and Yu-Te He (2 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 1 K, 0 BB's). He, playing in RF for most of the game was 1-3 while teammate 1B MC Lin was also 1-3 at the plate. Taking the hard-luck loss for DLHS was Yao-Chun Lin (8 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 2 K's 0 BB's).
-Taichung Gao-Nong won 9-2 in 7 innings over Qiang-Shu. GNHS starter Meng-Chen Fan (3 IP, 1 unearned run, 2 H, 2 K's, 0 BB's) combined with heralded teammates Wei-Da Su (3 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 K, 0 BB's, 1-3 with a RBI at the plate) and Cheng-Hao Wang (1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 K, 1 BB) to shut down Qiang-Shu's offense. GN 3B Chin-De Chang was 2-4 with a double, triple, and 4 RBI.
-Ku-Pao won 9-5 over Taoyuan Agricultural HS. Kuan-Yu Chen started for KPHS and shut down TAHS over the first 3 innings (0 R, 2 H, 3 K's, 1 BB). He was also 1-2 at the plate with a RBI and SB. Ku-Pao leadoff hitter SS Wei-Chen Wang was 2-5 with a triple and a RBI.
-Nan-Ying shutout Hualien PE 7-0 in 8 innings. NYHS starter Chia-Liang Hung threw 8 shutout innings, allowing only 2 hits to go along with 9 K's and 2 BB's. Taking the loss for HPE was starter Chung-Cheng Chiang (5.2 IP, 3 R - 2 ER, 8 H, 9 K's, 1 BB). Nan-Ying 3B Fu-Lin Kuo was 2-4 with a SB.
-Mei-Ho HS beat Shi-Yuan 4-1. Wen-Hao Cheng pitched in relief of the starter and picked up his second win of the tourney. Cheng threw 6 shutout innings, allowing only 2 hits to go along with 3 K's and 3 BB's.
-Ping-Zhen HS blanked Kao-Yuan 7-0 in 7 innings. Starter Po-Ru Lin is now 3-0 in the tourney. He allowed only 2 hits in 7 innings, K'ing 9 and walking 1. PZHS 2B Hao-Chun Chiu was 3-4 with a double and a RBI.
-San-Min won 4-2 over Cheng-Kung. Both team's starters threw CG's. San-Min's Chun-Po Wang earned the W, allowing 2 unearned runs in his 9 innings of work (6 H, 2 K's, 0 BB's). Taking the loss was Che-Wai Lin (9 IP, 4 R - 3 ER, 9 H, 6 K's, 4 BB's/ was also 2-4 with a 2B at the plate).
-San-Hsin HS shutout Chiayi HS 7-0 over 8 innings. Kuo-Hua Lo threw 8 shutout innings for SHHS (3 H, 7 K's, 2 BB's). Teammate Chia-Ming Huang, playing at 3B, was 1-4 with a double and 2 RBI.
*Other:
A brief metion of the Taiwan 5 in LA, hanging out with the Pirates farmhands. It looks like the workout will be held at USC's Dedeaux Field. See pic below:
Thursday, December 04, 2008
The NT's Future at the C Position...
With the La New Bears and Sinon Bulls threatening to keep their players away from the WBC, veteran catchers and NT members Feng-Min Chen and Chun-Chang Yeh may not be available come March. That leaves no depth behind Lions C and NT regular Chih-Kang Kao. UDN has a good look at four youngsters who may help to fill that void (amateur C Kun-Sheng Lin's name can also be thrown into the fray) and perhaps change the perception of a position that has been much-maligned offensively in international events(all 4 are in the winter training session):
L-R: Cheng-Da Wu (Kishu Rangers), Chia-Chu Chen (Red Sox), Meng-Hsiu Tsai (Braves), Chun-Hsiu Chen (Indians)
OTHER:
*Yung-Chi Chen tweaked his surgically repaired knee while taking infield practice.
*Jim Stoeckel (Reds Director of International Operations) is in town to check out SS Yen-Wen Kuo in practice.
*UDN is reporting that there are too many players (numbering in the 40's) trying out for the Japanese independent league.
L-R: Cheng-Da Wu (Kishu Rangers), Chia-Chu Chen (Red Sox), Meng-Hsiu Tsai (Braves), Chun-Hsiu Chen (Indians)OTHER:
*Yung-Chi Chen tweaked his surgically repaired knee while taking infield practice.
*Jim Stoeckel (Reds Director of International Operations) is in town to check out SS Yen-Wen Kuo in practice.
*UDN is reporting that there are too many players (numbering in the 40's) trying out for the Japanese independent league.
News and Updates...
*MLB: CL Hu smacked his first HR in winter play on Tuesday. His team lost 9-6. He was 1-4 with 2 RBI yesterday. Box
HC Kuo received a nice bonus for his team's playoff appearances in '08. He received $27,000. Not too shabby when you consider that the President Lions as a team received only 500 K NT ($14,900 USD) TOTAL from the league for their championship run.
*Braves Updates: Chen-En Hung is expected to start next year in short-season A ball. RHP WC Huang is a very mature kid and is doing well. C MH Tsai has had some left shoulder discomfort but has been lacking in the hustle department.
*NPB: Hawks RHP Yao-Hsun Yang received a slight raise for '09. He'll make 8.4 million yen (+ 400 K yen) next year. Yang had surgery this past season.
*NT: RHP SW Tseng has been pitching well during bullpen sessions; RHP CM Chiang is still trying to find his rhythm/feel for pitching.
NT pitching coach TY Kuo wants his pitchers to slow down their delivery; he said that they're all trying to throw too hard.
HC Kuo received a nice bonus for his team's playoff appearances in '08. He received $27,000. Not too shabby when you consider that the President Lions as a team received only 500 K NT ($14,900 USD) TOTAL from the league for their championship run.
*Braves Updates: Chen-En Hung is expected to start next year in short-season A ball. RHP WC Huang is a very mature kid and is doing well. C MH Tsai has had some left shoulder discomfort but has been lacking in the hustle department.
*NPB: Hawks RHP Yao-Hsun Yang received a slight raise for '09. He'll make 8.4 million yen (+ 400 K yen) next year. Yang had surgery this past season.
*NT: RHP SW Tseng has been pitching well during bullpen sessions; RHP CM Chiang is still trying to find his rhythm/feel for pitching.
NT pitching coach TY Kuo wants his pitchers to slow down their delivery; he said that they're all trying to throw too hard.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Wednesday Scores/News...
*HS Wood Bat Tourney:
-Dong-Shi HS beat Da-Tung HS 5-3. Dong-Shi reliever Chi-Yu Tsai picked up the win after allowing 3 runs (2 earned) over 7 IP on 9 hits (11 K's, 2 BB's). Tsai was also 2-5 with 2 RBI's at the plate to help his own cause.
-Qiang-Shu HS destroyed Taitung Specialized HS 16-1 in 5 innings to remain undefeated in the first round of play.
-Chiayi HS won 11-0. CHS CF Yu-Fan Tsai was 3-4 with a 3B, 2 SB's, and 2 RBI.
-Taoyuan Agricultural HS won 11-10 over Taitung JC. TAHS SS Wei-Gang Fang was 5-6 with 2 2B's, a 3B, and 3 RBI.
-Chung-Dao HS remained undefeated with a 2-1 victory over Ping-Zhen HS. Pitching in relief, Yan-ç·¯ Lee picked up his third win of the tourney. Yu-Te He closed out the game, throwing a scoreless 9th inning to pick up his second save of the tourney. He was 1-4 at the plate as was 1B Ming-Chie Lin. Ping-Zhen 2B Hao-Chun Chiu did not pitch in the game and was 0-4 at the plate.
-Cheng-Kung HS won 11-2 over Tainan Marine Vocational HS. CKHS CF Yi-Chun Chen missed the cycle by a HR (3-4, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, SB).
-Mei-Ho HS managed to remain undefeated by squeaking by Hsin-He HS 6-5. MHHS reliever Cheng-Chi Hsu earned the win after throwing 4.1 shutout innings, allowing only 1 hit to go along with 6 K's and 1 BB. DH Wen-Hao Cheng was 0-3 with a RBI and a SB. The hard-luck loser for HHHS was Da-Hsiang Chen (allowed an unearned run in the bottom of the 9th after throwing 5.1 inning, giving up 5 hits to go along with 6 K's and no walks allowed).
-Yang-Ming HS won 10-6 over Hualien PE HS. YMHS 3B Wen-楷 Lee was 3-4 with a double and 4 RBI.
Today's action completed the first round of play. The top eight teams from the first round are:
1)Chung-Dao HS (3-0)
2)Qiang-Shu HS (3-0)
3)Mei-Ho HS (3-0)
4)Taoyuan Agricultural HS (2-1)
5)Hualien PE HS (2-1)
6)Chiayi HS (2-1)
7)Ping-Zhen HS (2-1)
8)Cheng-Kung HS (2-1)
The second round of action will begin on Friday. Rounding out the final field of 16 are last year's top 8:
1)Ku-Pao HS
2)Da-Li HS
3)Kao-Yuan HS
4)San-Min HS
5)Gao-Nong HS
6)Shi-Yuan HS
7)Nan-Ying HS
8)San-Hsin HS
-Dong-Shi HS beat Da-Tung HS 5-3. Dong-Shi reliever Chi-Yu Tsai picked up the win after allowing 3 runs (2 earned) over 7 IP on 9 hits (11 K's, 2 BB's). Tsai was also 2-5 with 2 RBI's at the plate to help his own cause.
-Qiang-Shu HS destroyed Taitung Specialized HS 16-1 in 5 innings to remain undefeated in the first round of play.
-Chiayi HS won 11-0. CHS CF Yu-Fan Tsai was 3-4 with a 3B, 2 SB's, and 2 RBI.
-Taoyuan Agricultural HS won 11-10 over Taitung JC. TAHS SS Wei-Gang Fang was 5-6 with 2 2B's, a 3B, and 3 RBI.
-Chung-Dao HS remained undefeated with a 2-1 victory over Ping-Zhen HS. Pitching in relief, Yan-ç·¯ Lee picked up his third win of the tourney. Yu-Te He closed out the game, throwing a scoreless 9th inning to pick up his second save of the tourney. He was 1-4 at the plate as was 1B Ming-Chie Lin. Ping-Zhen 2B Hao-Chun Chiu did not pitch in the game and was 0-4 at the plate.
-Cheng-Kung HS won 11-2 over Tainan Marine Vocational HS. CKHS CF Yi-Chun Chen missed the cycle by a HR (3-4, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, SB).
-Mei-Ho HS managed to remain undefeated by squeaking by Hsin-He HS 6-5. MHHS reliever Cheng-Chi Hsu earned the win after throwing 4.1 shutout innings, allowing only 1 hit to go along with 6 K's and 1 BB. DH Wen-Hao Cheng was 0-3 with a RBI and a SB. The hard-luck loser for HHHS was Da-Hsiang Chen (allowed an unearned run in the bottom of the 9th after throwing 5.1 inning, giving up 5 hits to go along with 6 K's and no walks allowed).
-Yang-Ming HS won 10-6 over Hualien PE HS. YMHS 3B Wen-楷 Lee was 3-4 with a double and 4 RBI.
Today's action completed the first round of play. The top eight teams from the first round are:
1)Chung-Dao HS (3-0)
2)Qiang-Shu HS (3-0)
3)Mei-Ho HS (3-0)
4)Taoyuan Agricultural HS (2-1)
5)Hualien PE HS (2-1)
6)Chiayi HS (2-1)
7)Ping-Zhen HS (2-1)
8)Cheng-Kung HS (2-1)
The second round of action will begin on Friday. Rounding out the final field of 16 are last year's top 8:
1)Ku-Pao HS
2)Da-Li HS
3)Kao-Yuan HS
4)San-Min HS
5)Gao-Nong HS
6)Shi-Yuan HS
7)Nan-Ying HS
8)San-Hsin HS
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Tuesday Updates...*Updated
*HS Wood Bat Tourney:
Scouting MC Lin
-Chung-Dao HS won 9-2 over Da-Tung HS in 8 innings. RHP Ming-Chie Lin started and earned the win for CDHS. Lin allowed 1 ER on 2 hits over 5.1 IP to go along with 9 K's and 0 BB's. Teammate Yu-Te He played in RF and was 2-4 with a RBI at the plate. MC Lin was clocked at 90 mph and had very good movement on his fastball.*Updated
-Qiang-Shu HS defeated Cheng-Kung HS 9-1. Ching-Hung Lee earned the W for QSHS, giving up 1 run on 4 hits over 5 IP (9 K's, 1 BB). Teammate 2B-CF Tian-Wei Wang was 4-5 with a triple and 2 RBI.
-Hsin-He HS won a 5 inning contest 10-0.
-Hualien PE HS won 3-2 over Taitung JC. RHP Chung-Cheng Chiang threw a CG, picking up his first win of the tourney. Chiang allowed 2 runs (1 ER) on 8 hits to go along with 14 K's and 3 BB's.
-Ping-Tung HS won 3-1 over Dong-Shi HS.
-Tainan Marine Vocational HS won 7-6 over Taitung Specialized HS.
-Mei-Ho HS defeated Chiayi HS 6-5. Wen-Hao Cheng pitched in relief of the MHHS starter and picked up the W. Cheng allowed 2 unearned runs on 3 hits over 4.1 IP (4 K's, 1 BB). He was 0-4 at the plate.
-Taoyuan Agricultural HS won 2-1 over Yang-Ming HS.
-From 12/1 game action: RHP Po-Chen Chi topped out at 90 mph, while Ping-Zhen HS RHP Hao-Chun Chiu topped out at 90 mph. Righty Cheng-Hao Wang topped out at 92 mph. Although he has yet to pitch, San-Hsin ace Chia-Ming Huang is also receiving a lot of attention.
*CPBL
-The league is trying to get Chin-Hui Tsao into the special draft.
-The Chinese Baseball Association still won't allow former CPBL players to play in the league.
*NPB
-RHP En-Yu Lin of the Rakuten Eagles also received a pay cut. He'll make 15 million yen ($161 K USD) next year (20 million in 2008).
-The Chiba Lotte Marines released Si-Yo Wu.
Scouting MC Lin-Chung-Dao HS won 9-2 over Da-Tung HS in 8 innings. RHP Ming-Chie Lin started and earned the win for CDHS. Lin allowed 1 ER on 2 hits over 5.1 IP to go along with 9 K's and 0 BB's. Teammate Yu-Te He played in RF and was 2-4 with a RBI at the plate. MC Lin was clocked at 90 mph and had very good movement on his fastball.*Updated
-Qiang-Shu HS defeated Cheng-Kung HS 9-1. Ching-Hung Lee earned the W for QSHS, giving up 1 run on 4 hits over 5 IP (9 K's, 1 BB). Teammate 2B-CF Tian-Wei Wang was 4-5 with a triple and 2 RBI.
-Hsin-He HS won a 5 inning contest 10-0.
-Hualien PE HS won 3-2 over Taitung JC. RHP Chung-Cheng Chiang threw a CG, picking up his first win of the tourney. Chiang allowed 2 runs (1 ER) on 8 hits to go along with 14 K's and 3 BB's.
-Ping-Tung HS won 3-1 over Dong-Shi HS.
-Tainan Marine Vocational HS won 7-6 over Taitung Specialized HS.
-Mei-Ho HS defeated Chiayi HS 6-5. Wen-Hao Cheng pitched in relief of the MHHS starter and picked up the W. Cheng allowed 2 unearned runs on 3 hits over 4.1 IP (4 K's, 1 BB). He was 0-4 at the plate.
-Taoyuan Agricultural HS won 2-1 over Yang-Ming HS.
-From 12/1 game action: RHP Po-Chen Chi topped out at 90 mph, while Ping-Zhen HS RHP Hao-Chun Chiu topped out at 90 mph. Righty Cheng-Hao Wang topped out at 92 mph. Although he has yet to pitch, San-Hsin ace Chia-Ming Huang is also receiving a lot of attention.
*CPBL
-The league is trying to get Chin-Hui Tsao into the special draft.
-The Chinese Baseball Association still won't allow former CPBL players to play in the league.
*NPB
-RHP En-Yu Lin of the Rakuten Eagles also received a pay cut. He'll make 15 million yen ($161 K USD) next year (20 million in 2008).
-The Chiba Lotte Marines released Si-Yo Wu.
Monday, December 01, 2008
12/1 News...
*NPB News:
Tigers OF Wei-Chu Lin received a pay cut after missing most of the season. Lin made 45 million yen last year and will earn 38 million yen ($406 K USD) in 2009.
*CPBL News:
The special draft won't be held until after the investigation into the T-Rex scandal is completed by the law enforcement agency. Former Chinatrust players feel it's unfair for them to have to wait.
Next season, the CPBL season will start on 3/28. Each team will play 120 games (up from 100 games in the past). Also teams will bump up their roster size to 28 (from 25) - with a max of 3 foreign players.
Of all the overseas players that got released this past year, only LHP YC Lin, INF CH Huang, & OF CH Wen want to join the CPBL right away. However for Huang & Wen, the will need to resolve their military services first.
*NT Training Session:
RHP CM Chiang topped out at 87 in a bullpen session.
The Yomiuri Giants have allowed youngsters Yu-Hung Lee and Yi-Hao Lin to join the winter training session.
Manager Yeh is unhappy with how some MLB teams are not letting their Taiwanese players participate in the winter training session and potentially the WBC (ie HC Kuo, CL Hu, CH Lin, WY Lin, and CH Chiang). Yeh said that if these teams do not cooperate for the WBC, he'll consider getting the military bureau to void these players' military waiver that they were given.
*HS Wood Bat Tourney:
Chung-Dao HS won 3-1 over Tung-Shih HS. RHP Yu-Te He pitched 3 innings of relief (1H, 1K, 1 BB), picking up the save for Chung-Dao. He also was 1-3 with a triple at the plate. Teammate MC Lin was 1-3 with a RBI while playing 1B.
Ping-Zhen HS beat Da-Tung HS 10-2 in 8 innings.
Shi-Yuan HS beat Taichung Gao-Nong HS 4-3. SY HS RHP Po-Chen Chi picked up the save after pitching the 9th inning (allowing 1 unearned run on 0 hits, 2 K's/1 BB). Teammate 3B Meng-Chieh Kan was 2-4 with a double and 2 RBI while 1B Sheng-Po Yu was 3-3 with a double and 2 RBI. For GN HS, RHP Cheng-Hao Wang threw the last 2 innings, giving up 1 unearned run (0 hits, 2 BB's, 3 K's). Heralded Gao-Nong batsmen 3B Chin-De Chang was 1-3 while 1B Wei-Da Su was 1-4.
Cheng-Kung HS won 2-1 over Taitung JC.
Qiang-Shu HS blanked Tainan Marine Vocational HS 4-0.
*Other:
Agent Jerry Sung has been contacting MLB teams claiming that he represents former Whales LHP Fu-Te Ni and Chung-Dao HS RHP Ming-Chie Lin.
Tigers OF Wei-Chu Lin received a pay cut after missing most of the season. Lin made 45 million yen last year and will earn 38 million yen ($406 K USD) in 2009.
*CPBL News:
The special draft won't be held until after the investigation into the T-Rex scandal is completed by the law enforcement agency. Former Chinatrust players feel it's unfair for them to have to wait.
Next season, the CPBL season will start on 3/28. Each team will play 120 games (up from 100 games in the past). Also teams will bump up their roster size to 28 (from 25) - with a max of 3 foreign players.
Of all the overseas players that got released this past year, only LHP YC Lin, INF CH Huang, & OF CH Wen want to join the CPBL right away. However for Huang & Wen, the will need to resolve their military services first.
*NT Training Session:
RHP CM Chiang topped out at 87 in a bullpen session.
The Yomiuri Giants have allowed youngsters Yu-Hung Lee and Yi-Hao Lin to join the winter training session.
Manager Yeh is unhappy with how some MLB teams are not letting their Taiwanese players participate in the winter training session and potentially the WBC (ie HC Kuo, CL Hu, CH Lin, WY Lin, and CH Chiang). Yeh said that if these teams do not cooperate for the WBC, he'll consider getting the military bureau to void these players' military waiver that they were given.
*HS Wood Bat Tourney:
Chung-Dao HS won 3-1 over Tung-Shih HS. RHP Yu-Te He pitched 3 innings of relief (1H, 1K, 1 BB), picking up the save for Chung-Dao. He also was 1-3 with a triple at the plate. Teammate MC Lin was 1-3 with a RBI while playing 1B.
Ping-Zhen HS beat Da-Tung HS 10-2 in 8 innings.
Shi-Yuan HS beat Taichung Gao-Nong HS 4-3. SY HS RHP Po-Chen Chi picked up the save after pitching the 9th inning (allowing 1 unearned run on 0 hits, 2 K's/1 BB). Teammate 3B Meng-Chieh Kan was 2-4 with a double and 2 RBI while 1B Sheng-Po Yu was 3-3 with a double and 2 RBI. For GN HS, RHP Cheng-Hao Wang threw the last 2 innings, giving up 1 unearned run (0 hits, 2 BB's, 3 K's). Heralded Gao-Nong batsmen 3B Chin-De Chang was 1-3 while 1B Wei-Da Su was 1-4.
Cheng-Kung HS won 2-1 over Taitung JC.
Qiang-Shu HS blanked Tainan Marine Vocational HS 4-0.
*Other:
Agent Jerry Sung has been contacting MLB teams claiming that he represents former Whales LHP Fu-Te Ni and Chung-Dao HS RHP Ming-Chie Lin.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
11/30 News....
*The Jiangsu Hopestars of the CBL are coming to Taiwan to train. Also to help promote the game across the Strait, the President Lions and Brother Elephants will be playing exhibition games in March in Shanghai.
*WBC Training News: OF Kuo-Hui Lo still can't take BP without having a trainer present.
RHP YF Lin is hoping to start in high A ball for the upcoming season.
RHP CM Chiang is hoping to regain some lost velocity.
LHP CH Cheng's goal is to hit 90 mph again.
RHP PH Keng is still recovering from an elbow injury; doctors have said that surgery is unlikely to resolve the issue; he doesn't want to join the CPBL right now; he wants to finish college first.
*Korea University beat TSU-Taoyuan 6-3 in the championship game of the Sino-SK University Invitational.
*Roughly 20 former T-Rex and Whales players have registered for the upcoming Japanese independent league tryout.
*Opening day of the HS Wood Bat Tourney: Yankees OF Bobby Abreu is in town for the opening ceremony. CMW wasn't in attendance, but he did send this message to the kids:
Mei-Ho RHP Wen-Hao Cheng hit 90 mph in his outing. Cheng came on in the 9th inning, K'ing the side. He was 1-3 with a double and a RBI at the plate. Mei-Ho won 5-1.
Yu-Fan Tsai of Chiayi HS K'd 11 hitters in 7 innings of work (1 ER on 2 hits to go along with 5 BB's), leading his team to a 3-1 win. He also was 1-3 with a double at the plate.
Hualien PE HS defeated Taoyuan Agricultural HS 10-1 in 7 innings. 2B Kai-Wen Cheng was 3-3 at the plate with a triple, 2 SB's, and 4 runs scored.
Taitung PE HS won 8-3 over Yang-Ming HS. Taitung PE SS Ren-Hao Wang was 3-4 with 2 doubles and 3 RBI. His teammate C Ren-Chieh Wang also had 3 hits (3-4, 2B, 3B, RBI)
*In preparation for the WBC, the NT will be training in Australia in February of next year.
*I've added a new Chinese Links section on the right hand column. Be sure to check out this site
(Babel Fish required), there's an interview with Terry Reynolds (Reds) regarding Tzu-Kai Chiu and Yen-Wen Kuo & Ross Atkins (Indians) regarding Chun-Hsiu Chen, Sung-Wei Tseng, and Chen-Chang Lee.
*WBC Training News: OF Kuo-Hui Lo still can't take BP without having a trainer present.
RHP YF Lin is hoping to start in high A ball for the upcoming season.
RHP CM Chiang is hoping to regain some lost velocity.
LHP CH Cheng's goal is to hit 90 mph again.
RHP PH Keng is still recovering from an elbow injury; doctors have said that surgery is unlikely to resolve the issue; he doesn't want to join the CPBL right now; he wants to finish college first.
*Korea University beat TSU-Taoyuan 6-3 in the championship game of the Sino-SK University Invitational.
*Roughly 20 former T-Rex and Whales players have registered for the upcoming Japanese independent league tryout.
*Opening day of the HS Wood Bat Tourney: Yankees OF Bobby Abreu is in town for the opening ceremony. CMW wasn't in attendance, but he did send this message to the kids:
Mei-Ho RHP Wen-Hao Cheng hit 90 mph in his outing. Cheng came on in the 9th inning, K'ing the side. He was 1-3 with a double and a RBI at the plate. Mei-Ho won 5-1.
Yu-Fan Tsai of Chiayi HS K'd 11 hitters in 7 innings of work (1 ER on 2 hits to go along with 5 BB's), leading his team to a 3-1 win. He also was 1-3 with a double at the plate.
Hualien PE HS defeated Taoyuan Agricultural HS 10-1 in 7 innings. 2B Kai-Wen Cheng was 3-3 at the plate with a triple, 2 SB's, and 4 runs scored.
Taitung PE HS won 8-3 over Yang-Ming HS. Taitung PE SS Ren-Hao Wang was 3-4 with 2 doubles and 3 RBI. His teammate C Ren-Chieh Wang also had 3 hits (3-4, 2B, 3B, RBI)
*In preparation for the WBC, the NT will be training in Australia in February of next year.
*I've added a new Chinese Links section on the right hand column. Be sure to check out this site
(Babel Fish required), there's an interview with Terry Reynolds (Reds) regarding Tzu-Kai Chiu and Yen-Wen Kuo & Ross Atkins (Indians) regarding Chun-Hsiu Chen, Sung-Wei Tseng, and Chen-Chang Lee.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
HS Class of '09 Top 10 Revisited....
Ok, the HS preseason top 5 was posted a while back. This is a bit late, but I'll list the rest of the preseason top 10:
#8)
#9)
#10)
This list is subject to change as the performances of the kids fluctuate.
*Updated with pics
#8)
#9)
#10)
This list is subject to change as the performances of the kids fluctuate.
*Updated with pics
Friday, November 28, 2008
Friday Updates...
*CL Hu is playing in the Mexican Winter League. He's playing with the Tomateros de Culiacan and is hitting .172 through 7 games.
*TSU-Taoyuan advanced to the championship game of the Taiwan-SK University Invitational with a 4-3 win over their SK opponent. TSU-Taichung lost 3-0 to Korea University and was effectively eliminated.
*An all-star team from Tokyo, Japan (Click here for roster) swept a doubleheader on Friday against Kainan University (4-1) and Chinese Culture University (5-2). Kai-Wen Cheng started for CCU but was roughed up for 4 runs in 3 innings - he took the loss. Former Gao Nong HS star Chen-Yu Hong provided the only bright spot with a solo HR. The Japanese all-star team will play another doubleheader on Monday, December 1st against Taipei PE College and Fu Jen University.
*If the Sinon Bulls elect CH Hsieh with the first pick in the draft, they'll honor his previous multi-year contract. The CPBL has stated that former T-Rex & Whales players who get selected in the special draft will not have their current salaries reduced by more than 30%.
*Despite his breakout season in '08, HC Kuo has been playing second fiddle to CMW - he hasn't received much love from sponsors (no new endorsement deals as of yet).
*TSU-Taoyuan coach Kong liked what he saw from Wang-Yi Lin's workout in Taichung. Lin, who was clocked at 85 mph in HS, hit 91 mph this past season.
*Taoyuan County is planning to develop more baseball programs after Kui-Shan elementary school won the Little League portion of the recently completed aborigine tourney.
*TSU-Taoyuan advanced to the championship game of the Taiwan-SK University Invitational with a 4-3 win over their SK opponent. TSU-Taichung lost 3-0 to Korea University and was effectively eliminated.
*An all-star team from Tokyo, Japan (Click here for roster) swept a doubleheader on Friday against Kainan University (4-1) and Chinese Culture University (5-2). Kai-Wen Cheng started for CCU but was roughed up for 4 runs in 3 innings - he took the loss. Former Gao Nong HS star Chen-Yu Hong provided the only bright spot with a solo HR. The Japanese all-star team will play another doubleheader on Monday, December 1st against Taipei PE College and Fu Jen University.
*If the Sinon Bulls elect CH Hsieh with the first pick in the draft, they'll honor his previous multi-year contract. The CPBL has stated that former T-Rex & Whales players who get selected in the special draft will not have their current salaries reduced by more than 30%.
*Despite his breakout season in '08, HC Kuo has been playing second fiddle to CMW - he hasn't received much love from sponsors (no new endorsement deals as of yet).
*TSU-Taoyuan coach Kong liked what he saw from Wang-Yi Lin's workout in Taichung. Lin, who was clocked at 85 mph in HS, hit 91 mph this past season.
*Taoyuan County is planning to develop more baseball programs after Kui-Shan elementary school won the Little League portion of the recently completed aborigine tourney.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
More Turkey Day News....
*Seibu Lions RHP Ming-Chieh Hsu was only 1-3 with a 5.12 ERA this past season and spent a chunk of the season with the nigun team. However, he will remain with Seibu, albeit at a significantly reduced rate (he took a 20% cut and will receive 20 million yen in 2009). He is interested in playing for the NT at the WBC.
*RHP Chien-Ming Chiang didn't get much love in the tryouts held for players released by NPB teams. The Japanese media reported that Chiang had no command and no longer had good wrist action. Chiang has said that he hopes to play in the WBC and will continue to seek an opportunity with MLB and NPB teams in the future. He is not thinking about joining the CPBL draft. CPBL Sinon Bulls GM Chih-Shen Liu, who saw Chiang at the tryout was disappointed in Chiang's performance.
*After a rough year in the US minors, Indians farmhand RHP Sung-Wei Tseng is working on developing his slider.
*TSU-Taichung beat TSU-Taoyuan 4-3 behind Ching-Lung Pan's GW hit in the 9th inning.
*In the CPBL, the President Lions released several players, signed draft pick INF Yu-Chen Liu, and are hoping to reach an agreement with their top pick from last year, LHP Wei-Hua Lee.
The special draft for Chinatrust & d-media players will held in mid-December.
In a move to cut expenses, the Brother Elephants released three coaches. This move followed the release of four Sinon Bulls coaches. With the T-Rex and Whales organizations folding, that leaves almost 24 formerly-employed coaches without jobs.
*Discussions continue to decide if a government funded, military based teams will be reinstated to take place of the CPBL minor league system. The CPBL minor league system began at the end of 2003.
*RHP Chien-Ming Chiang didn't get much love in the tryouts held for players released by NPB teams. The Japanese media reported that Chiang had no command and no longer had good wrist action. Chiang has said that he hopes to play in the WBC and will continue to seek an opportunity with MLB and NPB teams in the future. He is not thinking about joining the CPBL draft. CPBL Sinon Bulls GM Chih-Shen Liu, who saw Chiang at the tryout was disappointed in Chiang's performance.
*After a rough year in the US minors, Indians farmhand RHP Sung-Wei Tseng is working on developing his slider.
*TSU-Taichung beat TSU-Taoyuan 4-3 behind Ching-Lung Pan's GW hit in the 9th inning.
*In the CPBL, the President Lions released several players, signed draft pick INF Yu-Chen Liu, and are hoping to reach an agreement with their top pick from last year, LHP Wei-Hua Lee.
The special draft for Chinatrust & d-media players will held in mid-December.
In a move to cut expenses, the Brother Elephants released three coaches. This move followed the release of four Sinon Bulls coaches. With the T-Rex and Whales organizations folding, that leaves almost 24 formerly-employed coaches without jobs.
*Discussions continue to decide if a government funded, military based teams will be reinstated to take place of the CPBL minor league system. The CPBL minor league system began at the end of 2003.
Happy Thanksgiving!
*Ok, so the winter training roster for the WBC is finally set. Originally set up with 21 players, there were a few adds (+4 including CH Hsieh) and drops (-3). There are two late additions as the Atlanta Braves gave the ok for C Meng-Hsiu Tsai and P Wei-Chen Huang to partake in the training session. The two were originally scheduled to stay in the Dominican Republic till December 11th, but will instead head to Taiwan as of the first of the month.
*The high school wood bat tourney kicks off on Nov. 30th and will run until December 14th. Ku-Pao will look to defend its title. The top 8 finishing teams from last year (several are traditional powerhouses that have sent their share of players overseas) will get a bye until the second round of action. The 16 other teams in the tourney will have to advance to the next round through preliminary play. Expect to see some top notch pitching performances in the tourney(several kids throw > 85 mph).
*Have a safe and relaxing holiday!
*The high school wood bat tourney kicks off on Nov. 30th and will run until December 14th. Ku-Pao will look to defend its title. The top 8 finishing teams from last year (several are traditional powerhouses that have sent their share of players overseas) will get a bye until the second round of action. The 16 other teams in the tourney will have to advance to the next round through preliminary play. Expect to see some top notch pitching performances in the tourney(several kids throw > 85 mph).
*Have a safe and relaxing holiday!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
More Wed. Updates...
*As mentioned by Stevo in the comments section, the Taichung city government will most likely sponsor the Sinon Bulls with a 10 million NT/year contribution (rather than form its own team).
*NY Yankees OF Bobby Abreu will be attending the upcoming wood bat HS tourney opening ceremony. It will be interesting to follow top 10 '09 HS prospect RHP Wen-Hao Cheng in the tourney. Cheng has stated that his goal is to hit 150 kph (93 mph). His coach has admitted that his velocity has dropped these past two years. Cheng is represented by former coach Chien-Chen Chen and Samuel Fu.
*
Chun-Hsiu Chen continues to rake at the Taiwan-South Korea University Invitational. Chen had 3 hits, 2 doubles, a RBI, and 2 runs scored. His teammate has also been carrying a hot bat as of late. Chih-Pei Huang also had three hits (he had 5 hits a few nights ago). TSU-Taoyuan ended their game in a 3 all tie. Chen was also lauded by his coach for showing good blocking technique at the plate.
RHP Ying-Shan Wang pitched well for TSU-Taichung, which won its game 2-0. Wang is preparing for his showcase next year (1/09) in the US.
*RHP Po-Yu Lin is still recovering from a shoulder injury. He still has aspirations of playing in the US and plans to go to a tryout (in the US) in '09.
*Good read on the recently completed Kuan-Huai Cup by Twins scout JB at the EWC. Hualien PE HS RHP Chun-Chen Chiang was clocked at 89 mph in the tourney.
*He may have been cleared by his team to play in the WBC, but RHP En-Yu Lin reportedly has a rotator cuff tear.
*NY Yankees OF Bobby Abreu will be attending the upcoming wood bat HS tourney opening ceremony. It will be interesting to follow top 10 '09 HS prospect RHP Wen-Hao Cheng in the tourney. Cheng has stated that his goal is to hit 150 kph (93 mph). His coach has admitted that his velocity has dropped these past two years. Cheng is represented by former coach Chien-Chen Chen and Samuel Fu.
*
Chun-Hsiu Chen continues to rake at the Taiwan-South Korea University Invitational. Chen had 3 hits, 2 doubles, a RBI, and 2 runs scored. His teammate has also been carrying a hot bat as of late. Chih-Pei Huang also had three hits (he had 5 hits a few nights ago). TSU-Taoyuan ended their game in a 3 all tie. Chen was also lauded by his coach for showing good blocking technique at the plate.
RHP Ying-Shan Wang pitched well for TSU-Taichung, which won its game 2-0. Wang is preparing for his showcase next year (1/09) in the US.
*RHP Po-Yu Lin is still recovering from a shoulder injury. He still has aspirations of playing in the US and plans to go to a tryout (in the US) in '09.
*Good read on the recently completed Kuan-Huai Cup by Twins scout JB at the EWC. Hualien PE HS RHP Chun-Chen Chiang was clocked at 89 mph in the tourney.
*He may have been cleared by his team to play in the WBC, but RHP En-Yu Lin reportedly has a rotator cuff tear.
LA Workout......
*There will be 5 players total coming to LA for a workout in front of ML teams. The workout will now take place in early December.
Four have already been mentioned before (1 2 3). The players are:
1)OF Ming-Shie Chen
2)C Kun-Sheng Lin
3)P Chia-Rui Mai
4)OF Chih-Yao Chan
The fifth player coming to the US is RHP Wan-Lin Tsai.
Representing the players is Ray Poitevint (formely of the White Sox) of Seven Figures Management (the company which helped propel the two kids from India to get signed with the Pirates), who has also received assistance from his contact in Taiwan - Samuel Fu. Those two helped sign RHP Po-Yu Lin for $300 K a few years back (Ray worked for the White Sox at the time and Samuel was Lin's agent then - also Poitevint used to be the head of IBB, and both Adam Chang & Samuel Fu worked under him in IBB). Lin has since been released from the organization.
*Current Fubon Bulls RHP Hsin-Hong Tsai is still experiencing elbow pain and will likely have elbow surgery soon in Kaohsiung.
Four have already been mentioned before (1 2 3). The players are:
1)OF Ming-Shie Chen
2)C Kun-Sheng Lin
3)P Chia-Rui Mai
4)OF Chih-Yao Chan
The fifth player coming to the US is RHP Wan-Lin Tsai.
Representing the players is Ray Poitevint (formely of the White Sox) of Seven Figures Management (the company which helped propel the two kids from India to get signed with the Pirates), who has also received assistance from his contact in Taiwan - Samuel Fu. Those two helped sign RHP Po-Yu Lin for $300 K a few years back (Ray worked for the White Sox at the time and Samuel was Lin's agent then - also Poitevint used to be the head of IBB, and both Adam Chang & Samuel Fu worked under him in IBB). Lin has since been released from the organization.
*Current Fubon Bulls RHP Hsin-Hong Tsai is still experiencing elbow pain and will likely have elbow surgery soon in Kaohsiung.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
News and Updates - UPDATED***
*After a break-out year in the NPB, Chunichi Dragons LHP Wei-Yin Chen is receiving a huge increase (nearly 6X) in his salary. He made 6 million yen last year and will now receive 35 million yen (~ $366 K USD) in 2009.
*Reviving a rivalry from nearly a decade ago, the Taiwan-South Korea University Baseball Invitational kicked off. The Taiwan Sports University (also known as NCPES/NTUPES) sent two teams representing its Taichung and Taoyuan campuses. Former Blue Jay farmhand, Chi-Hung Cheng pitched for the TSU-Taichung team and threw 5 innings, allowing only 3 hits, K'ing 4, and gave up 1 run. He topped out at 86 mph. After he left the game, the South Korean school would rally for 4 runs to end the game in a 4-4 tie. Also playing in the game for TSU were C Chun-Hsiu Chen (Indians) - he had 2 hits and 2 RBI, OF Chao-Ting Tang (Tigers) - he had a hit, and RHP Hsin-Hong Tsai (almost a Cubbie) - allowed a hit.
TSU-Taoyuan won its game 13-3 in 7 innings.*Updated
*Ming-Chie Lin, a top 10 HS class of '09 player, continues to attract a lot of attention . UDN has reported that the Yankees, Red Sox, and Twins have been scouting Lin.
*MC Lin's teammate, P Yu-Te He has also attracted the attention of ML scouts (news reports cite the presence of the Twins scout at the game). He threw 8 innings against Ku-Pao on the 23rd. In that game, Ku-Pao's Wei-Chen Wang continued his hot hitting streak - he had 3 more hits, including 2 triples as Ku-Pao won 7-3.
*Former T-Rex/Cobras slugger Chia-Hsien Hsieh has volunteered on his own to participate in the WBC training session taking place 12/1 to 12/7. Also contrary to what was reported earlier, Red Sox farmhands Che-Hsuan Lin, Chih-Hsien Chiang, and Wang-Yi Lin will not be participating in the training session. Taking their places are Chia-Chu Chen (Red Sox), Chia-Jen Lo (Astros), and 22 year old (DOB: 3/19/86) C Cheng-Da Wu, who played HS and collegiate baseball (Suzuka International Unversity) in Japan. Next year, he will be playing for the Kishu Rangers of the Kansai Independent League - the same league that made news when it selected a 16 year old girl.
***NEW UPDATES
*Per their agent, former Blue Jays farmhands CH Cheng and PH Keng want to play overseas and are unlikely to consider playing in the CPBL next year.
*Gui-Shan elementary school won the little league division of the aboriginal tourney.
*Ku-Pao HS defeated Chung-Dao HS in the championship game of the senior level of the aboriginal tourney behind C Kuan-Ru Chen's 2 hits and home run and LHP Kuan-Yu Chen's 11 K's in 7 innings of work.
*Hsin-Shen junior HS won the youth division of the aboriginal tourney behind RHP Chia-Wei Yang, a kid with some upside (6'0" tall).*Updated
*Regarding the WBC and the NPB, the Hanshin Tigers are willing to allow OF Wei-Chu Lin to participate in the WBC. The Rakuten Eagles will also allow RHP En-Yu Lin to play in March.
*Some potential good news for the CPBL - the Taichung city government is considering getting its own pro baseball team.
*Two KBO and two CPBL teams will be training in Taiwan in February of next year.
*Much like Tiger Woods and GM, E Sun Bank is unlikely to continue its sponsorship/ad deal with Chien-Ming Wang because of the sad state of the economy.
*Reviving a rivalry from nearly a decade ago, the Taiwan-South Korea University Baseball Invitational kicked off. The Taiwan Sports University (also known as NCPES/NTUPES) sent two teams representing its Taichung and Taoyuan campuses. Former Blue Jay farmhand, Chi-Hung Cheng pitched for the TSU-Taichung team and threw 5 innings, allowing only 3 hits, K'ing 4, and gave up 1 run. He topped out at 86 mph. After he left the game, the South Korean school would rally for 4 runs to end the game in a 4-4 tie. Also playing in the game for TSU were C Chun-Hsiu Chen (Indians) - he had 2 hits and 2 RBI, OF Chao-Ting Tang (Tigers) - he had a hit, and RHP Hsin-Hong Tsai (almost a Cubbie) - allowed a hit.
TSU-Taoyuan won its game 13-3 in 7 innings.*Updated
*Ming-Chie Lin, a top 10 HS class of '09 player, continues to attract a lot of attention . UDN has reported that the Yankees, Red Sox, and Twins have been scouting Lin.
*MC Lin's teammate, P Yu-Te He has also attracted the attention of ML scouts (news reports cite the presence of the Twins scout at the game). He threw 8 innings against Ku-Pao on the 23rd. In that game, Ku-Pao's Wei-Chen Wang continued his hot hitting streak - he had 3 more hits, including 2 triples as Ku-Pao won 7-3.
*Former T-Rex/Cobras slugger Chia-Hsien Hsieh has volunteered on his own to participate in the WBC training session taking place 12/1 to 12/7. Also contrary to what was reported earlier, Red Sox farmhands Che-Hsuan Lin, Chih-Hsien Chiang, and Wang-Yi Lin will not be participating in the training session. Taking their places are Chia-Chu Chen (Red Sox), Chia-Jen Lo (Astros), and 22 year old (DOB: 3/19/86) C Cheng-Da Wu, who played HS and collegiate baseball (Suzuka International Unversity) in Japan. Next year, he will be playing for the Kishu Rangers of the Kansai Independent League - the same league that made news when it selected a 16 year old girl.
***NEW UPDATES
*Per their agent, former Blue Jays farmhands CH Cheng and PH Keng want to play overseas and are unlikely to consider playing in the CPBL next year.
*Gui-Shan elementary school won the little league division of the aboriginal tourney.
*Ku-Pao HS defeated Chung-Dao HS in the championship game of the senior level of the aboriginal tourney behind C Kuan-Ru Chen's 2 hits and home run and LHP Kuan-Yu Chen's 11 K's in 7 innings of work.
*Hsin-Shen junior HS won the youth division of the aboriginal tourney behind RHP Chia-Wei Yang, a kid with some upside (6'0" tall).*Updated
*Regarding the WBC and the NPB, the Hanshin Tigers are willing to allow OF Wei-Chu Lin to participate in the WBC. The Rakuten Eagles will also allow RHP En-Yu Lin to play in March.
*Some potential good news for the CPBL - the Taichung city government is considering getting its own pro baseball team.
*Two KBO and two CPBL teams will be training in Taiwan in February of next year.
*Much like Tiger Woods and GM, E Sun Bank is unlikely to continue its sponsorship/ad deal with Chien-Ming Wang because of the sad state of the economy.
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