TAIPEI – The Chinese Taipei team is deep into preparations for the World Baseball Classic, with training camp underway in Zuoying. A key storyline emerging from camp centers around CTBC Brothers pitcher Cheng Hao-Chun, who is eager to prove his worth and potentially earn a spot on the roster for international competition.
Cheng, a veteran of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), has been a subject of discussion among the coaching staff, particularly bullpen coach Wang Chien-ming. Wang noted the importance of managing pitch counts during the WBC, with a limit of 85 pitches per game. This pitch limit is influencing how the team evaluates pitchers for different roles, and currently, Cheng is being considered for longer innings, though his readiness for that role is still under evaluation. He has yet to participate in bullpen work, according to reports from .
The interest in Cheng’s participation stems from a recent statement where he expressed his desire to represent Chinese Taipei in the WBC. This ambition is particularly noteworthy given the competitive landscape for pitching spots on the national team. The team is also evaluating Chang Hung-leng, a pitcher in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, who debuted at the training camp on . Manager Tseng Hao-chu praised Chang’s spirit and willingness to embrace challenges, while Wang Chien-ming was impressed by the movement on Chang’s pitches.
Chang, who signed with the Pirates in for a $500,000 bonus, has been developing his skills in the minor leagues. Last season, he appeared in 25 games for the Pirates’ High-A team, posting a 5-7 record with a 4.82 ERA. Despite initial disappointment at not being promoted to Double-A, Chang has refocused his efforts and is determined to improve. His fastball has been clocked at speeds up to 158 kph, making him a potential asset in the WBC.
The inclusion of both Cheng and Chang highlights the team’s strategy of blending experienced CPBL players with prospects from the North American minor league system. This approach aims to create a well-rounded pitching staff capable of competing against the world’s best baseball nations. The team is also navigating the complexities of managing player workloads, particularly with the WBC’s pitch count restrictions.
Cheng Hao-Chun’s international experience includes representing Taiwan in several youth tournaments, including the U-15 Baseball World Cup, the World University Championship, and the U-23 Baseball World Cup. In the U-23 Baseball World Cup, he started against Mexico but was relieved in the second inning after allowing two runs. This experience, while perhaps not ideal, demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure on the international stage.
The team’s training camp is also seeing the participation of players like flat-armed pitcher Chen Yu-jen, who is described as a “dark horse” candidate. The presence of a mix of established players and emerging talents suggests that the coaching staff is keeping their options open as they finalize the roster. The team is also preparing to face the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) champion SoftBank Hawks in an exhibition game at the Taipei Dome on , aiming to field their most competitive lineup possible, according to manager Flatno Eiichi.
The upcoming exhibition game against the SoftBank Hawks will serve as a crucial test for the team, providing an opportunity to assess player performance and refine strategies before the start of the WBC. The coaching staff will be closely monitoring Cheng Hao-Chun’s progress in bullpen sessions to determine his role in the tournament. The team’s success in the WBC will likely depend on its ability to effectively utilize its pitching depth and manage player fatigue throughout the competition.
The roster for the World Baseball Classic is shaping up to be a compelling mix of experience, and potential. With players like Cheng Hao-Chun and Chang Hung-leng vying for spots, the team is poised to make a strong showing in the tournament. The focus now is on refining strategies, managing player workloads, and building team chemistry as they prepare to compete against the world’s best baseball nations.
