The 2017 CPBL draft is over, and yet we still have plenty to talk about. From the initial 109 amateurs attended the tryout. To a record high 96 players that participated in the 2017 draft.
The 2017 draft pool is made up by players from high schools, universities, industrial league and players returned from NPB and MLB system. Out of those 96 talented young players 33 of them were drafted will begin their journey into professional baseball.
Breakdown by positions
It is not a surprise to see 2017 draft list is dominated by pitchers. With CPBL being a hitter’s league, can never have enough pitchers in the organisation.
| 2017 DRAFT | Participate | Drafted | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pitcher | 47 | 17 | 36% |
| Catcher | 14 | 5 | 36% |
| Infielder | 21 | 7 | 33% |
| Outfielder | 14 | 4 | 29% |
| Total | 96 | 33 | 34% |
Breakdown by affiliations
University players tend to be the choice that everybody went with. As they’re a lot more CPBL top team ready comparing with high school players. Which will required more development in the farm team.
| 2017 DRAFT | Participate | Drafted | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| High School | 18 | 7 | 39% |
| University | 37 | 14 | 38% |
| Industrial League | 35 | 8 | 23% |
| MLB/NPB/Other | 6 | 4 | 67% |
| Total | 96 | 33 | 34% |
Breakdown by draft qualifications
70% draft rate for players with previous national team experience. We’re talking about players that have been on the U18, U21, U23 and the national development squad. Again, it’s the factor of those players are most likely to be CPBL top team ready which gives them the advantage over others.
| 2017 DRAFT | Participate | Drafted | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Team | 23 | 16 | 70% |
| Pre-draft tryout | 42 | 8 | 19% |
| Recommendation | 12 | 4 | 33% |
| High School graduates | 16 | 5 | 31% |
| Industrial League Awards | 3 | 0 | 0% |
| Total | 96 | 33 | 34% |
2017 CPBL DRAFT pick result
Below is the result of the 2017 CPBL draft. The table is sortable and also have the function of filter keyword.
| Round | Order | Team | Name | Name | Age | POS | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1 | 1 | Monkeys | 廖健富 | Liao Chien-Fu | 18 | C | High School |
| 2 | 5 | Monkeys | 林立 | Lin Li | 21 | IF | University |
| 3 | 9 | Monkeys | 成晉 | Cheng Chin | 18 | OF | High School |
| 4 | 13 | Monkeys | 萬昭清 | Wan Chao-Ching | 18 | P | High School |
| 5 | 17 | Monkeys | 林逸翔 | Lin Yi Hsiang | 24 | P | Industrial |
| 6 | 21 | Monkeys | 吳丞哲 | Wu Cheng-Che | 22 | P | University |
| 7 | 25 | Monkeys | 黃子鵬 | Huang Tzu-Peng | 23 | P | Industrial |
| 8 | 29 | Monkeys | 黃敬瑋 | Huang Ching-Wei | 22 | IF | University |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1 | 2 | Lions | 陳重羽 | Chen Chung-Yu | 21 | C | University |
| 2 | 6 | Lions | 陳重廷 | Chen Chung-Ting | 21 | IF | University |
| 3 | 10 | Lions | 施子謙 | Shih Tzu-Chien | 22 | P | University |
| 4 | 14 | Lions | 吳桀睿 | Wu Chieh-Jui | 24 | C | Industrial |
| 5 | 18 | Lions | 黃竣彥 | Huang Chun-Yen | 23 | P | Industrial |
| 6 | 22 | Lions | 賴奕成 | Lai Yi-Cheng | 18 | P | High School |
| 7 | 26 | Lions | 林勝傑 | Lin Sheng-Chieh | 22 | OF | University |
| 8 | 30 | Lions | 鄭鈞仁 | Cheng Chun-Jen | 21 | P | University |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1 | 3 | Brothers | 岳東華 | Yueh Tung-Hua | 21 | IF | University |
| 2 | 7 | Brothers | 黃恩賜 | Huang En-Sih | 21 | P | University |
| 3 | 11 | Brothers | 陳柏豪 | Chen Po-Hao | 18 | P | High School |
| 4 | 15 | Brothers | 蔡齊哲 | Tsai Chi-Che | 21 | P | University |
| 5 | 19 | Brothers | 吳明鴻 | Wu Ming-Hung | 22 | C | University |
| 6 | 23 | Brothers | 王鴻程 | Wang Hung-Cheng | 25 | P | Industrial |
| 7 | 27 | Brothers | 楊達翔 | Yang Ta-Hsiang | 23 | P | Industrial |
| 8 | 31 | Brothers | 鄭佳彥 | Cheng Chia-Yen | 24 | P | Industrial |
| 9 | 32 | Brothers | 蔡岱霖 | Tsai Tai-Lin | 25 | C | Industrial |
| 10 | 33 | Brothers | 吳蔚驊 | Wu Wei-Hua | 26 | P | Industrial |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1 | 4 | Guardians | 楊晉豪 | Yang Chin-Hao | 18 | IF | High School |
| 2 | 8 | Guardians | 陳品捷 | Chen Pin-Chieh | 26 | OF | Industrial |
| 3 | 12 | Guardians | 羅國華 | Lo Kuo-Hua | 24 | P | Industrial |
| 4 | 16 | Guardians | 吳世豪 | Wu Shih-Hao | 18 | P | High School |
| 5 | 20 | Guardians | 范國宸 | Fan Kuo-Chen | 22 | IF | University |
| 6 | 24 | Guardians | 陳韋奇 | Chen Wei-Chi | 22 | OF | University |
| 7 | 28 | Guardians | 陳勤宗 | Chen Chin-Tsung | 24 | IF | Industrial |
Lamigo Monkeys Review
As the team that considered to have the best scout team in CPBL, Lamigo Monkeys went with the draft strategy of picking high school prospects in the early rounds. Then drafted a few CPBL ready pitchers in the late round which can be use in the 2nd half of the 2017 season.
1st round – 廖健富 (Liao Chien-Fu)
- 18 years old – High school
- C / 1B – R/L (Throw/Bat)
- 178cm/ 85kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2019 (As in getting regular starts)
- Video1
One of the premium high school catcher that’s able to hit for power. Scouts are projecting Liao to be the catcher version of 林益全 (Lin Yi-Chuan). Will have to compete 張閔勛 (Chang Min-Hsun) & 劉時豪 (Liu Shih-Hao) for that primary catcher role in the next 10 years.
With 1B being his secondary position, maybe we can see Liao sharing that with 陳俊秀 (Chen Chun-Hsiu)
2nd round – 林立 (Lin Li)
- 21 years old – University
- SS / 2B / 3B – R/R
- 181cm / 75kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2018
- Video1
Taiwan junior national team regular for the last few years batting lead off spot. Lin is known to have great plate coverage and decent speed. Doesn’t hit a lot of extra base hit, but is able to put balls in play and get on base.
Lin Li is CPBL top team ready. However, at this stage is probably better leave him in the farm team to develop further. And use him as back up for primary 2B and 3B.
3rd round – 成晉 (Cheng Chin)
- 18 years old – High school
- OF / (P) – R/R
- 187cm / 87 kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2020
- Video
High school two-way player. Is able to hit 145kph (90mph) on the gun. But is most likely will focused as outfielder instead. The San Diego Padres scout is project Cheng to be the next 鍾承祐 (Chung Cheng-Yu).
4th round – 萬昭清 (Wan Chao-Ching)
- 18 years old – High school
- P – R/R – 144kph (90mph)
- 175cm / 66 kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2020
- Video
One of the must have high school pitcher in 2017 draft. Got quite a decent slider and change up. Wan has extensive international tournament experience, played for the U12, U15 and U18 Taiwanese national team. Monkeys is very likely to try to develop him into a #4 or #5 starting pitcher .
5th round – 林逸翔 (Lin Yi Hsiang)
- 24 years old – Baltimore Orioles (A)
- P – L/L – 148kph (92mph)
- 184cm / 79kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2017 (CPBL Ready)
- Video
Former Baltimore Orioles farmhand peaked at Single A. After he was released by the Orioles, Lin spent 2017 season in Japan playing for the Shikoku Island League. Lin is able to throw curve, slider, change-up and sinker.
Lin is considered to be CPBL top team ready. However, he is known to have command issues in the past. Very likely to see him being promoted to the top team as reliever this 2nd half season.
6th round – 吳丞哲 (Wu Cheng-Che)
- 22 years old – University
- P – R/R – 145kph (90mph)
- 181cm / 80 kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2018
- Video
Reliever from Taiwanese U23 national team. Average fastball speed hoovering around lower 140kph. Wu is CPBL top team ready, however highly unlikely to pitch this season as he still have to represent Taiwan in the upcoming Universiade tournament.
7th round – 黃子鵬 (Huang Tzu-Peng)
- 23 years old – Industrial team
- P – R/L / 145kph (90mph)
- 183cm / 80kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2018 RP or 2019 SP
- Video
Another junior national team regular (U21, U23, National development squad). A sidearm pitcher who is not afraid to throw inside. During the World Port Tournament in Netherlands, Huang is being used as starting pitcher against team Cuba and Japan.
8th round – 黃敬瑋 (Huang Ching-Wei)
- 22 years old – University
- IF / Utility – R/L
- 176cm / 72 kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2020
- Video
The team will most likely develop Huang into a late inning infield utility player. Huang is known for his defensive ability during his time with the U23 national team.
Uni-Lions Review
With the aging lineup, Uni-Lions went into the draft with the goal of picking up CPBL top team ready players to cover their gap. And they have done so picking up several players with national team experiences.
It will be interesting to see whether those players are able to live up the expectation like 陳傑憲 (Chen Chieh-Hsien) & 蘇智傑 (Su Chih-Chieh)
1st round – 陳重羽 (Chen Chung-Yu)
- 21 years old – University
- C / OF / – R/R (Throw/Bat)
- 182cm / 80kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2017 (CPBL Ready)
- Video
Member of the Taiwanese U23 national team, got a pretty good arms and able to hit for power. Now the question is whether Chen is able to handle the primary catcher role in the Uni-Lions top team? As Chen has been used predominantly as outfielder in the last few international tournaments.
2nd round 陳重廷 (Chen Chung-Ting)
- 21 years old – University
- 3B / SS / OF – R/R
- 180cm / 78kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2017 (CPBL Ready)
- Video
Twin brother of Uni-Lions 1st round pick 陳重羽 (Chen Chung-Yu). Great defensive ability, good plate discipline and is able to hit for power. He does have a history of injuries. Despite being CPBL top team ready. He has been traveled all over the world with Taiwan’s national development squad. Will Lions throw him straight into top team in 2017? Or give him a rest and wait for 2018?
3rd round 施子謙 (Shih Tzu-Chien)
- 22 years old – University
- P – R/R – 148kph (92mph)
- 183cm / 90kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2018
- Video
Shih spent his 2017 amateur season as starting pitcher. Lions is very likely going to develop him into #4 or #5 SP in the future. He is CPBL top team ready with if being use as bullpen though.
4th round 吳桀睿 (Wu Chieh-Jui)
- 24 years old – Industrial
- C / 2B / 3B – R/R
- 170cm / 80 kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2017 (CPBL Ready)
- Video
Depending on whether 陳重羽 (Chen Chung-Yu) can take up the primary catcher role. Wu will most likely be used as utility man in the top team. Wu is known to have good plate discipline and have shown the ability to hit for power since high school.
5th round 黃竣彥 (Huang Chun-Yen)
- 23 years old – Industrial
- P – R/R – 147kph (92mph)
- 190cm / 75kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2017 (CPBL Ready)
- Video
Part of the national development squad. During pre-draft tryout, Huang faced 5 batters struck out 2 with his fast ball clocked at 145kph. Very likely coming out of bullpen first for the remaining of 2017 season
6th round 賴奕成 (Lai Yi-Cheng)
- 18 years old – High School
- P – R/R
- 187cm / 75kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2019
- Video
The only high school player drafted by the Uni-Lions. In this years high school tournament back in February. Lai started 3 games and goes beyond 7 innings in all 3 games.
7th round 林勝傑 (Lin Sheng-Chieh)
- 22 years old – University
- OF – R/L
- 179cm/ 80kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2019
- Video
Part of the national development squad during the winter league. Lin is able to hit, but need to work on his defense.
8th round 鄭鈞仁 (Cheng Chun-Jen)
- 21 years old – University
- P – R/R – 146kph
- 184cm / 96kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2018
- Video
A starting pitcher for his university, however during his time with the national development squad Cheng has been allocate to reliever role.
Chinatrust Brothers Review
As we previously mentioned in our pre-draft team analysis. Pitcher, pitcher and pitcher is what Chinatrust Brothers need. And without any surprise, that’s what they did in this 2017 draft. 7 out of 10 players drafted are pitchers that is considered to be CPBL top team ready.
Would be interesting to see whether they will use them as relievers in 2nd half of 2017 season. Or try to develop them further in the farm and use them as starting pitcher in 2018.
1st round 岳東華 (Yueh Tung-Hua)
- 21 years old – University
- 2B / SS / 3B – R/L
- 178cm / 75kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2018
- Video
Another national team regular, was named the best 3B of the U23 tournament in 2016. Known for his quick powerful swing. A lot of coaches are comparing him with Lamigo Monkeys 王柏融 (Wang Po-Jung). Yueh will be able to cover Chinatrust Brothers aging middle infield.
2nd round 黃恩賜 (Huang En-Sih)
- 21 years old – University
- P – R/L – 151kph (94mph)
- 185cm/ 90kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2017 (RP) or 2018 (SP)
- Video
One of the biggest surprise in this 2017 draft. As Huang was widely considered to be the top amateur pitcher a few years ago and expected to play in the oversea market after graduate from university.
It seems that Huang is in bit of a pitching slump towards the end of 2016 season, perhaps it’s fatigue related? As his trademark 151kph (94mph) fastball with great movement is no where to be found. Since then, Huang’s fastball is back to around 145kph (90mph).
Very likely Chinatrust Brothers will try to fine tune Huang in the farm league, and add him to the 2018 starting rotation.
3rd round 陳柏豪 (Chen Po-Hao)
- 18 years old – High School
- P – R/R
- 177cm / 70kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2019
- Video
Widely considered to be one of the best high school pitcher in this years draft. Will very likely to develop him in to a starting pitcher.
4th round 蔡齊哲 (Tsai Chi-Che)
- 21 years old – University
- P – R/R – 145kph
- 182cm / 78kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2017 2017 (CPBL Ready)
- Video
The ace of the Taitung University. Again, it depends on Brothers management strategy on this. Either we’ll see Tsai coming out of bullpen in 2017 or as starter in 2018.
5th round 吳明鴻 (Wu Ming-Hung)
- 22 years old – University
- C – R/R
- 178cm / 85kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2018
- Video
With primary catchers 陳家駒 (Chen Chia-Chu) & 鄭達鴻 (Cheng Ta-Hung) currently struggling in the top team. Wu would be a good back up plan for Chinatrust Brothers.
6th round 王鴻程 (Wang Hung-Cheng)
- 25 years old – Industrial
- P – R/R – 153kph
- 192cm / 80kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2017 (CPBL Ready)
- Video
A hard throwing side arm pitcher who went through their high school and university system in Japan.
7th round 楊達翔 (Yang Ta-Hsiang)
- 23 years old – Industrial
- P – R/R – 145kph
- 191cm / 92kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2017 (CPBL Ready)
Yang participated in the 2016 draft, however was not selected. Yang then went back to the industrial league and has shown improvement in his control the past year.
8th round 鄭佳彥 (Cheng Chia-Yen)
- 24 years old – Industrial
- P – L/L – 143kph
- 182cm / 80kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2017 (CPBL Ready)
- Video
Cheng was mostly known for his infamous game back in 2009. As a high school pitcher, he pitched a 170 pitches complete game to help the team to advance to the next round of the competition. He is currently a closer for his industrial league team.
9th round 蔡岱霖 (Tsai Tai-Lin)
- 24 years old – Industrial
- C – R/R
- 175cm / 70kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2019
- Video
Clean up hitter for his industrial team, also able to cover 1B and 3B if needed. With Chinatrust Brothers current primary catchers struggling, Tsai could be a good back up plan.
10th round 吳蔚驊 (Wu Wei-Hua)
- 26 years old – Industrial
- P – R/R – 150kph
- 180cm / 93kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2017 (CPBL Ready)
- Video
Wu was drafted by EDA Rhinos in the 6th round of the 2016 draft. However did not sign with the Rhinos as both can’t come to an agreement. Very likely to see him coming out of Brothers bullpen in the 2nd half season. Wu is able to hit 150kph on radar with 3/4 delivery.
Fubon Guardians Review
Guardians draft strategy is pretty similar to the Uni-Lions. They need players that’s CPBL top team ready.
1st round 楊晉豪 (Yang Chin-Hao)
- 18 years old – High School
- SS / 2B – R/L
- 175cm/ 74kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2019
- Video
Hard hitting high school prospect with great defensive ability. Considered to be on the same level as 廖健富 (Liao Chien-Fu) with a little less power. Very likely to see Yang takes over the top team primary middle infielder role in the next 2-3 years.
2nd round 陳品捷 (Chen Pin-Chieh)
- 26 years old – Chicago Cubs (2A)
- 2B / CF – R/L
- 185cm / 79kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2017 (CPBL Ready)
- Video
Former Chicago Cubs farmhand peaked at 2A. Chen is one of the players in this draft that is considered to be CPBL top team ready. Known to be a line drive hitter with great speed and decent defensive range.
3rd round 羅國華 (Lo Kuo-Hua)
- 24 years old – Minnesota Twins (A)
- P – R/R – 154kph (96mph)
- 180cm / 89kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2017 (CPBL Ready)
- Video
Former Minnesota Twins farmhand reached 1A. Lo is able hit 150kph on the radar but is known for having command/ confident issues in the past. However that problem seems to be fixed during his time with the Japanese Shikoku Island League.
4th round 吳世豪 (Wu Shih-Hao)
- 18 years old – High School
- P – R/R
- 180cm / 70kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2019
- Video
A high school player was converted into pitcher just a year ago. “Fresher arm” maybe it’s one of the reason why he was drafted by Guardians.
5th round 范國宸 (Fan Kuo-Chen)
- 22 years old – University
- 1B / 3B – R/R
- 183cm / 88kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2017 (CPBL Ready)
- Video
Able to hit for power, very like to see Fan being used as pinch hitter in the 2nd half of 2017 season.
6th round 陳韋奇 (Chen Wei-Chi)
- 22 years old – University
- OF – R/R
- 186cm / 87kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2019
- Video
Chen is one of those batter it’s either a home run or strike out. He is projecting to be Uni-Lions 鄭鎧文 (Cheng Kai-Wen) or Lamigo 朱育賢 (Chu Yu-Hsien)
7th round 陳勤宗 (Chen Chin-Tsung)
- 24 years old – Industrial
- 1B / 3B – R/R
- 180cm / 85kg
- CPBL top team debut – 2019
- Video
Chen can hit in industrial league, however there’s concern about his defensive ability. It is something that he needs to work on if he wants to make the Guardians top team roster.
Video sources
Great YouTube channels for the coverage of Taiwanese amateur baseball scene. Be sure to subscribe them.
