CPBL Foreign Players Updates Volume #100
Fubon Guardians News: Bryan Woodall
With the August 31 trade deadline just around the corner, the Fubon Guardians have finalised their final foreign player roster. On August 24, the Fubon Guardians have released right-hander Bryan Woodall.
Bryan Woodall, who has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the past few seasons struggled this season. In 113.1 innings of work, he posted a 5.56 ERA and 1.41 WHIP.
#Fubon Guardians' Bryan Woodall snags a comebacker and throws to first to complete the double play. #CPBL pic.twitter.com/ykfJnPJVd3
— CPBL STATS (@GOCPBL) April 2, 2019
Fubon Guardians News: Travis Banwart
With the Woodall departing, the Guardians will call up right-hander Travis Banwart to the first team. The Guardians signed Banwart on July 17 from the Atlantic League as their fourth backup foreign pitcher.
Since arriving in Taiwan, Travis Banwart has been pitching in the CPBL farm league with a 2.53 ERA, 1.50 WHIP across two starts and 10.2 innings.
“We will not look for another foreign player before the trade deadline,” said the Guardians’ manager. “Travis Banwart will make his first-team debut this week.”
[#CPBL Farm League News] #Fubon Guardians' Travis Banwart is making his farm team debut today against University All-Star Team. pic.twitter.com/hBDXORnOKW
— CPBL STATS (@GOCPBL) July 31, 2019
Further Readings
Foreign players come and goes, therefore we compiled a foreign players tracker to keep track of all the foreign players signing for the 2019 CPBL season.
I’m sad to see Woodall’s CPBL career end. He put together a pretty good one, but he didn’t get the job done this year, particularly at the end with Travis Banwart looking over his shoulder. I wonder if he will decide to return to the Atlantic League or if he decides to retire.
Any other rumored moves before the August 31 deadline?
I think Woodall’s problem could be fatigue related, probably just need some rest and recharge. If he is healthy, I think we might see another team bringing him back for 2020 spring training. (Maybe not full year contract, but a 3-month one). But again, this is depending on his condition.
As for the 831 rumour:
Uni-Lions: Will not get a new guy. They will stick with who they have to finish the 2019 season. They gave up this season I think, so they might as well get a decent draft spot for it.
Monkeys: Thomas Dorminy will make his farm team debut today. Unless something really go wrong, I believe Matthew Grimes will get axed before August 31. The management was hinting that.
Brothers: According to manager Scott Budner, the team are leaning not to change their foreign players. Brett Oberholtzer pitched 3 games in the farm league so far. (2.12 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 17 IP). There is rumour the Brothers have signed Oberholtzer until the end of September. If they are goinng to change, it is going to be down to either Elih Villanueva or Casey Harmon.
On another notes, KBO’s KIA Tigers announced they will not extend the contract with Joe Wieland and Jacob Turner. So, could be some viable options for the 2020 season if they choose not to return to the MLB system.
Wieland would probably be the safer option between Wieland and Turner since he also played in the NPB.
Definitely worth looking into those 2, but historically speaking, quite risky to sign former KBO foreign pitchers with above 4.50 ERA. Especially with 2019 being more pitching friendly with the ball change.
But having said that, there were some successful cases in the past. I know Uni-Lions and Brothers have sent scouts to KBO last month to look for potential signing.