Fubon Guardians have finally confirmed the signing of four high profile former Chinatrust Brothers players to a one year contract today. The organisation choose not to disclose the salary package at this stage.
Among those were signed are infielder 蔣智賢 (Chiang Chih-Hsien), outfielder 張正偉 (Chang Cheng-Wei), starting pitcher 陳鴻文 (Chen Hung-Wen) and reliever 林煜清 (Lin Yu-Ching). All four players are CPBL first team ready, and should be able to boost Guardians lineup immediately in 2018 season.
Chiang still in ABL, will join the team end of January
Chang, Chen and Lin have already reported to the team today, while Chiang is still under contract with Sydney Blue Sox in the Australian Baseball League. According to Guardians representative, Chiang is expect to join the team at the end of January.
蔣智賢 (Chiang Chih-Hsien) has been killing it in ABL at the moment, slashing .391/.410/.684 with 10 home runs and currently lead ABL in RBI (44) and number of hits (52).
BLUE SOX LEAD! Chiang Chih-hsien nails this three run blast and gives the @SydneyBlueSox a lead! #ABLAcesSox pic.twitter.com/bsze5O9mSa
— ABL (@ABL) December 28, 2017
Biggest worst kept secret this off season
The talks of Guardians planning to sign those 4 players has been around since the end of 2017 season. As the four players were benched prior the playoff and released for disciplinary reasons.
The confirmation of the signing broke out today after the media spotted Chang, Chen and Lin wearing their Guardians uniforms at Guardians spring camp. Shortly after, Guardians have confirmed the signing.
Despite #Fubon Guardians haven't announced the signing of 張正偉 (Chang Cheng-Wei) officially. Here's former #CTBros Chang and 林煜清 (Lin Yu-Ching) wearing Guardians uniform at spring camp. (Photos via pb+) #CPBL pic.twitter.com/3Cp1zGMZ5d
— CPBL STATS (@GOCPBL) January 15, 2018
蔣智賢 (Chiang Chih-Hsien)
- Former Red Sox farmhand. Signed as international free agent in 2006.
- Drafted 1st round in 2015 by Brothers
- Monster 2016 season .402/.455/.738 and lead the league in OPS+ (176)
張正偉 (Chang Cheng-Wei)
- Drafted 7th round in 2008 by Brothers
- 7X Best-Ten award winner
- 2X Gold Gloves
- 1x Batting Champion
陳鴻文 (Chen Hung-Wen)
- Former Chicago Cubs 3A farmhand. Signed as international free agent in 2007
- Drafted 1st round by Brothers in 2012
- Will be used as starting pitcher in 2018 season by Guardians
林煜清 (Lin Yu-Ching)
- Drafted 1st round by Brothers in 2011
- Former Brother domestic ace. Switched to reliever role due to injury.
Chiang’s power should help the Guardians a lot. We will see how much the other three have left in 2018.
Chiang will be a huge addition to Guardians line up. Guys is a MVP material, very likely to have 3/4/5 slash line with 25+ HR season for the next 5 years.
Chang probably be a decent 4th OF or be on rotation to give the OF staff some rest. Possibly be a good lead off guy, depend on how Guardians want to use him.
Lin is bit of a lottery case. If Guardians can fix him, it will be a plus. Despite his not so impressive stats last few years, his swing and miss rate is quite high. I’m not an expert, but for him a “full year rest” could be beneficial.
Same case for Chen. I think he is much better being a starting pitcher rather as reliever. His problem is more mentally in my opinion. Just need to boost his confidence.