CPBL Foreign Players Updates Volume #114
Uni-Lions News: Josh Roenicke
On January 10, the Uni-Lions have signed their first foreign player for the 2020 season. Josh Roenicke, the 37-year-old right-hander, will return to Taiwan for his third CPBL season.
In 2019, despite missing two months due to abdominal strain, Josh Roenicke still managed to finish the season with a solid 3.50 ERA, 1.17 WHIP over 105.1 innings.
Below are Josh Roenicke’s pitching stats against other CPBL teams in 2019.
| TEAM | G | IP | ERA | WHIP | SO | BB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brothers | 5 | 30.0 | 2.10 | 1.07 | 27 | 8 |
| Guardians | 8 | 48.0 | 3.75 | 1.12 | 35 | 12 |
| Monkeys | 6 | 27.1 | 4.61 | 1.35 | 25 | 8 |
| Total | 19 | 105.1 | 3.50 | 1.17 | 87 | 28 |
Josh Roenicke pitched 7 innings last night allowing 6 hits and 3 earned runs with 6 strikeouts. #CPBL #UniLions pic.twitter.com/OlMbiRXrGf
— CPBL STATS (@GOCPBL) July 30, 2019
Uni-Lions to Sign Former MLB-NPB-KBO Pitcher
According to the Uni-Lions’ general manager, the team is very close to signing another foreign pitcher with former MLB, NPB and KBO experiences. Based on that information, the following players meet the profile.
A few weeks ago, there were rumours that the Uni-Lions are thinking to sign only three foreign players to start the 2020 season. The idea was immediately met with a backlash and criticism from the Uni-Lions’ fans.
In today’s press release, the team denied the rumour that they are only going to sign three foreign players instead of four.
“We are currently in talks with four other foreign pitchers, and we will do our best to sign all of them if they are up to the standard,” said the Uni-Lions’ general manager. “The Uni-Lions will start the 2020 season with our best lineup.”
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 2020 CPBL season.
Joe Wieland is the best option, but he will be expensive. Michael Bowden is intriguing. Donn Roach got hit hard in AAA in 2019.
I also have Travis Blackley on the list, but I did not include him due to his age. If it is 2-3 years earlier, then yes, definitely possible.
Oh for sure, Wieland would be the most expensive one in this list. Would be interesting to see how much is the Uni-Lions willing to spend this season.
I bet instead of adopting like other teams and go big on foreign players budget, the Uni-Lions will probably stay the same comfort zone.