The Fubon Guardians have announced that the former New York Yankees ace 王建民 (Wang Chien-Ming) will be joining the Guardians farm team as guest coach.
“We hope with Wang’s extensive MLB experience, he can help out our young pitchers in the farm team,” said the Guardians general manager.
“Although I only have 20 days, but my main focus is help players to develop a good pitching mechanics to avoid injuries and hopefully they can have a long lasting professional career,” said Wang Chien-Ming.
According the Guardians press release, Wang will stay on as the farm team guest-coach from June 11th to 30th. During the three weeks period, he will travel with the team and work with the Guardians youngsters in the bullpen.
The Guardians are also open to the ideas of future cooperation with Wang during their Fall and Spring camp. Below are more photos of Wang working as guest-coach with the Fubon Guardians farm team (Photos via Fubon Guardians Facebook page).
Future Plan for 王建民 (Wang Chien-Ming)
Despite 王建民 (Wang Chien-Ming) has clearly shifted his attention to more of a coaching role in 2018, as he was spotted at the New York Yankees minor league camp as guest instructor earlier this year, but deep down inside, Wang still want to continue to pitch as a professional.
“I still train every day, with no plan for retirement. As for the (shoulder) injury, if I can still pitch, I still prefer to continue on as a professional player,” said the former Yankees Wang Chien-Ming when asked about his future plan.
王建民 (Wang Chien-Ming) spotted at the Yankees minor league camp as guest instructor. (Photo via Vamos Sports) pic.twitter.com/yEtnsNZ4XX
— CPBL STATS (@GOCPBL) March 17, 2018
Does this mean there is a chance that Wang will pitch in the CPBL?
Hard to say, from what I read in his interview, I think he still have problem with his shoulder. But I’m sure if he is healthy to pitch, the CPBL teams will definitely sign him.
Chien-Ming Wang is the kind of guy that can packed a stadium on a weekday game, and to be honest this is the kind of players the CPBL need to give the attendance another quick jump start.