While Japan and Korea have submitted very strong rosters for the WBC, Taiwan is still trying to get clearance for their top 2 pitchers: Wang and Kuo. Because both pitchers have a history of serious arm injuries, the parent clubs are reluctant to release these 2 kids (Read here for more on Wang and his status with the Yanks brass) for participation in the WBC. With injuries to top pitchers Tsao, Chang, and Hsu, the cupboard is pretty bare if the Dodgers and Yankees have their way. Also, the Taiwanese national team has not yet secured the services of top hitter Chin-Feng Chen whose professional career has come to a screeching halt. In past competitions against top pitchers from Korea and Japan, Chen was one of the few bright spots for an anemic offense.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that Wang and Kuo get a chance to shine for their country. I'm sure a strict pitch count will be imposed if they get the green light, but having Wang and Kuo is vital to Taiwan having any shot at beating Japan and Korea.
2 comments:
anyone know why chen hasn't committed?
i guess it's a good thing to see the dodgers, yankees, and the rockies being difficult to kuo, wang, and tsao. this means that they are valued in their organization. it's definitely bad for taiwan if they can't play in wbc.
I believe that since Chen's future is uncertain - he has no contract/job, the timing of the WBC comes at a bad time for him, if he is to get another shot at the ML level.
I believe that the WBC's schedule coincides with the start of spring training. We'll see how things play out.
Most likely Kuo and Wang will be allowed to play for their country, albeit with a very strict pitch count and probably under close scrutiny from their respective teams.
There is no way Tsao recovers in time for the WBC. It's a shame, cuz Tsao has physically shown that he is probably the most talented pitcher Taiwan has produced since Tai-Yuan Kuo.
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