| |
Physical Description:
Athletic, undersized frame with minimal remaining projection. Frame won't
support much added size, but could still add strength.
Hit: Starts square with his hands by his upper chest. Strong
bat-to-ball skills. Short swing. Raised swing path entering 2017 season in
order to hit the ball in the air more often. Hangs in the box longer now
than past years, when he was a slap hitter looking primarily to put the
ball in play, often on the ground. Solid feel; all-fields approach. Really
knows the strike zone and doesn't strike out often. Potential
solid-average hit tool.
Power: Well below-average
power potential. Below-average raw power. Not a major part of his game.
Could hit a few home runs a season if given enough at-bats, but lacks
over-the-fence power profile.
Arm: Accurate with
average arm strength. Arm is passable on the left side of the infield in a
reserve role.
Field: Above-average defender at shortstop. Gets good reads off the bat and has range to both
sides. Fluid actions, soft hands. Confident defender, reads the ball off
the bat well and comfortable charging the ball. Has some versatility to
play second base, third base, and even some center field.
Run:
Above-average speed, though it doesn't translate to stolen bases. Can go
first to third on balls in the gap. Solid instincts. |
|
Career
Notes: Received largest bonus ever for an amateur position player
from Taiwan, in part due to timing of signing days before new
international signing caps went into effect on July 2, 2012. Reportedly
agreed to sign with the Yankees in 2010, but Chinese Taipei Baseball
Association threatened to ban him from playing or coaching in Taiwan if he
signed before finishing high school. Began seeing time at second base,
third base, and center field in 2016 as he began to be developed as for a
utility role.
Participated in 2012, 2013, and 2016 Fall Instructional League. Became
fourth Taiwanese player to record a major league hit in 2017, the first
since former Red Sox outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin. While he has yet to make
much of an MLB impact, is already something of a celebrity in Taiwan.
Summation:
Could likely serve as a reserve utility player at the big league level
right now. Bat would likely
be exposed in an everyday role, but defensive potential, versatility, and
speed make him an attractive option in a bench role. Could serve as a
backup at all infield positions except for first base and occasionally man
center field. Doesn't have much upside, but high floor.
Links
2013 Prospect Preview
Spring Training 2013 Video
Scouting Scratch: Jamie Callahan and Tzu-Wei Lin (6.26.13)
2013 Top 40 Season in Review
Scouting Scratch: Wrapping Up April in Portland
(5.5.17)
|
|
