The Cleveland Indians announced the signing of right-hander Lee Chen Chiang on Tuesday, with an approximate signing bonus rumored to be between 350,000 and 400,000.
The 5′11 Lee, whose stock rose as one of the few bright spots during Taiwan’s ill-fated olympic run, pitched quite well against Cuba’s lineup, giving up just one earned in seven innings. He also had an impressive showing in relief against the U.S.
According to Indians’ scouting director John Mirabelli, the Indians had scouted Lee for several years. Apparently his strong olympic showing was enough to convince them he was worth the rather hefty signing bonus.
Lee will start the season at Kinston of the Carolina League. He brings a 91-92 MPH fastball, plus movement, and good ability to work the strike zone to the table, but will have to progress up the ranks quickly if he wants a shot at the majors.
Best of luck to the young man.
(Photo courtesy of Taiwan Baseball)
5 responses so far ↓
1 Shinsano // Sep 17, 2008 at 9:31 pm
What’s his offspeed stuff like?
2 BaseballAmerica.com: Blog: Baseball America Prospects Blog » Blog Archive » Indians Sign Taiwanese RHP // Sep 18, 2008 at 6:17 am
[...] righthander Chen-Chang Lee. While his bonus hasn’t been reported officially, it’s rumored to be in the $350,000 [...]
3 PR // Sep 18, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Don’t know if you guys followed the BA link…do you agree with this?
“Taiwan’s Olympic team had three high-profile amateur players on its roster, more than any other team.”
I would think Japan has more high profile players…is there some kind of amateur status I’m not picking up on?
4 simon // Sep 18, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Japanese team was entirely professional. US team had one high profile amateur.
5 Shinsano // Sep 18, 2008 at 6:37 pm
The Korean team was also entirely professional.
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