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CPBL: Manager Tseng points out key difference between foreign hitters Wick and Mo Ying

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Rakuten Monkeys' new foreign player, Wick, has shown promise in his first four games, hitting two home runs.
  • Manager Tseng Hao-chu explained that Wick's playing time will be managed based on team needs and strategy, rather than a guaranteed starting outfield position.
  • The league anticipates a competitive showdown between Wick and Taishin Wei Chuan Dragons' foreign hitter, Mo Ying, potentially next week.

Rakuten Monkeys' new foreign slugger, Wick, has quickly made an impression since joining the team, hitting two home runs in his first four games. The team's manager, Tseng Hao-chu, noted that while Wick is a powerful hitter, his role in the outfield will be strategically managed.

We won't let Wick start in the outfield every game. It depends on the team's lineup and needs.

— Tseng Hao-chuRakuten Monkeys manager Tseng Hao-chu on managing new foreign player Wick's playing time.

"We won't let Wick start in the outfield every game," Tseng explained. "It depends on the team's lineup and needs." He added that Wick, a former catcher drafted by the Twins in the third round of the 2012 MLB draft, has a similar hitting style to Taishin Wei Chuan Dragons' foreign hitter, Mo Ying, both being strong pull hitters. However, Wick possesses faster foot speed, which Tseng considers a significant advantage.

Wick and Mo Ying have very similar hitting types, both being strong pull hitters. The difference is that Wick's foot speed is faster, and his running ability is at a certain level. He is excellent in all aspects.

— Tseng Hao-chuRakuten Monkeys manager Tseng Hao-chu comparing new foreign player Wick to Taishin Wei Chuan Dragons' Mo Ying.

The manager expressed excitement about the potential matchup between Wick and Mo Ying, believing that competition among foreign hitters elevates the entire league's performance. "When foreign hitters compete against each other, their performance improves. If one player is alone, it feels lonely, but when they compete together, the whole league gets better," Tseng remarked.

I am very much looking forward to Wick and Mo Ying competing on the same field. When foreign hitters compete against each other, their performance improves. If one player is alone, it feels lonely, but when they compete together, the whole league gets better.

— Tseng Hao-chuRakuten Monkeys manager Tseng Hao-chu on the competitive impact of foreign hitters in the CPBL.

Tseng is optimistic about Wick's potential impact, predicting he could hit double-digit home runs this season despite joining mid-season. The anticipated clash between Wick and Mo Ying is expected to occur as early as next Tuesday when the Rakuten Monkeys face the Taishin Wei Chuan Dragons.

I think there is a chance!

— Tseng Hao-chuRakuten Monkeys manager Tseng Hao-chu expressing confidence in Wick's home run potential.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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