Taipei, Dec. 21 (CNA) Former United States minor leaguer Chen Yung-chi was named the top pick by the Uni-President Lions in the 2010 Chinese Professional Baseball League draft Tuesday.
Chen played with the Seattle Mariners, Oakland Athletics and Pittsburgh Pirates from 2004-2010. The 27-year-old, who mainly handles the second baseman position, is recognized for his power hitting.
Kuo Yen-wen, 22, who played for the Cincinnati Reds from 2007-2010, was selected at No. 2 by La New Bears. He is known for his strong defense and is capable of covering three infield positions -- shortstop, second base and third base.
Sinon Bulls surprised everyone with its selection of the little-known amateur infielder Huang Chih-pei.
At No. 4 and the last pick of the first round, defending champion Brother Elephants picked 26-year-old Tseng Sung-wei, a right-hander with a 156km per hour fastball who spent three years with the Cleveland Indians from 2007-2010 before heading home.
A record 88 players were selected in the draft of the four-team professional league, which was established in 1990. (By Chris Wang) enditem/jc