Taipei, Dec. 15 (CNA) Three baseballers from the United States Minor League were among the 88 players who applied to enter the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) next year, the domestic league said in a press release Wednesday.
Kuo Yen-wen, Chen Yung-chi and Tseng Sung-wei, who were all released by their teams in the U.S. this year, have submitted applications for the annual draft to be held Dec. 21 in Taipei, according to the press release.
Kuo, 22, who played for the Cincinnati Reds from 2007-2010, is known for his strong defense. He is capable of covering three infield positions -- shortstop, second baseman and third baseman.
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.
With a 156 km per hour fastball, right-hander Tseng, 26, spent three years with the Cleveland Indians from 2007-2010 before heading home.
Four CPBL teams -- Uni-President Lions, La New Bears, Sinon Bulls and Brother Elephants -- will make their picks in that order, according to the league office. The draft will automatically end after all the teams renounce their rights to make picks. (By Chris Wang) enditem /pc