Chi-Hung Cheng

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #13 prospect in 2007
  Cheng has pitched three seasons in the U.S. without advancing past low Class A since signing for $400,000 following the 2003 World Cup. The Blue Jays wanted him to iron out his command issues before tackling high Class A, so he repeated the Midwest League and again finished among the league leaders in ERA, strikeouts and walks. Cheng achieved better balance and fastball command in part by separating his hands over the rubber, rather than over his head, though he still didn't throw strikes consistently. MWL observers said they were more impressed with him in 2005 than in 2006. Not a hard thrower, Cheng occasionally hits 90 mph but pitches at 84-87 with above-average life. His curveball is his best pitch, though he relies on it too much at times and scouts question whether his approach will work at higher levels. His changeup has the potential to become a plus pitch. Cheng has learned English and adapted to U.S. life quickly. His heavy amateur workload concerned some teams, but he showed no physical problems until he needed to have a slight tear in his labrum repaired in October. The Jays characterize the surgery as minor and believe he'll be throwing again by spring training. Cheng will try to develop a better fastball and changeup to go with his curve this year in high Class A. If he can't, he's likely destined for a relief role.
• 
  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #14 prospect in 2006
  Cheng had a decorated amateur career in Taiwan, pitching for the 1996 Little League World Series championship club and several other national teams. His heavy workload scared off other clubs that scout Asia, but he hasn't had any physical problems since signing for $400,000 following the 2003 World Cup. Cheng led the Rookie-level Appalachian League in strikeouts during his 2004 debut and finished third in the low Class A Midwest League last year, when he was the youngest pitcher on a Jays full-season affiliate. Cheng's out pitch is a plus curveball. He commands it better than his 86-88 mph fastball, which features so much life that he struggles to throw strikes with it. He led the MWL in walks. Cheng is still developing his changeup. He has made great strides acclimating to the U.S. culture and he's learning English rapidly. Toronto would like to see Cheng pitch more to contact and be more aggressive instead of trying to be too fine. He'll tackle high Class A in 2006 and the Jays project him as a future starter. With his curveball, Cheng at least should become a lefty reliever.
• 
  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #19 prospect in 2005
  A member of Taiwan's 1996 Little League World Series championship club, Cheng continued to pitch for national teams in Taiwan as he got older. His heavy amateur workload scared off clubs that scout Asia extensively, but the Jays were undaunted. They signed him for $400,000 after he went 0-1, 5.40 in four appearances at the 2003 World Cup in Cuba. They also agreed to let him pitch in the 2004 Olympics if Taiwan wanted him, but he didn't make the cut. Cheng's health wasn't an issue in his pro debut, as he led the Appalachian League in strikeouts. His advanced feel for pitching was one of the main attributes that attracted the Jays' interest, and it allowed him to carve up Rookie-level hitters. He has a clean delivery, throws strikes and projects to add velocity as he matures physically. He currently operates with an 86-90 mph fastball, a hard-biting curveball and a developing changeup. He'll pitch in low Class A this year.