The CPBL on Monday named Tseng Hao-chu as manager of Team Taiwan for the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s (WBSC) Premier12 tournament in November.
CPBL secretary-general Yang Ching-lung said the league’s 12-member Premier12 preparatory committee chose the manager of the Rakuten Monkeys’ farm team within five minutes of its first meeting.
They chose a manager from the minors because the WBSC flagship tournament is to start close to the CPBL championship series, he said, adding that Tseng has proven his capability as a manager in the CPBL.
Photo: CNA
From 2020 to last year, the 44-year-old managed the Monkeys, leading the team to finish as CPBL runners-up in the previous two seasons.
He said it took him some time to decide whether to accept the national team post, citing the pressure of international games.
However, it does not have to be so stressful, he said, calling it an “honor” to lead the team.
Tseng also served as the batting coach for the national team at last year’s World Baseball Classic and the 2019 Premier12, the most recent edition.
Regarding his criteria for filling out the roster, he would prioritize players in good condition, regardless of whether they compete in Taiwan or overseas, he said, adding that he wants to focus on nurturing young talent.
He is to finalize his coaching staff by the committee’s next meeting in two weeks, Yang said.
While the CPBL plans to send its scouting group to the US in June or July, Tseng is expected to join the group and observe Taiwanese players competing overseas.
Scheduled for Nov. 10 to 24, the Premier12 features the world’s 12 highest-ranked national baseball teams.
The teams would be split into two groups in a round-robin competition, with Group A playing in the US from Nov. 10 to 14 and Group B in Taipei from Nov. 14 to 18, preceded by an opening game in Nagoya, Japan, on Nov. 13, the WBSC announced in December last year.
The two best teams from each group would advance to the Super Round in Japan, with the top two finishers vying for the title on Nov. 24.
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