Name: Chun ChenPosition: First baseTeam: Triple-A ColumbusAge: 24Height: 5’11”Weight: 210Bats: RightThrows: Right Facts & Info: The Indians signed Chen as a free agent in September of 2007 out of Taiwan. He was a third baseman and pitcher in Taiwan, but was converted to a catcher when he joined the organization and later to first base. He played in MLB’s Futures Game over All Star weekend in 2010. The Offense: Chen is an offensive-oriented player that has a good approach that is a good mixture of patience and power. He has a quick, professional swing where he shows good balance at the plate and stays inside of the ball well with a good, consistent bat path. He puts up consistent at bats and uses the middle of the field well, and routinely squares the ball up and pounds the gaps as the ball really jumps off his bat. The Defense: The Indians moved Chen from catcher to first base at the start of last season because of concerns with his defensive abilities behind the plate. He has made a smooth transition to first base and made very good progress in a short period of time showing some soft hands and some athleticism, but he still only grades out as a below average defender at the position. The Indians have not completely given up on him as a catcher as he could still play there from time to time, especially if injuries to the position force them to fill a need by putting him back there. The Intangibles: Chen has adapted well to the American culture and has taken English classes over the years so he can better communicate with his teammates. He has plus makeup and is a very coachable player. The Focus: Chen still has a lot to learn at first base. His range is limited and his footwork around the bag needs a lot of work, and he still needs to learn all of the nuances to the position. With first base being his only real position on the field it really limits his value and potential going forward considering his bat does not stand out and has not been consistent. He got off to a hot start earlier this season, but he needs to show more consistency with his offense – particularly his power – if he is ever going to get to the major leagues. The Future: Chen’s bat is capable of being a good complementary piece at the major league level, but he needs a position. His future as a prospect is still limited simply because he is still a ways away from being a major league capable defender at first base and he does not have enough power to be an everyday player at the position. First basemen that hit .300 with low output from a power and run production standpoint in the minors have to excel defensively to get a Major League opportunity. He is going to have to break into the big leagues as a right-handed bat off the bench and may be another player of the Russ Canzler and Jared Goedert ilk that performs well in the minors but has a tough time breaking through because he lacks a position. At the most, maybe he is another Ryan Garko-type at the big league level.
