[新聞]Hu's got 51s excited about him
http://www.lvrj.com/sports/8507152.html
Hu's got 51s excited about him
Newly promoted shortstop brings hot bat after Futures MVP effort
By TODD DEWEY
REVIEW-JOURNAL
It has been a whirlwind week for Taiwanese shortstop Chin-Lung Hu, and it's
not over yet.
On Sunday, the Dodgers farmhand was selected Most Valuable Player of the
Futures Game, part of the All-Star festivities at San Francisco. He went
2-for-2 with two RBIs and a stolen base in the World's 7-2 win over the
United States.
After the game, Hu was promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas, and the 23-year-old
made a 51s dramatic debut Thursday. He launched a tying home run for his
first Triple-A hit and finished 2-for-5 with a double, two RBIs and two runs
in an 8-5 victory over Salt Lake.
A defensive whiz, Hu will have to continue hitting like that to carve out a
long career in the big leagues.
"His trademark has been super hands and super defense, but the big question
mark always has been his bat," 51s manager Lorenzo Bundy said. "If he hits,
then you're looking at a very all-around type player. There is some pop in
that bat. We look for him to be a very competitive player."
Hu, 0-for-4 with an RBI in the 51s' 3-2 victory over Salt Lake at Cashman
Field on Friday, hit .329 at Double-A Jacksonville this season and led the
Southern League with 107 hits and 30 doubles.
He hit over .300 in his first three minor league seasons before slumping to
.254 at Jacksonville last year, when a "tired eye" obscured his vision at the
plate.
"I see the ball better now and I'm more comfortable because last year I
couldn't see," Hu said. "Last year my eye was not healthy, but this year it's
working so it's better."
51s hitting coach Mike Easler was Jacksonville's batting instructor last year
and confirmed that the eye problem hampered Hu, who underwent an MRI exam
after the season, rested and recovered.
"There's no doubt," Easler said. "He came to spring training like a whole
different kid. He's making much more contact now and hitting the ball to all
fields."
Easler said Hu and Dodgers infielder Tony Abreu formed the best double-play
combination in the minor leagues last year at Jacksonville.
"Watching him and Tony together was like a thing of beauty," he said. "They
just put on the flash and they complemented each other."
Easler said 51s fans are in for a treat.
"Chin brings excitement to the ballpark. Wait and see. You'll see some
amazing things," he said. "Chin-Lung is definitely ready for this level. I'm
telling you, he is a baseball player and I believe he'll be a big solid major
league player."
Hu hails from Tainan City, the same place that produced Dodgers pitcher
Hong-Chih Kuo and former Los Angeles outfielder Chin-Feng Chen, the 51s'
career homer leader (87).
Hu roomed with Kuo at Single-A Vero Beach a couple of years ago and said he
learned a lot from the left-hander.
"He helped me because he's a pitcher and he knows how pitchers approach
hitters," he said. "He taught me I need to work very hard and that it's tough
to go (to the majors) and stay there long."
With Rafael Furcal, 29, firmly entrenched as the Dodgers' starting shortstop,
Hu could be trade bait for Los Angeles. But Easler would advise against that.
"I know people are asking for him, but I wouldn't give him up," Easler said.
"He's got as good a hands as anybody."
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