Hu Chin-lung Studies MLB Player Development with Dodgers, Reunites with Manager Dave Roberts

(CNA reporter Xie Jingwen, Taipei, June 5) Hu Chin-lung, who transitioned to a coaching role with CPBL's Uni-President Lions, arranged a roughly two-month training visit to the MLB Los Angeles Dodgers organization, focusing on how MLB currently develops young players. He also caught up with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, joking, "They thought I had been a coach for a long time."

The 42-year-old Hu retired from playing at the end of last season and became the Uni-President 7-ELEVEn Lions' first-team assistant hitting coach. He arranged the trip to the Los Angeles Dodgers organization during the offseason and returned to Taiwan on June 3. Hu was present at the Lions' home game against the Fubon Guardians at the Taipei Dome on June 5.

Hu stated that the roughly two-month trip was mainly spent at the spring training complex, participating in extended spring training with young, newly signed players. His main goal was to observe the Dodgers' current training methods and how they develop young players, learning modern baseball operations.

Hu noted that the current environment and equipment are vastly different from the past. He was particularly impressed by the Dodgers' laboratory, which allows for immediate video analysis and adjustments. However, he added, "Going back to the basics, everyone's concept of baseball is the same. It's just that pitchers and hitters have improved a lot in all aspects."

Hu played for the Dodgers from 2003 to 2010. During this trip, he revisited Dodger Stadium and caught up with many old friends, including current Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. Hu recalled that when he was in the rookie league, Roberts, who was rehabbing in the minors at the time, treated the minor league players to nice steaks and lobster.

Having been away from the Dodgers for over 15 years, Hu said with a laugh, "I was quite surprised that so many people still remembered me." He also mentioned that some former acquaintances are now coaches within the Dodgers organization. "They thought I had been a coach for a long time. When I told them I just retired last year, they were all shocked," Hu said.

Hu believes that what he saw and learned on this trip will certainly be helpful for his future coaching career. When asked if he will remain with the first team, Hu said, "It's up to the team's arrangement." (Editor: Chen Renhua) 1150605