CTBC Brothers' Chang Jen-Wei Shows Stability; Manager Hirano Expects Further Growth

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 23. CTBC Brothers infielder Chang Jen-Wei has been consistently playing as the leadoff hitter and shortstop recently, maintaining a solid performance. Manager Keiichi Hirano stated that there are pros and cons to being a utility player versus having a fixed position, and he hopes Chang Jen-Wei can continue to improve regardless of his role. Chang Jen-Wei has maintained stable performance recently. In yesterday's game against the Wei Chuan Dragons, he recorded two hits in four at-bats and successfully stole two bases. He has hit safely in 11 consecutive games, with a batting average of .333 before the game. Manager Hirano affirmed Chang's stable performance, praising him for doing his job as the team's leadoff hitter every day, but emphasized that he still needs to continue to improve. When asked if Chang's position would be fixed at shortstop, Hirano mentioned his own playing career, where he played second base and outfield, noting that playing multiple positions is actually very difficult. Hirano explained that Chang's current role is as a leadoff hitter and shortstop, but a competitive relationship will form once shortstop Chiang Kun-Yu returns to the team. Hirano believes that whether one is a utility player or has a fixed position, one cannot look at only one side, as each has its pros and cons. While playing multiple positions is tough, it may also lead to more opportunities in the major league. The important thing is not for the coaching staff to decide the player's role, but that the player continues to improve regardless of the role they play.