Chih-Wei Hu - 2015

JaleelWhite FanClub · April 10, 2015

Chih-Wei Hu
Age: 21
Born: November 4, 1993
Birthplace: Taichung, Taiwan

Height: 6’-1”
Weight: 209 lbs

Position: SP

Throws: R
Bats: R

Hu was signed by the Twins out of Taiwan as an undrafted free agent in August 2012 with a signing bonus of $220,000.

Hu has certainly impressed in his time in the Twins organization. In 2013, he pitched in the Gulf Coast League and over 12 appearances, including 5 starts, and 36.2 IP, he posted a 2-0 record along with a 2.45 ERA. His peripheral stats were even more impressive as he had a 39/8 K/BB ratio, .207 AVG against, and 0.98 WHIP in his first stint in Rookie ball.

Hu began 2014 in Extended Spring Training and then was moved to Elizabethtown. There he was even more impressive. Over 3 starts, he pitched to a 1.69 ERA while averaging a strike out per inning. His .127 AVG against and 0.56 WHIP quickly earned him a promotion to Cedar Rapids in early July. His tremendous pitching continued in the Midwest League and helped lead the Kernels into the playoffs. He amassed 55.0 IP that included 9 starts and finished with a 7-2 record and a 2.29 ERA. Still just 20, his 48/13 K/BB ratio, 201 AVG against, and 0.98 WHIP should have gotten the Twins mighty excited about 2015.

Hu’s most impressive stat, though, may be the fact that in 107.2 IP and 420 batter faced HE HAS YET TO GIVE UP A HOME RUN!!!

MINOR Totals: 107.2 IP, 10-2 (W-L), 2.15 ERA, 103 K, 23 BB, .193 AVG, 0.91 WHIP, 8.6 K/9, 1.9 BB/9, 0.0 HR/9, 4.48 K/BB

Hu is known for being aggressive in his approach and pounding the strike zone. His fastball sits in the low-90s but he has been able to dial it up to 94-95 mph. His change up is his best off speed pitch and a good one. He also throws a curve ball, and I have seen reports of either a slider or second change up (as a die hard Johan fan, I think throwing two kinds of change ups is AWESOME!!!).

Hu has not received the attention that other pitchers in the Twins minor leagues who were drafted high or acquired via trade. However, his performance through his age-20 season against older opponents, maturity, and upside will most likely start earning him some additional interest from experts. He was named as the “2015 Under-the-Radar Prospect” for the Florida State League by the staff at MiLB.com.

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150406&content_id=115961532&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb

Hu begins his 2015 season tomorrow night in Fort Myers against the Charlotte Stone Crabs. Here’s to hoping he continues to excel and advances quickly through the Twins system.

Shane Wahl · April 10, 2015

Wait . . . I never even noticed that about the homers. I cannot believe that! Wow. Good writeup.

2wins87 · April 10, 2015

I hadn't noticed that either, I had to check his splits (does he get an absurd amount of GB?). He had a 37% GB rate in 2013 (actually pretty low) and 48% in 2014 (that is relatively high). Obviously he's not going to maintain a 0% HR/FB rate forever, but as long as his K/BB ratio remains good he should have good results.

ashbury · April 10, 2015

If he's getting by with inducing batters to wave at stuff in the dirt, that will get tougher to achieve as he moves up, unless he gets to face only Aaron Hicks clones. But I'm still cautiously optimistic for him. The one tiny bit I saw him in Spring Training, he wriggled out of a jam, produced in part by someone's fielding error, by inducing batters to beat the ball into the ground. So I have him pegged as a resilient type not too easily flustered.

JaleelWhite FanClub · April 18, 2015

Hu #2

Through his first two starts of 2015, Chih-Wei Hu seems to have made the transition to the Advanced Class-A Florida State League.

In his first start, Hu pitched 5.0 innings and received a no decision. He allowed two runs on three hits. His time on the mound was interesting as he hit one batter, allowed one run to score on a balk, and then let home the other run on a wild pitch. Hu finished with six strikeouts and no walks allowed. The Miracle went on to win the game in 11 innings.

To say his second start of the season, last night against St. Lucie, went better would be an understatement. Hu was dominant in perhaps his best professional start. He picked up his first win throwing 7.0 shutout innings. He gave up two hits, one walk and struck out ten batters. He was incredibly efficient, as he faced only three hitters more than the minimum over the seven innings and only went to three-ball counts twice. He also earned Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day honors.

Here is Hu’s stat line through the two starts.
12.0 IP, 1-0 (W-L), 1.50 ERA, 5 H, 1 BB, 16 K .125 AVG, 0.50 WHIP

In my first write-up, I forgot to include my predictions for Hu for the year. Take this from someone not claiming to be an expert. I think Hu will spend the entire year in Fort Myers. It would be great to see him pull off a Berrios-like FSL tenure and early promotion to AA, I don’t know if Hu’s stuff is on that level (yet). But with more starts like last night, Hu could definitely make a liar out of me. If (more like when) Berrios and Duffey get promoted from Chattanooga, Hu may get the chance to move up.

I think if he stays in Fort Myers all year, he could put up numbers in the range of 20-23 starts, 130-150 IP, 12-16 wins, 2.50 ERA, sub-1.00 WHIP, .180 AVG against. I think he can keep his walks down to the 1.5-2.0 BB/9 range. I am most interested to see if he can raise his strikeout rate to the 9.0-9.5 K/9 range.

JaleelWhite FanClub · April 24, 2015

Well darn it! The streak is over. Chih-Wei Hu, after 119.2 IP in his professional career, finally gave up a home run. He have it up to the first batter tonight, a guy named Champ. The story of the homer itself is pretty dramatic given the streak.

http://m.milb.com/t509/2015_04_23_ftmafa_sluafa_1/article/20150423120173984/miracle_defeat_mets_4-2_in_first_of_three_game_series?team=

Hi picked up the win, though, with a 6 IP, 5 H, 0 BB, 4 K performance. He's now 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA on the season. Solid, solid, solid.

Hosken Bombo Disco · April 24, 2015

A home run with an asterisk:

On a 2-2 pitch, Champ Stuart hit a towering drive to deep center field. Jason Kanzler tracked the ball to the wall, leapt and appeared to have made the catch. Kanzler then crashed into the padding and the ball popped loose and over the wall for a home run, 1-0.

JaleelWhite FanClub · April 26, 2015

http://twinsdaily.com/_/minnesota-twins-news/minnesota-twins-minor-leagues/twins-minor-league-report-424-weather-overtime-and-leaders-r3590

#1 in WHIP and BB/9. #6 in K/9 and just missed out in ERA and innings. Great start to the year!

JaleelWhite FanClub · May 2, 2015

Last night Hu put together another great start.

6 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 R (1 ER), 8K

He picked up the win to move his record to 3-0 on the season. The Miracle have won each of the 4 games he's started, which is really impressive considering those account for half their season total.

For the season, Hu, over 24 IP, holds a 1.50 ERA, .167 AVG against, 0.71 WHIP, and has struck out 28 batters to just 3 walks. AWESOME!!!

I can't wait to see where he winds up in the TD April Pitcher of the Month. I'm guessing in the top 2 along with Gonsalves.

Thoughts?

goulik · May 2, 2015

Gonsalves would be hard to beat but those are great numbers none the less. I cant wait to see guys like these moving up notches as the year progresses. Room will have to be made but there is room in the higher levels.

JaleelWhite FanClub · May 4, 2015

http://twinsdaily.com/_/minnesota-twins-news/minnesota-twins-minor-leagues/twins-minor-league-starting-pitcher-of-the-month-april-2015-r3618

#2 for April's Starting Pitcher of the Month!!! You're my boy, Hu!

Ncgo4 · May 7, 2015

Another ho-hum start for Who? Yes. 5 innings of shut out ball. I note that he was done after 5 innings with about 79 pitches. This must be a pitch count they are holding him to. Is it possible that another couple of starts like this and the Twins might not have a choice but to move him up. He may just be showing that he's waaaay ahead of the competition.

Hosken Bombo Disco · May 7, 2015

There's no way this guy pitches the whole season in high A ball.

JaleelWhite FanClub · May 7, 2015

It was a short start for Hu as the Miracle bats finally came alive. Hu got plenty of early offensive support, so it had to be an easy decision to limit him to just 5 IP. He only threw 79 pitches and got 11 of the 15 outs via ground balls. Here are his season totals.

5 GS, 4-0 (W-L), 1.24 ERA, 29.0 IP, 30 K, 4 BB, .184 AVG, 0.79 WHIP

Watching his K totals will be interesting and give a good estimate on whether he's ready to advance. His other numbers, especially WHIP, AVG, and K/BB say he is excelling at this level, but if he can continue at the 1 K/IP rate he's on, I think the Twins will have to promote him sooner rather than later.

JaleelWhite FanClub · May 14, 2015

Chih-Wei Hu continues to dominate in High-A ball. Yesterday afternoon, Hu pitched 6 shutout innings, allowing 4 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 6. He picked up a no decision, though, as the game was scoreless when he was relieved. The Miracle later got a walk off win. The Miracle have won every game he has started this year. Hu can't do better in the "giving the team and an opportunity to win" category.

Here are Hu's season totals.

6 GS, 4-0 (W-L), 35.0 IP, 1.03 ERA, 23 H, 5 R (4 ER), 6 BB, 1 HR, 36 K, .185 AVG, 0.83 WHIP

The numbers are great, especially his ERA, WHIP, and K/BB. Hu has started more games than runs he has allowed this season! Here's to hoping he continues the great performances and to waiting for a possible promotion.

JaleelWhite FanClub · May 16, 2015

Well, Hu's getting a shot at AAA.

http://www.startribune.com/rays-credit-twins-pitching-coach-allen-s-influence/303972941/

It's only a spot start, but I think it says a lot about what the organization thinks of him. I'm pumped for him. It'll be fun to see how he pitches and how his stuff holds up. Jumping two levels will be challenging. But all the interviews that mention his competitiveness and poise make me think he's equipped to handle the situation.

JaleelWhite FanClub · May 17, 2015

Good read on Hu from the Miracle website.

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150516&content_id=124768460&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t509&sid=t509

It gives some good insight with regard to his early days in the organization, his training, and his repertoire of pitches.

jimbo92107 · May 17, 2015

I am shocked, SHOCKED I say, that none of you guys thought of this yet:

DR. HU!!

When will the good Doctor arrive in Minnesota to save the Twins, nay, the world?

Will he show us his otherworldly "sonic screwball?"

The palm-ball will do for now.

Steve Penz · May 19, 2015

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=629496#/career/R/pitching/2015/ALL

Rochester? is this an error?

ashbury · May 19, 2015

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=629496#/career/R/pitching/2015/ALL

Rochester? is this an error?

No, it was ruled a hit. The run is earned.

(But seriously, see the post three up from yours.)

JaleelWhite FanClub · May 19, 2015

Everyone involved has to be thrilled with Chih-Wei's performance this afternoon. In his AAA debut he gave up only 1 ER over 6 IP. Hu allowed just 2 hits, 4 BB and recorded 6 strikeouts. He lived up to his "competitor" status as he battled the walks to only give up the one run. I couldn't be happier for the kid.

Another fun stat is that Hu's team has won every time he has taken the mound! Pretty cool and shows, I think, that his teammates really have his back and enjoy playing behind him. Here's his season stats.

7 GS, 5-0 (W-L), 41.0 IP, 1.50 ERA, 6 R (5 ER), 25 H, 10 BB, 1 HR, 42 K, 0.85 WHIP

Ratio-wise, he has a 4.2 K/BB, 2.2 BB/9, 9.2 K/9.

Considering preseason expectations and on-field performance so far, he's gotta be the brightest spot in the minors for the Twins. I think the national experts will begin taking notice.

So, how long do you think till we see a rotation with Berrios & Hu? And where?

Pitz · May 21, 2015

Carson Cistulli included Hu in his "Fringe Five" article on Fangraphs for the second time this year. He includes a gif of one of Hu's strikeouts - possibly with the palm ball.

amjgt · May 22, 2015

They need to promote Gonsalves to High-A so he can get on the Fringe Five list

JaleelWhite FanClub · May 28, 2015

It looks like Chih-Wei Hu will return to the mound on Saturday for FTM against the St. Lucie Mets. Hu hasn't pitched since his AAA debut last Tuesday May 19th.

Dantes929 · May 28, 2015

Whenever I read scouting reports about him it makes me wonder why he isn't higher on the prospect list or even just pitching in the majors already. Great control, touches 95, 4 pitches with command. Again, it always makes me wonder how long it would take for Blyleven to reach the Majors in today's game.

JaleelWhite FanClub · May 31, 2015

Hu returned to action Saturday after 10 days off following his AAA start. He picked up a no-decision after a 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R (1 ER), 4 K performance. He gave up his second home run of the season (& his career). It marked the first time Hu's team wound up losing a game he started.

Here are his season stats, which remain impressive.

8 GS, 5-0 (W-L), 47.0 IP, 1.15 ERA, 30 H, 8 R (6 ER), 2 HR, 10 BB, 46 K, .180 AVG, 0.85 WHIP, 4.6 K/BB, 8.8 K/9, 1.91 BB/9

JaleelWhite FanClub · June 7, 2015

Tough day at the office for Hu last night. It was his first bad outing of the season. He suffered his first loss of the season as he couldn't pitch out of the 4th. He gave up 6 runs (5 earned) on 9 hits (one on a HR) and 3 walks. H threw 97 pitches in 3-2/3 innings, so he was pretty ineffective.

Here are his season totals (in Ft. Myers) as of today.

8 GS, 44.2 IP, 4-1 (W-L), 2.01 ERA, 37 H, 13 R (10 ER) 3 HR, 9 BB, 43 K, .220 AVG, 1.03 WHIP

The season numbers are still great, but he has not pitched with the same dominance since his long break after the AAA start. Maybe his rhythms off or maybe teams are figuring him out. Or maybe he just had a bad night (and a not so great one). Here's to hoping it's a short funk.

goulik · June 8, 2015

Was there ever an explanation for the long layoff? Was there a minor injury that affected him?

JaleelWhite FanClub · June 8, 2015

Was there ever an explanation for the long layoff? Was there a minor injury that affected him?

The best guess from the TD guys was it was a preemptive move thinking about innings limits for the season.

JaleelWhite FanClub · June 9, 2015

ALL STAR!!!

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150608&content_id=129284626&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t509&sid=t509

Congrats to Chih-Wei Hu for being selected to the FSL All Star Game! He has definitely earned it with a great first half. Here's a great quote from manager Jeff Smith.

"Hu has been one of the best starters in the FSL so far this season," said Smith. "He is one of those starters you feel like you have a chance to win every time out."

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