Hung-Chih Kuo

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #14 prospect in 2006
  Kuo's comeback was one of the minors' most remarkable stories of 2005. The first Taiwanese player to sign with a U.S. team out of high school, he blew out his elbow while striking out seven of the 10 batters he faced in his first pro game in 2000. After Tommy John surgery, he returned in June 2001 but made just 14 appearances before requiring the operation again in 2003. When he came back in 2004, he lasted six innings before needing more surgery to clean out scar tissue. Vero Beach pitching coach Marty Reed encouraged Kuo to push himself to recover and his work paid off. Kuo stayed healthy throughout 2005, reaching the majors on the strength of an 89-98 mph fastball that rises and runs. His smooth, simple delivery enables the ball to get on hitters quickly. He's aggressive and challenges hitters up in the zone. His breaking ball ranges from 78-83 mph and has a 10-to-4 break. It's in between a curveball and slider right now but has the makings of an average pitch. Understandably, Kuo lacked feel for his breaking ball and rudimentary changeup last year. Though he struggled with his command in the majors, he still struck out 10 of the 26 batters he faced. If he remains healthy and throws strikes, he could open 2006 in Los Angeles.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #11 prospect in 2003
  Kuo was one of Jack Zduriencik's last significant signings as the Dodgers' international scouting director before he left in 2000 to become Brewers scouting director. But since Kuo signed for $1.25 million, injuries have kept him from showcasing his high-octane arm. He needed Tommy John surgery following his first pro start in 2000. After missing most of 2001, he made one rehab appearance in the Gulf Coast League last June, but reported discomfort in his elbow and didn't pitch again until August. Each time out, he flirted with upper-90s velocity. He pitched for Taiwan in the Asian Games, but was wild and ineffective in two relief outings. Upon his return to the United States, doctors discovered scar tissue was irritating the nerves in his elbow. Though Kuo hasn't stayed healthy long enough to pitch in more than five consecutive games, Los Angeles officials insist he is one of the most promising prospects in the organization. Kuo has a free and easy arm action that makes it look like he's just playing catch with 97 mph heat. He creates a lot of his power with a strong leg drive in his delivery. He also spins a big breaking ball and shows an effective straight change. There's still time for him, but 2003 is a critical year in his development. He was able to participate in winter workouts at Dodger Stadium.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #6 prospect in 2002
  Kuo continued his battle back from Tommy John surgery last year by rehabbing in extended spring training and making limited appearances in the Gulf Coast League. The Dodgers believe the Taiwan native, who signed for $1.25 million in June 1999, is nearly back to where he was before blowing out his left elbow during his first professional start. Kuo has all the makings of a power pitcher. He features a 95-97 mph fastball, a flexible upper body and thick legs that allow him to drive off the mound, like Tom Seaver. The Dodgers also love his aggressiveness. Surgery retarded the development of his curveball and changeup, but Kuo has shown the desire and talent to improve those pitches. They should become at least average major league offerings. The biggest concern centers on Kuo remaining healthy. He was tentative in 2001 and experienced some tenderness in his elbow during instructional league. The Dodgers believe he'll be significantly stronger and more confident in high Class A this year.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #3 prospect in 2001
  After receiving a reported $1.25 million signing bonus, Kuo made one dominating appearance in 2000 by striking out seven batters in three innings before feeling a minor twinge in his left elbow. To everyone's surprise, he required Tommy John surgery, costing him the remainder of the season. The Dodgers believe Kuo is one of the most talented pitchers in professional baseball. His forte is a 95-97 mph fastball from the left side. With a flexible upper body and a thick, strong lower body, he has all the makings of a power pitcher. The Dodgers also like his high-energy personality and aggressiveness on the mound. Kuo relied strictly on his fastball as an amateur in Taiwan, and surgery slowed the necessary improvement with his curveball and changeup. While he's expected to come back as strong as before his operation, the procedure can take two full years for a complete recovery. Kuo has given every indication that he's ahead of schedule with his rehab. The Dodgers believe he'll be at full strength by the end of spring training and able to open the season at Vero Beach.