Bruce Chen
| IP | 1532 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.617 |
| WHIP | 1.386 |
| BB/9 | 3.208 |
| SO/9 | 6.697 |
- Full name Bruce Kastulo Chen
- Born 06/19/1977 in Panama City, Panama
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 215 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School Institudo Panamericano
- Debut 09/07/1998
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Background: Two years ago, the Braves were concerned Chen would not stay healthy enough to live up to his vast potential after three injury-stunted stints in short-season leagues. No longer. Natural maturity and nearly 20 pounds of muscle added to his once-skinny frame have enabled him to make every start since then, culminating with his first cup of coffee in the majors. Named the South Atlantic League's top lefthander in 1997, Chen was voted the Southern League's most valuable pitcher and rated its second-best prospect last summer after spending the first four months at Double-A Greenville. The International League proved to be even less challenging, with Chen averaging 6.4 hits allowed and 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings over four starts. His success in his first tour with Atlanta set the stage for 1999. Strengths: Chen relies on deception and his ability to pitch. Opposing managers rave about his maturity and how his intelligence on the mound exceeds his 21 years. Though he struggled some with his control in Richmond and Atlanta, he has impeccable command and three plus pitches--fastball, curveball and changeup. His pitches have gained speed and sharpness over the past year due to his added strength as well as his constant work ethic. He also has a good pickoff move to first base. Some scouts have compared Chen's repertoire and his approach to pitching to that of Greg Maddux. Weaknesses: Not overpowering, Chen must continue to improve upon working the lower half of the strike zone with all of his pitches. He also needs consistent command of his curveball, the lone pitch that deserts him for brief periods of time. The Braves feel both areas have been upgraded in the past year and will continue along that track as he gains more experience. The Future: The trade of Denny Neagle opened a spot, barring an unexpected trade for a veteran, for Chen to open the 1999 season as Atlanta's fifth starter. A few concerns exist about his inexperience; nevertheless, he is not awed by the majors and has the makeup to maintain an even keel through the hills and valleys.
Minor League Top Prospects
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The No. 2 prospect in a talent-laden Southern League last year, Chen's star fell ever so slightly in 1999. It wasn't for anything he did in Richmond, as he anchored a solid, young rotation. This may not have been Chen's year to make a successful leap into Atlanta's rotation, but IL managers say his time will come. He'll be a strong candidate for the No. 5 starter's job again next year. "Chen has an average fastball, but he has command to both sides," Durham's Evers said. "He has a good breaking ball with a very good changeup."
