Tsung Che Cheng, Greensboro Grasshoppers (High-A Pittsburgh Pirates)
2B/SS, L/R, 5’7”/154 lbs, Age: 21
Prospect Ranking: #25 in Pirates organization by Baseball America
Games Watched: 05/23, 05/25 v Bowling Green Hot Rods (Tampa Bay)
Observations:
played 2B in both games, batting 2nd on 05/23 while leading off 05/25
very fast, easily above average to plus, with Cheng’s speed on display with a bunt single, a stolen base, and a triple over the games observed
does not have a big frame but is athletic
impressive bat-to-ball skills displaying very little swing and miss (sub 9% on the season as of this writing)
disciplined swing decisions
A plate appearance that stood out to was Cheng’s 3rd appearance 05/25 where they went down 2-2 after being up 2-0 in the count. Cheng then fouled off 3 straight pitches. The pitcher then threw balls 3 & 4 drawing a walk to get on base. A tough, disciplined 9-pitch AB to get on base was impressive and fun to see.
05/23 - 2-4, double, BB, K, SB, CS
05/25 - 2-4, 2 RBI, BB, K, triple
Overall, Tsung-Che Cheng is a fun player to watch especially if you enjoy competitive plate appearances with excellent speed and defense showing up throughout the game. Power isn’t going to be part of Cheng’s game but will always be able to contribute offensively to your team in some way. As of this writing (05/28) here are some YTD stats for Tsung-Che:
Over 168 Plate Appearances - .423 wOBA, 152 wRC+, 8.6 SwStr%, 19.0 K%, 14.9 BB%
Cheng will bat near .300, get on base around 40% of the time, and steal bases while playing excellent defense. This is a player that can be an integral part of a team by playing an INF utility role due to his defensive versatility and the ability to contribute offensively despite below-average power. I can also see a way where Cheng can be a starter at 2B, which kind of brackets the range of outcomes for this profile - a contributing INF utility role to starting 50-overall-grade 2B.
Thanks for checking today. Another prospect watch review will be on tap soon! Have a great Sunday evening and I’ll be talking with you all again in a little while. Until then, you know what to do - Keep It 80 Grade.