Astros sign Bruce Chen

UTweezer · 03-15-2003, 05:25 PM

I think this is a great pick up for the Astros. He's a lefty and can work out of the bullpen or give you starter innings when needed.

KISSIMMEE, FLA. -- Houston Astros General Manager Gerry Hunsicker announced today that the club has signed lefthander Bruce Chen to a minor league contract. Chen will join the Astros in Major League camp tomorrow.
Chen, 25, was released from Cincinnati Reds camp March 10 and was 0-2 with a 4.31 ERA (19ER/39.2IP) for the Reds last season. He pitched for two other teams last season in addition to the Reds, the New York Mets and Montreal. He pitched 0.2 scoreless innings for the Mets in 2002 and was 2-3 with a 6.99 ERA (29ER/37.1IP) in 15 appearances (five starts) for the Expos last season. He was acquired by Cincinnati from Montreal on June 14, 2002, in exchange for righthander Jim Brower.

Chen also previously pitched for Atlanta in Philadelphia in his career. In parts of five Major League seasons, he is 20-18 with a 4.53 ERA (216ER/429.0) in 139 career appearances (59 starts).

meh · 03-15-2003, 05:41 PM

Geez. He has certainly fallen off the map in recent years. I remember back when he was another top pitching prospect for the Braves.

I also like the pick-up.

rezdawg · 03-15-2003, 05:49 PM

I dont mind the pickup. It wont make too much of a difference, if any.

kidrock8 · 03-15-2003, 06:06 PM

A very poor man's Jeff Weaver.

Great stuff, but nothing in between the ears.

gr8-1 · 03-15-2003, 06:09 PM

I like this pickup.

rezdawg · 03-15-2003, 06:28 PM

Guys, dont fool yourselves. There is a reason this guy has played for the Mets, Reds, Phillies, Expos, and Braves over the last 5 years. The only reason he still gets on major league rosters is because he is a lefty. He may bring some depth, but thats all it is. Just another player.

DVauthrin · 03-15-2003, 06:36 PM

No bruce is not just another ho hum signee.

The kid has plenty of talent, and I would be shocked if he didnt make the bullpen.

This a brilliant signing, and the reds were fools for not trying him in their shambles of a starting rotation.

It's a great move, if he succeeds, you just added a young lefthanded pitcher for the future, if he fails, you can send him on his way.

Low risk/high payoff maneuver which I really like.

rezdawg · 03-15-2003, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DVauthrin
No bruce is not just another ho hum signee.

Like I said, he's here because he is a lefty, nothing else. I dont remember the last time a 25 year old kid filled with "talent" bounced around 5 teams in 5 years.

DVauthrin · 03-15-2003, 06:47 PM

He's here not just because he's a lefty. He actually has good talent.

The braves traded him because they wanted Andy Ashby to win a pennant.

He then did solid for Philadelphia until 2 years ago when they traded him for bullpen help as they thought they could win the NL East.

The Mets, Expos, and Reds have all tried to make him a middle reliever, something Chen is not.

I never said he is all world, but this a perfect kind of signing, if he bombs fine release him, if he does well, he is your 5th starter and is young enough to play a big role in a team's future.

And he has had proven big league success. That plus his age, and lefthandedness is why he is attractive to teams.

He is not just some ordinary lefty as you are making him out to be.

That is all I have been trying to say.

rezdawg · 03-15-2003, 07:06 PM

The reason people think of him as such a stud is purely because of his name. It sticks out as the "Prospect". Kinda like a Todd Van Poppel.

Chen is average, at best. Like I said in my first post, he will make little difference, if any.

Raven Lunatic · 03-15-2003, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rezdawg
The reason people think of him as such a stud is purely because of his name. It sticks out as the "Prospect". Kinda like a Todd Van Poppel.

Chen is average, at best. Like I said in my first post, he will make little difference, if any.

Todd Van Poppel has always struck me as a very "scrubby" name.

rezdawg · 03-15-2003, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Raven Lunatic
Todd Van Poppel has always struck me as a very "scrubby" name.

Then you dont remember the hype he got when he was drafted.

EddieWasSnubbed · 03-15-2003, 09:07 PM

I think it's a good signing. With some work, I think he can return to good form. Remember he's only 25.

Oski2005 · 03-15-2003, 10:02 PM

What do you guys think of Hooten? Is he the kind of coach who could put Chen back on track?

gr8-1 · 03-16-2003, 03:43 AM

UT's pitching staff was much better after Hooten left.

MadMax · 03-17-2003, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DVauthrin

Low risk/high payoff maneuver which I really like.

exactly right...MAYBE he lives up to some of that potential with the 'stros...but even if he doesn't it didn't cost you anything significant. great pickup.

Baqui99 · 03-17-2003, 05:02 PM

He's this year's version of Ron Villone.

xiki · 03-17-2003, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rezdawg
Like I said, he's here because he is a lefty, nothing else. I dont remember the last time a 25 year old kid filled with "talent" bounced around 5 teams in 5 years.

Very true.

But lefties are like 7 footers -- someone always believe he can coach them to greatness.

Puedlfor · 03-17-2003, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rezdawg
Then you dont remember the hype he got when he was drafted.

He got hype because he threw a fastball that threatened the sound barrier.

Chen's got some nice talent, and some good stuff but the attitude is a question mark. Who knows, maybe he'll turn it around with the Astros.

I really doubt he will, but there was a reason he was a top prospect, and for such a low cost, its worth a risk.

rrj_gamz · 03-18-2003, 07:22 PM

I like this pick up too...

No harm no foul if it doesn't work out, but I bet he's willing to show everyone he's ready...