TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Wang Chien-ming (王建民) announced on Thursday (Dec. 5) his willingness to serve as a coach for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC) qualifiers. Wang emphasized the evolving challenges due to the differing conditions of pitchers in preseason and postseason, marking it as a new venture.
Taiwan's team recently clinched the title at the WBSC Premier 12, with significant contributions from pitching coach Lin Yueh-ping (林岳平) and bullpen coach Wang Chien-ming. Wang suggested that the coaching staff for the WBC qualifiers should mirror the Premier 12 team, expressing his readiness to undertake this responsibility.
Despite initial skepticism, Taiwan's pitchers exceeded expectations in the Premier 12. Wang highlighted the importance of building confidence among pitchers, stating that each pitcher has their role, and this is essential for maximizing the team's overall strength and fostering greater unity within the pitching staff.
In the championship game, Lin Kai-wei (林凱威) took on the role of closer, a decision influenced by Wu Chun-wei's (吳俊偉) consecutive appearances. Wang observed that young players are more expressive, which benefits both coaches and athletes. He also noted the rapid improvement in young pitchers' speed, praising the integration of sports science in high school training programs.