"A night after Luis Rivera and two relievers shut out the Augusta Greenjackets,
Macon starter Bruce Chen was just as dominating. Chen allowed only three hits
while striking out eight before leaving with a 1-0 lead. It was yet another
standout performance from a staff that has made them look almost routine
in the last three nights. It's impossible to pick a series MVP. The entire
pitching staff will have to accept the honor."
-- Macon Telegraph, September 4, 1997
"A Panamanian with star potential, Chen continued to gain velocity and has
the ability to throw even harder. He also tightened his breaking ball and showed
a good changeup in his first full pro season... Part of the development plan
includes more strength and stamina. But Chen's status as the league [SAL]
strikeout leader (182) and low walks total (44) attest progress in every
area the Braves targeted."
-- Baseball America, Oct 13, 1997
"Bruce Chen has gone from a 16- year-old signee to one of the best
pitching prospects in the minor leagues. The 1997 season at Class A Macon was
his coming- out year, with Chen leading the SAL in strikeout and being named
the league's top lefthander. It was his first year in full- season ball
after three with the Braves' short season clubs. Highly intelligent with a
great feel for pitching, Chen has matured into a frontline starter. Even
on nights when he doesn't have his best stuff, Chen finds a way to win with
his ability to pitch."
-- Baseball America, December 8, 1997
"What the Braves see in Chen is more than physical ability. They see a
pitcher with championship makeup. He has poise. He makes his pitches
in tough situations and tough counts."
-- Chop Talk, February 1998
"Chen signed as a skinny 16- year- old in Panama and has progressed steadily
with a 'can't miss' label. This season, Atlanta pushed him to Class AA
from low-level Class A, one of the tougher jumps any pitcher will make.
His response (seven wins, and 3.56 ERA, both among league leaders) puts
him on the cusp of the majors."
-- USA Today, June 25, 1998
"Born in Panama City, Panama, Chen grew up with a desire to play the game
as an adult. His goal was to suit up for Panama's national team, not the
major leagues. He knew nothing about professional baseball in the United
States until Bill Clark, Atlanta's international scouting director, saw
the rail- thin youngster as a 15- year- old. Clark contacted scouts Gil
Garrido and Carlos Reyes and told them to follow Chen. Reports came back
with an enthusiastic message: 'Sign this kid before the rest of the
world discovers him!' The Braves signed Chen on July 1, 1993."
-- Tomahawk, July 1998
