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New Orioles pitcher Wei-Yin Chen likes change of scenery

SARASOTA, FLA. — Two video camera crews from his home country of Taiwan welcomed new Orioles left-hander Wei-Yin Chen as he returned to his locker from his first toss-and-catch session as a major leaguer Saturday at the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota, Fla.

Chen, 26, who signed a three-year, $11.338 million contract this offseason, must adapt to the spotlight. He is expected to compete for a top-of-the-rotation spot this spring and said he hopes this year is the beginning of a long major league career.

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"I hope I can be here at least 10 years or longer," Chen said through interpreter Tim Lin. "When I was in high school, a lot of my classmates and teammates went to the states to play baseball, so that's always been my dream to play in the MLB."

Chen, who had a career 36-30 record and a 2.68 ERA in four seasons with then Chunichi Dragons of the Japanese Central League, added he spent some of his offseason in Arizona weight training to prepare him for the grind of the majors.

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"I know American baseball is totally different than Japan," Chen said. "I did a lot to prepare for that."

One thing that's different: the weather."It's so beautiful here," Chen said. "Everything's great. The weather in Florida is beautiful. Not like in Japan because it's so cold over there right now. I feel very comfortable to be here."

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