Japanese lefty Hisanori Takahashi seeks a big league deal as he attempts to transition to MLB, reports ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. Crasnick names five interested teams: the Orioles, Dodgers, Mets, Red Sox, and Giants. Takahashi, 35 in April, is willing to pitch as a starter or reliever.
Last year for the Yomiuri Giants Takahashi posted a 2.94 ERA, 7.9 K/9, 2.2 BB/9, and 1.0 HR/9 in 144 innings. Takahashi's '08 numbers: 4.13 ERA, 6.9 K/9, 2.2 BB/9, and 1.18 HR/9 in 122 innings. By numbers alone Takahashi could be considered a command guy who might have trouble keeping the ball in the yard and exceeding 150 innings.
Back in November, Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker profiled Takahashi. He earned about $1.3MM in '09 and is represented by Peter Greenberg. Takahashi doesn't throw very hard or shut down lefties, but is known for his screwball.
thanks, but no thanks. Screwball won’t be as good here.
35 year old who might have trouble keeping the ball in the yard? I’m sold.
Someone will give him a low money deal and see what happens. If nothing else you get some increased revenue from the asian market. The Mets should sign him maybe as a potential starter at the back end of the rotation? Can’t be any worse than Perez and Pelphrey who have had 1 good year between the 2 of them.
He sounds like a perfect fit for the Mets. I CANNOT wait for this signing to be annouced.
He sounds like a typical Mets signing. I CANNOT WAIT for this signing to be announced. (All said in a dripping w/ sarcastic tone!!)
dodgers should get in on this.
He’s a deceptive LHP RP with good command who is probably good for a tour of the majors, about 50 or so IP worth until ML hitters get a book on him. Not an insignificant thing if you want innings on a contender making a run.
Just think about it. If you’re a contender, and you have a middle relief guy who is pretty sure to be able to throw strikes, it’s worth something. If he’s any good, then make him a matchup lefty in late innings of meaningful games.
dodgers shouldnt consider this guy for a starter, a reliever maybe.