Ken Takahashi Rumors

Mets Release Ken Takahashi

The Mets released lefty reliever Ken Takahashi, according to Ben Shpigel of the New York Times (via Twitter). Takahashi, 40, signed a minor league free agent contract with the Blue Jays in February. The Mets scooped him up after the Jays released him in March. Takahashi tossed 56.6 Triple A innings, including seven starts. He had a reverse platoon split in his 27.3 big league innings, as lefties knocked him around to the tune of .302/.387/.472.   Continue Reading

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Takahashi, Mets Agree To Terms

According to Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post the Mets agreed to terms with Ken Takahashi on a minor league contract. Takahashi was signed by the Blue Jays this offseason before they released him today. The 39-year-old appeared in one exhibition game for the Jays.   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Anderson, Griffey, Varitek

Links for Saturday... According to Bill Dwyre of the LA Times Garret Anderson has no ill will towards the Angels. Steve Kelley of the Seattle Times thinks the Mariners need to sign Ken Griffey Jr. He adds that the Mariners may be "warming to the idea." The Kyodo News reports that the Blue Jays have finalized Ken Takahashi's contract. According to Amalie Benjamin of the Boston Globe, Jason Varitek passed his physical. Jay Jaffe, Kevin Goldstein and Christina Kahrl of BP fill in the remaining holes on National League teams. Buster Olney of ESPN.com writes that players should "go the...   Continue Reading

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Ken Takahashi Signs With Blue Jays

According to Kyodo News, lefty Ken Takahashi signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays. Takahashi, 40 in April, posted a 3.50 ERA and 5.52 K/9 in 115.6 innings (20 starts) last year in Japan. NPB Tracker profiled Takahashi back in December. Patrick Newman adds a few details: the Jays will evaluate Takahashi as a starter, and he could earn up to $1.5MM.   Continue Reading

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Takahashi Down To Four Teams

According to Kyodo News, free agent lefty Ken Takahashi has narrowed his choices down to four MLB teams. He is seeking a Major League contract; Patrick Newman has further details. Takahashi, 41 in April, posted a 3.50 ERA in 115.6 innings in Japan last year.   Continue Reading

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Cubs Close To Deal With Takahashi?

Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker is relaying a report from Japanese-based Sports Hochi that states the Cubs are close to inking a one-year deal with left-handed pitcher Ken Takahashi. However, Newman translates quotes from Takahashi that suggest he has not yet chosen a team. Newman calls it "very early speculation," but it's definitely a situation worth eying. Sports Hochi believes that Takahashi would be used mostly in middle relief by the Cubs and could be in line for some spot starts. According to the report, the Cubs are looking for emotional support for Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. Others have drummed...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Teixeira, Dickey, Takahashi

Links for Friday... In the aftermath of the Yankees' spending, Joe Posnanski reminds us that two thirds of MLB teams have won the World Series in the last 30 years. UmpBump doesn't like the idea of a salary cap. FanGraphs now shows a hitter's wins over replacement level, as well as the player's dollar value. You don't need to be a stathead to enjoy this. For example, here's the Carlos Pena page. Scroll to the bottom. Value Wins shows he was worth 6.0 wins over replacement level in 2007. That made him worth $24.6MM, but he earned just $800K. If...   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Webb, Mitsui, Burnett

Some links for the afternoon... Nick Piecoro looks at the Brandon Webb situation. The D'Backs ace is eligible for free agency after the 2010 season. NPB Tracker says Koji Mitsui may require a Major League deal to come to the States. Ted Berg interviewed Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker. Newman takes a look at Koji Uehara, Kenshin Kawakami, Ken Takahashi, and Mitsui. They've all been linked to the Mets. George A. King III from the NY Post looks at whether or not A.J. Burnett will be able to handle the Yankee spotlight. Tim did an interview with Kevin Seefried from...   Continue Reading

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Japanese Free Agent Round-Up: Kawakami, Takahashi, Saito

Patrick at NPB Tracker has an interesting update on some notable Japanese free agents. If the Braves are in fact interested in Kenshin Kawakami, they may have to beat an eventual three-year, $21MM offer from the Red Sox. Omar Minaya thinks Koji Uehara projects as a starter, and future negotiations will be based on that projection. The Mets are the frontrunners for signing Ken Takahashi. The Dodgers would've been willing to do a $2.5MM deal plus incentives for Takashi Saito, but he did not accept that. NBP Tracker has the source links, which are in Japanese. Kudos to Patrick for...   Continue Reading

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D'Backs Rumors: Clark, Punto, Rhodes, Unit

8:10pm: Piecoro says the D'Backs don't want to trade Snyder; in fact, they'd like to extend him. Piecoro notes talks with Eddie Guardado, but they didn't go far. And Japanese lefty Ken Takahashi is not on Arizona's radar. 7:20pm: The D'Backs have discussed a contract with Tony Clark for '09, says Gilbert. 6:20pm: Rosenthal says the D'Backs want to trade the more pricey Snyder to clear a path for Montero. They could then ink a Gregg Zaun type to back him up. 3:30pm: Gilbert says the D'Backs have a one-year offer out to Loretta. 3:18pm: MLB.com's Steve Gilbert says the...   Continue Reading

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