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.