4:58pm: Despite some reports that suggested otherwise, the Red Sox were not the winning team in the Nakajima bidding, tweets Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston.
10:31am: The Seibu Lions will accept the highest posting bid for shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima today, reports NPB Tracker's Patrick Newman via the Japanese press. The winning team is expected to be made public as well. That team will then have 30 days to negotiate a contract with Nakajima.
I hope it isnt the Jays!
Why not? Hechevarria is not ready. Kelly Johnson has pop, but is never on base. Nakajima would fit well at top or bottom. I would rather see someone on base when Joey Bats is up for a change. Kind of sick of solo home runs in Toronto.
Jays new second baseman
Replied to wrong post, sorry.
So later tonight US Eastern time? Can’t wait, really want it to be the Rays. Then we can possibly include Reid Brignac in a trade package with Davis or Niemann.
Today actually, since it’s currently 2am Wednesday in Japan. Updated the post.
Marlins. 10 years 550 million with a no trade-clause so strong that he will be kept in shackles in Loria’s basement when they aren’t playing or practicing.
Reds = Phillips. Unless they move Nakajima to SS? Marlins, maybe, but they have Bonifacio. Angels maybe but they have Kendrick (would definitely have to move one of Callaspo, Izturis). ANYONE would be an upgrade in San Francisco.
No way Twins are in. Already signed Jamey Carroll and made one mistake on a Japanese infielder already. I’m guessing the Tigers and the move him to 2b.
Marlins. They need another SS.
Don Nomura (i.e. Japanese agent extraordinaire) says he hears it’s the Jays.
If true, this comes completely out of left field, but makes sense and fills a hole….in other words, vintage AA. I’m inclined to believe the rumour that it’s us.
I agree, since we haven’t heard a single thing it makes me think of the Jays as well.
AA did mention that they are looking to fill the void with a high OBP player, and Nakajima fits the bill..
Im not opposed if its the Jays and the price is ok. Now AA needs to take the kiddie gloves off and lock up Prince Fielder. Then deal a prospect and Lind for Matt Garza. Done. Playoffs.
Unless that prospect is named Brett Lawrie, you’re not getting Garza with Lind. Lind is terrible.
High OBP in the Japanese league though. You never know how that’s gonna transfer over. If it’s the right price it could be a great signing.
No, you never now. That being said, assuming we lose KJ, he’s almost certainly better then any other player we could get to play 2B….and could potentially be quite a bit better.
Don’t know about any player, you never know who’s available in trades
Yeah, I just mean the FA market. I’d like to not have to give anything up to fill the hole at 2B. To get a closer or SP? Of course. But not 2B.
Ned Colletti already nabbed all of the premium 2B…
I kid, I kid.
But for reals, yeah, no one else of value available. and if the Jays are the ones signing him, you know no one is available, as AA does his homework.
Good point. The Japanese leagues were actually very good in the 70s and 80s but there has been an erosion in quality since the rise of other sports in Japan, most notably soccer.
Hope it’s the Brewers. Not holding my breath though..
I wish they put him on Ebay so we could have all had the chance to bid.
heard that it was only one team that bid on him and it was $1, rumor has it its the Jays. Back up plan for Kelly Johnson, In AA we trust
$1 Canadian
1 yen
Lately, it’s been hit or miss if that’s more than $1 US…
I hope the Pirates take a shot at him. Oh wait never mind, I forgot we got Clint Barmes! NEAL IS THE BEST! NEAL IS THE BEST! GOOOOOOOOOOOO BUCCOS! (and Clint Barmes too!)
about time
apparently still not time
good
Is this the guy that wants to play for the M’s.
no
10 bucks its at team in the AL
Not Rays according to twitter.
Sounds like a guy who will have a .700ish OPS in the majors and who will be below average defensively. So who cares?
This is brutal, I hope we find out tomorrow.
Hope it’s the Phillies they need a short-stop
Prediction is 9AM Japan time, I’d expect an announcement at 7PM
December 7th… Japan is flying him to Hawaii today.
Not the Giants. Sabean said they didn’t bid.
Angels don’t need a middle infielder
Really, The Twins?
Not while Nishioka is underperforming
People only look at the most recent year usually, its a disease i think.
I would like to see Kelly back with Toronto (I am in the minority, here). But his 2010 season (see comment below) was an outlier. If Nakajima adjusts well to AL ball, then he’ll be a better fit for the Jays.
I think any bidder has to be high if they expect his performance to carry over to MLB.
………1 1/2
Will it be a day that will live in infamy?