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Golden Eagles To Post Masahiro Tanaka

By Zachary Links | December 25, 2013 at 3:32pm CDT

WEDNESDAY, 3:32pm: Tanaka's posting will begin Thursday morning and be completed by January 24th at 4pm CT, a source tells Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News (on Twitter).  Teams can place their bids – up to $20MM, of course – starting tomorrow morning (link).

TUESDAY, 9:50pm: Rakuten Golden Eagles president Yozo Tachibana announced that Tanaka will be posted, according to a tweet from Sankei Sports tranlsated by Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times (Twitter links).

9:23pm: The Golden Eagles will announce momentarily that Tanaka will be posted, according to Jim Allen of Kyodo News (on Twitter).

5:35pm: The Rakuten Golden Eagles have decided to post star pitcher Masahiro Tanaka, according to reports from Japanese outlets Sponichi (link) and Nikkan Sports (link).  It's a turnaround from reports last week that indicated the Golden Eagles were leaning against allowing Tanaka to make the jump to MLB.

One MLB source tells David Kaplan of CSNChicago.com (on Twitter) that he believes the Cubs will not be outbid for Tanaka's services.  Convincing Tanaka to come to Chicago, however, could prove to be problematic, according to that source.  "This is exactly type deal that Theo [Epstein and] Jed Hoyer will be all in on. However, will Tanaka say no to the [Yankees, Dodgers, and others]? Not sure he will," the source told Kaplan (link).

Bruce Levine of 670thescore.com (Twitter link) adds that the Angels and Diamondbacks – who have been quite vocal about their fondness of Tanaka and overall need for a frontline starter – should also be in the mix for his services.  Tanaka being posted also means good news for other free agent pitchers who have been in a holding pattern as clubs have waited for the top domino to drop.  

Rakuten was planning a record NPB offer for Tanaka – roughly $7.7MM USD – but that's significantly less than what he's expected to get from an MLB club.  One GM recently told Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com that Tanaka was certain to receive a deal worth more than $100MM if posted.

Per the Sponichi report, team President Yozo Tachibana acknowledged that the process is moving into its final stage.  When asked if the team was set on a decision, Tachibana said, "Yes, it looks that way … We're completing the final procedures."

It seems likely that the Golden Eagles have been dragging their feet in large part because of the reduced posting fee that they would receive under the new system.  While the Japanese clubs holding the rights to predecessors such as Daisuke Matsuzaka and Yu Darvish saw major financial windfalls, the new system caps Rakuten's maximum posting fee at $20MM.

Special thanks to Aaron Steen for his Japanese translation.

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Chicago Cubs Masahiro Tanaka

Masahiro Tanaka To Be Represented By Casey Close
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View Comments (692)

Comments

  1. livestrong77nyyankz

    9 years ago

    Merry Christmas. Let the bidding begin.

    Reply
    • Tony Matias

      9 years ago

      More like circus begin!

      Reply
      • RobbyH619

        9 years ago

        Considering only 6 teams (dodgers, Yankees, rangers, mariners, angels and maybe a dark horse candidate like the orioles) have their sights set on him and realistically have a shot it’s more like a carnival not a full blown circus.

        Reply
        • Rev0lution

          9 years ago

          Mariners have nothing to offer but Cano and a long stretch of ineptitude. The Rangers have pretty much spent their way out of the bidding with the Choo acquisition. The Angels are the epitome of free spending with no direction – they are a train wreck. The Dodgers can contend with the NYY, but they are stacked and they are not as desperate as the Yanks to pull out all the stops to secure another front-end SP. Any alleged “dark horse” bidders will remain in the dark without a leg to stand on (a 3-legged mule like the Cubs or Orioles is a joke not worth discussing).

          This is a two team race and the NYY ABSOLUTELY will not be outdone to secure the anchor to their rotation for the next 5-7 years.

        • drwheelock

          9 years ago

          I have a feeling the biggest reason MLB attempted to negotiate a $20M posting fee, is that it would get ALL the small/medium markets involved, all while generating a higher salary for the player…which in turn impacts these large market teams that always push the Luxury Tax threshold.

          The only problem with Yanks, LAD, and Angels is that these 3 are facing Luxury Tax issues.

          Cubs are saying they won’t be outbid, but will Tanaka actually want to go to the Cubs? I really doubt it.

          With Seattle’s 2014 payroll sitting at $80M, they have an amazing about to throw at him. Close proximity to Japan. Some of the top legendary Japanese players going thru Seattle: Kaz, Johjima, Ichiro (in his HOF years w/Seattle), and now Tanaka’s ex-teammate putting up #3 CyYoung numbers.

          I really think he’s Seattle’s to lose! But of course each of us will be very biased towards each of our teams and why ‘our’ team will sign him. lol

        • Rev0lution

          9 years ago

          Dr, the luxury tax is not an issue for the NYY or the LAD; they aren’t cash-strapped. They both have lived in the $200M neighborhood for several years with no stress aside from the anguish of knowing they are putting money in the pockets of the smaller market clubs.

          Your feelings about Seattle are pointless at this time because they are NOT a contender. Ichiro is CURRENTLY playing with the Yanks; Kuroda is CURRENTLY a Yankee; the legendary Godzilla Matsui is an advisor to the team. I think that has more drawing power than alluding to Asian players “passing through” Seattle. As far as the close proximity to Japan, he isn’t going home on off days. If you use that logic, Cano would still be in NYY. Cano went with the highest bidder and so will Tanaka.

          In this case, no one will outbid the NYY. He would truly represent the final piece to their offseason plan and no team has the ability to outbid the NYY when they are determined to secure a player.

        • Curt Green

          9 years ago

          I hope NY goes over their $189 million limit and continues to share the wealth with everyone else.

        • slider32

          9 years ago

          That’s a given at this point!

        • Joe A

          9 years ago

          So do I. Then for their whole roster to be hurt and then all those players will laugh all the way to the bank. I loved this past year when however many millions of dollars were flushed down the drain because peopel go on the 60 day DL for a missing eyelash these days.

        • legaryd

          9 years ago

          Please refer to the attached example: Cliff Lee.

        • Yankee Pinstripes

          9 years ago

          Exactly how did that work out for Lee in Seattle, huh?

        • Jack

          9 years ago

          dodgers have lived in the 200mill neighborhood for several years? you mean 1?

        • Yankee Pinstripes

          9 years ago

          Yes one (so you got me on a fax paus). Well, welcome to the neighborhood from now on. I was actually trying to equate the Dodgers in the legendary strata with the Yanks, but on second thought, let’s see how they measure up:

          NYY – 27 Championships, 40 pennants

          Dodgers – 6 Championships, 9 pennants

          That amounts to 21 years of championship catch-up by simple math.

        • Curt Green

          9 years ago

          Yankee fans….always living in the past.

        • Joe A

          9 years ago

          Cool. I wish I could jump on the bandwagon too….

        • Joe A

          9 years ago

          Seattle has a pretty high Japanese population so to say it’s “pointless” is arrogance on your part….

        • JoshReddicksWalkupSong

          9 years ago

          When you only have one place in the world a ball player can go to play at a higher level and for more money, you’re sort of at their mercy. MLB is a monopoly and I’m sure the $20 million cap was there way of leveraging that position, and making the owners happy in the process. Although, you have a great point about more teams being able to at least compete for these guys.

        • Yankee Pinstripes

          9 years ago

          You nailed it on the head. But the other teams only need to match or better the cash the NYY put on the table. SEA did it and now has Cano (they will most certainly regret that in 4-5 years, but they rolled the dice and won). Simply follow their lead.

        • Joe A

          9 years ago

          Not to mention Choo isn’t in pinstripes this year after his offer from them…

        • Ronald Thompson

          9 years ago

          Fact of the matter is, New York isn’t as hot a destination as it used to be. Players who want money join the Yanks. People who want to play baseball go elsewhere.

        • Bromacho

          9 years ago

          Good point about the Luxury tax issues, however the Angels would hardly be punished by much, they would only have to pay a little over 1m. It will be worth it.

        • legaryd

          9 years ago

          You’d think the Nippon’s players union had a say in this. I can’t imagine the Japanese league players enjoy a huge chunk of money that the player thinks is a part of his value and something he earned kept by ownership.

        • Seth Rollins

          9 years ago

          The posting fee does not factor in to payroll

        • BillB325

          9 years ago

          The Cubs have already identified as a serious bidder. I don’t think they’ll get him, just saying to insult teams, you never know when some FO falls in love with a player until the huge contract is signed.

        • Rev0lution

          9 years ago

          Bill, it wasn’t meant as an insult to the Cubs. I actually wish they would have a better turn of luck because they are a solid organization with great player history (Banks, Sutcliffe, Sutter, Sandberg, et el). But they are a snake-bit team that even the genius of Epstein is having trouble turning around.

          They may indeed make a serious bid, but they don’t stack up to the history, allure and current contending status of LAD or NYY.

          Also, look at the intangibles of Tanaka’s charismatic personality and his wife’s modeling aspirations. Where does that fit best: in the media-centric, mega-wattage cities of NY-LA (very similar to Japan) or Chi-town?

          Dollar for Dollar, the NYY will not be outbid by anyone on this.

        • tbslim

          9 years ago

          So you have said, many many many times. Are you making an authoritative statement that the “NYY will not be outbid” or trying to convince yourself?

        • Yankee Pinstripes

          9 years ago

          Obviously, the 27 Championships and 40 pennants hasn’t resonated with the NYY haters, so “yeah” redundancy is mandated.

          Guess what, I don’t have to “convince myself”, I’m a proud NY’er and live the thrill of ALWAYS having a team that goes ALL OUT to be the champion EVERY SINGLE YEAR.

          FYI, “NYY will not be outbid” (just for the road).

        • tbslim

          9 years ago

          LoL. How many championships? I keep forgetting since most of them were so long ago. I’m sure the Yankees won’t be outbid either. They have no choice but go all out to get this guy. He’ll be the difference between finishing 3rd in the AL East versus 4th or 5th for the Yankees.

        • BK

          9 years ago

          Japan is not a city and you are the biggest NY homer on the boards. Its not that the Yankees cant afford Tanaka its that if they pay him 120mm it will cost somewhere in the neighborhood of 180/6y after their tax bill. This would essentially make him the highest paid pitcher in mlb history.

        • BillB325

          9 years ago

          Very respectful argument, sorry I read it the wrong way, Merry Christmas!

        • Phil Merkel

          9 years ago

          Don’t rule out the Rangers…if they can sign him, they can then trade one of their current starters (and other players) to free up $$$$$. The owners have deep pockets, so don’t count them out.

        • Daniel Franklin

          9 years ago

          Exactly which of the Rangers pitchers are you going to trade to free up money?? They will NOT trade Holland, Darvish, or Perez. Harrison doesn’t make enough money to really warrant a trade to free up some money. Plus, his injury last year will make other teams weary of acquisition.

        • Phil Merkel

          9 years ago

          Believe it or not Holland has been mentioned as well as possibly Ogando. Though not a pitcher, throw Moreland into that mix. I cannot imagine Holland, but Ogando for sure.

        • Daniel Franklin

          9 years ago

          Derek Holland took a HUGE step forward this year, and is signed to a very team friendly deal. The Rangers explore every avenue, but will only trade a player under the right circumstances. Holland will only be involved as the centerpiece for a true ace under control for a considerable length of time.

        • Phil Merkel

          9 years ago

          I just agreed with you on Holland…” I cannot imagine Holland…”

        • LazerTown

          9 years ago

          The Texas heat is enough to drive people mad though.

        • Phil Merkel

          9 years ago

          It’s hot for everyone, not just the Rangers!

        • Andy Todd

          9 years ago

          Yes please!

        • raffish

          9 years ago

          Sound and fury…

        • Karkat

          9 years ago

          The Mariners have a rich history of Japanese players, and a Japanese ownership, and a large Japanese-American fanbase.

        • Mikel Grady

          9 years ago

          Cubs will out bid everyone . Don’t lose draft pick and young for when the cubs make playoff push. Theo kind of guy. Go cubs go

        • Dbacksfan44

          9 years ago

          How about the Dbacks and Cubs?

        • Commander_Nate

          9 years ago

          Perfect number for an “Anchorman” style front office battle…

        • jason

          9 years ago

          The Blue Jays are definitely in the top 5 favorites to get him, they have the means and the need for him. This has seemed what A.A. has been waiting for.

        • slider32

          9 years ago

          I would be surprised if he goes to the Jays, O’s, Mariners, or Cubs. I think he will go to a contender. Every team could use a pitcher like Tanaka, it just depends on how much you want to over pay for him and where he wants to go. This will be the first time a Japanese player has had his own choice.

        • Mrcopey2

          9 years ago

          Phillies already said they were in

        • Slappy McGee

          9 years ago

          Posting for show and realistically being in on a player are two completely different things

        • JasonPen

          9 years ago

          Obviously you haven’t been reading many of these articles… You left out the Cubs.

        • RobbyH619

          9 years ago

          Most people missed the sights set on him and have a realistic shot. Cubs, diamondbacks, phillies may have interest but it’ll come down to Dodgers, Yankees, Angels, mariners. If the dodgers or mariners can get tanaka that’ll eliminate their involvement in David price and save the prospects; thus they’ll toss 107 mill his way instead of 107 mil and prospects for price. That being said Yankees need an ace going forward and won’t hesitate to pull the trigger. Serious interest and really wanting him doesn’t qualify for a circus when really 4 teams will outdo the rest of the league.

        • burnboll

          9 years ago

          How do you know that teams like Washington, Cubs, Arizona, White Sox, Mets, Phillies and of course Boston, aren’t going to be in?
          It doesn’t cost them a dime to post 20 million if they’re not signing Tanaka.
          Logically, all 30 teams will post the 20 million fee, just to be in the conversation.

        • slider32

          9 years ago

          It’s one thing to post the 20 million and another to really try and sign him. This is going to be a big over pay and a big gamble for the team that gets him. The Yanks and the Dodgers appear to be the only teams that could absorb this kind of mistake.

        • burnboll

          9 years ago

          How do you know it’s going to be a huge overpay?

        • Slappy McGee

          9 years ago

          It is free bogus PR to post for everyone from now on, simply to feign interest,

        • Ronald Thompson

          9 years ago

          Oh please. Even if teams don’t need Tanaka, they’ll still pursue/bid him. He wouldn’t hurt, and if you lose, you can drive up the cost for the team that does win him.

  2. N.K.T.

    9 years ago

    I hope he goes to anyone but the Yankees or the Dodgers

    Reply
    • TheoHoyer

      9 years ago

      “Mystery team”

      Reply
    • Vincent Paterno

      9 years ago

      Keep him away from the other AL East evil empire, too. Y’know, the one in Boston. (Would love to see him in a Nats uniform; then again, it’s not my money.)

      Reply
      • Daniel Copans

        9 years ago

        Nats have four front line starters already, it wouldn’t make much sense to throw money at this guy. Now the O’s would be a fantastic destination but we all know that’s not happening.

        Reply
    • Mrcopey2

      9 years ago

      Phillies

      Reply
  3. Frittoman626

    9 years ago

    I predict the Yankees will sign him, there too desperate in need of pitching to not sign him.

    Reply
    • ariel777

      9 years ago

      Makes perfect sense to me.

      Reply
    • mwagner26

      9 years ago

      If many teams pay $20 mill, he can pick which team to negotiate with. That all depends on what team he prefers.

      Reply
      • Matt

        9 years ago

        no, he can negotiate with all of the teams that offer the maximum posting fee, basically like free agency with a 20 million dollar extra price tag to the winner.

        Reply
    • Mitch Augustyn

      9 years ago

      Someone has to make up for the train wreck of Sabathia who gave up more runs than any pitcher in the AL last year. Still got to pay that contract though.

      Reply
  4. brian310

    9 years ago

    Christmas miracle!

    Reply
    • dzuch

      9 years ago

      If the Dbacks can get him then they could take over the division

      Reply
      • IamTinman

        9 years ago

        Riiiiiggghhhttttt! Good luck with that.

        Reply
        • Taylor Hope

          9 years ago

          I don’t see why that’s not plausible.

        • TheRealRyan

          9 years ago

          I wouldn’t say it’s impossible, but I don’t think it’s likely. Even if Tanaka is a 4 WAR SP, they probably only added 8-9 wins. That still puts them 2-3 behind the Dodgers, regardless of what the Dodgers do.

        • Taylor Hope

          9 years ago

          I don’t think it’s likely either but it is baseball, where anything can happen. I expect the D-backs rotation to continue to make strides and I’m not so sure the Dodgers lineup will continue to be as good as last season. While I expect Hanley and Puig to still put up great numbers, I’d be shocked if either replicates their slashes from the previous year.

        • johansantana15

          9 years ago

          Because their pitching is leagues behind the dodgers….

      • Dbacksfan44

        9 years ago

        They would be serious contenders for a wild card but I dont see them beating the dodgers for first

        Reply
      • Dbacksfan44

        9 years ago

        They would be serious contenders for a wild card but I dont see them beating the dodgers for first

        Reply
  5. Matt Galvin

    9 years ago

    Dodgers or Mariners or Diamondbacks or Red Sox.

    Reply
    • matt luce

      9 years ago

      Mariners or topped out. Dbacks have no chance against big dogs. The angels are going to give him 150 +. Done deal. Arte likes all the foreign fans. Ala hideki matsui

      Reply
      • Taylor Hope

        9 years ago

        Mariners aren’t actually topped out. Jack Z said they’re willing to spend for “the right guy.” Seems to me Tanaka would be the right guy since they want to add one more starter. Just got a fat new TV contract. They need to spend that cash.

        Reply
      • livestrong77nyyankz

        9 years ago

        They got Hideki Matsui when he was at the edge of retirement..I really do not see how that is pleasing any fan,

        Reply
      • Robert Muldhoon

        9 years ago

        M’s are not topped out. They still have 20 million at least to spend this year

        Reply
        • wackymacky

          9 years ago

          It’s gonna take that much just to talk to Tanaka’s agent.

      • drwheelock

        9 years ago

        Luce “topped out”? Seattle with a $80M 2014 payroll right now, and Howard Lincoln telling media he will surpass the $95M budget from last year. Plus the add’l $25M this year MLB TV that every team gets, a paid off stadium at Safeco Field as of this past year, and buying out Direct TV for ROOT Sports Network.

        Since it appears you are an Angels fan Matt, you should realize that Angels will be over the Luxury Tax “if” they end up signing Tanaka. So this $150M+ deal you are ‘thinking’ Angels get him for I think you are way off. I don’t see him going to the Angels personally, nor LAD, nor NYY for the same reason.

        Reply
        • Jose Ochoa

          9 years ago

          angels will go over the luxury tax for the right player….. this is something that is needed for the team… the angels can go over the Luxury tax for one year and stay under the next im sure if arte goes all in like he did with pujols he will get tanaka facing darvis this year coming up

    • Dbacksfan44

      9 years ago

      Or Yankees

      Reply
    • Dbacksfan44

      9 years ago

      Or Yankees

      Reply
  6. Rook

    9 years ago

    Well this should be fun. Sign him KT!!!!!

    Reply
  7. yankeestarz

    9 years ago

    It’s going to be a merry Christmas for one team out there.

    Reply
  8. acottonshirt

    9 years ago

    I would love to see him in Seattle with Iwakuma. He wants to play on the west coast, so we will see.

    Reply
    • Tony Matias

      9 years ago

      Just a guesstimate, but he’s looking at 6-7/130MM. Not sure the M’s management would allow that, but the draw Ichiro brought was tremendous, so I would actually be surprised if the M’s weren’t up towards the top (didn’t say top) of the final bid.

      Reply
      • Robert Muldhoon

        9 years ago

        M’s have 20 – 30 M left to spend. I think probably only the Dodgers and stankees may have more $ available.

        Reply
        • LazerTown

          9 years ago

          Smart baseball commentary must always end with the stankees

        • johansantana15

          9 years ago

          the yankees have no money left if they want to stay under the luxury tax threshold.

        • drwheelock

          9 years ago

          I hate the Yankees, but if they decide to go over they might as well go all out and get their payroll back to the $220m range.

          I read reports that ‘if’ they are over the luxury tax this year it will devastate their franchise for years to come, where as being over next year won’t have that impact.

          It would have been better for the Yankees if Ratuken waited to post him until next offseason, then I would say noone would outbid the Yanks.

          It’s gonna be VERY interesting…GO M’S!!!

        • Rev0lution

          9 years ago

          Dr, the NYY will NOT be devastated by staying in luxury tax purgatory. Are you really serious or is your Yankee hatred getting the best of you???

          The Yanks enjoy operating in one of the most robust marketing arenas in the entire world. They have a lucrative TV contract. Their fan base is dedicated and will routinely fill out every home game and they effectively leverage the power of their brand monetarily all over the globe. Exactly how do you suspect that they are suddenly going to be belly up if they bust the “189” goal?

          Adding Tanaka will re-energize the fan base. It will also open up additional marketing opportunities. I’m sure they will secure some revenue deal with a major Japanese media provider to simulcast Tanaka’s scheduled days on the mound. Other revenue streams will present themselves for the NYY to reap the benefits from AND, assuming the team is successful, they will have the foundation to build the post-Jeter era with.

          You can have Cano. We’ll gladly take McCann, Ellsbury, Kuroda (again), Beltran and Tanaka as our big haul during the Hot Stove season.

          At least Jack Z and Jay Z can share a Vente Mochalatte at Starbucks.

        • JacobyWanKenobi

          9 years ago

          It’s amazing how many more M’s fans there are now, compared to a month ago.

        • Tony Matias

          9 years ago

          That may be true, but in my defense, I have rooted for this team and their losing seasons for a very long time.

        • JacobyWanKenobi

          9 years ago

          Which I have no problem with, and I hope for your and similar fans’ sake they can field a competitive team for a while. It’s just hard seeing band-wagoners all over the place (which i regrettably see being a Yankees fan all the time).

        • LazerTown

          9 years ago

          Teams need the bandwagoners though. Is a great source of revenue for them.

        • JacobyWanKenobi

          9 years ago

          Which I have no problem with, and I hope for your and similar fans’ sake they can field a competitive team for a while. It’s just hard seeing band-wagoners all over the place (which i regrettably see being a Yankees fan all the time).

        • Mitch Augustyn

          9 years ago

          Thats why the Yankees attendance and viewership has been dropping. Yankees are all about name recognition to bring in the fans and sell those jerseys. They will have to build up that minor league system and get some pitching if they have hope of going anywhere.

        • Yankee Pinstripes

          9 years ago

          The Yankee hatred doesn’t cease. Even with SLIGHTLY diminished attendance and fallen viewership on YES, their attendance records still outpace almost 90% of the league and the viewership radius is GLOBAL (YES is broadcast in some capacity over the span of the planet with Yankee fans from Mali to Melbourne).

          Sure, the team is about BRAND recognition. What successful franchise isn’t???? Who – Starbucks? Macy’s? Apple? Dallas Cowboys? Los Angeles Lakers? That is the ultimate goal of business; to have your BRAND valued across the globe.

          As far as “going somewhere” I guess 27 Championships and 40 pennants is pittance to you, huh? This is the FIRST year we have missed the playoffs in eons and ONLY by what 7 games with a beat up and broken lineup. Not too shabby by ANY standards.

          Now we’ve restocked and are poised to return to the postseason with McCann, Ellsbury, Beltran, Kuroda (again) and soon to be, Tanaka.

          Next argument.

        • Mitch Augustyn

          9 years ago

          Big stars do not win Championships and never have good players do. Look at the Championships teams of Luis Soho, Scott Brosius and Girardi. No All Stars there but a team of clutch players. What those teams had were great pitching and good defense. When you lose a 43 and 41 year old player and you restock and the team gets older something is wrong. Better get some pitching because a team with not a single position player under the age of 30 and most players best seasons come at 30 or less shows the direction the team is going. Losing their only All Star did not help either. No argument at all here. Its just facts and facts are that Yankee attendance has fallen ever year since 2009. BTW..Yankee way overpaid for McCann who has been going down hill for 4 years. Catchers after the age of 33 fall off in production. Fact is Thurman Munson was done at 31 and signing him to a 5 year with option for a sixth and paying twice what Saltalamacchia means they paid double what he is worth. Salty is better catcher hitting 42 doubles last season and hitting 25 hrs the year before.

        • Mitch Augustyn

          9 years ago

          It was a beat up line up because they were old brittle player. How about 4 outfielders over the age of 35 this year; Ichiro, Vernon Wells, Soriano and Beltran. Well maybe if it was 2005. With Yankee ticket prices they have to win because New Yorkers do not support losing teams especially when $50 box seats are close to $400 a piece. They had low attendance even when best seats were $6 a piece. Guess we will see but its all about pitching.

        • Yankee Pinstripes

          9 years ago

          For the umpteenth time, “189” is a goal, NOT a mandate. The overarching mission of the NYY is to ALWAYS field a CHAMPIONSHIP level squad and trepidation of the luxury tax will not deter that now or ever.

          The Steinbrenners are still the owners and they understand the importance of accentuating the brand.

          If Tanaka is a $15-20M grab, the NYY will not have any problem accommodating his #.

      • Robert Muldhoon

        9 years ago

        M’s have 20 – 30 M left to spend. I think probably only the Dodgers and stankees may have more $ available.

        Reply
  9. TheoHoyer

    9 years ago

    Get em Cubs. 6 years/150 million. He has no other reason to sign in Chicago other than the money.

    Reply
    • Jason Johnson

      9 years ago

      Definitely looks like the Cubs will get him and I’m happy about that.

      Reply
      • Yankee Pinstripes

        9 years ago

        Cubbies have a better chance of signing Mr. Magoo than of getting Tanaka. Theo is a genius, but your team is NOT a contender and Tanaka is NOT coming fresh off a Championship to join a team mired in a millenial swoon that also holds the dubious record of both the longest league pennant drought and the longest World Series drought in history.

        Sorry!

        You’ve got to plug the holes in the life raft before you take on passengers.

        Reply
    • drwheelock

      9 years ago

      That’s like Felix, Kershaw money for a SP that’s never played in MLB. I just don’t see him hitting that high of $$$ personally.

      Reply
      • Matt

        9 years ago

        Kershaw money will be like nothing anyone has ever seen before. He is going to by far get the largest contract for a pitcher, and probably anyone, in baseball history.

        Reply
    • drwheelock

      9 years ago

      The Cubs don’t even have a decent team to bring him to, and a long ways from contending, and a LONG ways from Japan to visit!

      Reply
      • BillB325

        9 years ago

        money

        Reply
      • meinhardt1992

        9 years ago

        what are you talking about!? the Cubs are on the cusp of contending and should have at least a 70-80 win season this year. and by next year we should be starting to contend Tanka can only help our team and would be a great center piece to work the rotation around…Castro and Rizzo should improve, and we have Almora, Baez, Bryant, and Soler all coming up within the next year or two not to mention Lake who did decent last year in his rookie season

        Reply
        • Yankee Pinstripes

          9 years ago

          On the “cusp of contending”? Hmmm, about the same as saying “on the cusp of winning MegaMillions”.

          Cubbies have been saying that since 1908.

          I know you guys love your team, but GEEZ!

          You are NOT a contender!

    • Kyle

      9 years ago

      A $170MM commitment for a guy that hasn’t thrown in MLB is rough. Then again, Darvish cost the Rangers about $108MM.

      Reply
  10. Kyle

    9 years ago

    Hoping the Rangers can convince him.

    Reply
    • Phil Merkel

      9 years ago

      It’s possible….if they can sign him, then they have the flexibility to trade a SP, Ogando, and Moreland for a DH-type (if it really takes that much to get one). That would free up some $$$$ to allow this to happen.

      Reply
  11. Guest

    9 years ago

    Buckle up, friends.

    Reply
  12. Taylor Hope

    9 years ago

    Mariners better push hard for him… Tanaka definitely fits “the right guy” mold Jack Z was talking about spending on. Do it, Jack. At least be active.

    Reply
  13. JacobyWanKenobi

    9 years ago

    Can’t wait to see the AAV of his future deal.

    Reply
  14. Mike LaRose

    9 years ago

    Finally!

    Reply
  15. Lefty_Orioles_Fan

    9 years ago

    Well, it is my understanding that the Yankees want to stay below the 189 million dollar threshold. I suppose that little idea will be thrown out the window?

    The Dodgers have assembled one of the greatest bullpens ever, if everyone behaves and gets along and stays healthy. So why would the Dodgers need him? So maybe there’s hope for the Cubs. The Mariners would be interesting. I don’t know where Tanaka is going to go, but it was nice of the Powers that Be at Rakuten to let Tanaka be posted.

    Reply
    • ultimate913

      9 years ago

      The “new” plan is to either be under 189 or go way over. No point in going over if they end up at like 192.

      Reply
      • drwheelock

        9 years ago

        I’m no Yankee Fan but you are exactly right. They are going to get so HARD with the Luxury Tax as it is, but the more payroll the higher the Tax goes. Even if they go all out and jump payroll back to $220M, isn’t that like $110M Extra they have to pay to MLB in Luxury Tax? OUCH

        Reply
        • Michael Chin

          9 years ago

          You don’t even know how MLB payroll work. Where did you get $110M from? The luxury tax is assessed at a varying percentage on teams over the cap which would be 189 million this year. Therefore if the Yankees do go over this year, they would pay either 40 to 50% of the amount they went over the cap which is hardly 110M. Around 20M to 35M by rough estimates but the revenue they gain from fielding a championship team is 80M.

        • LazerTown

          9 years ago

          You pay on what you are over, not total. Is just like normal tax rates. When you jump from a 0% to a 5% tax bracket you don’t pay that on whole income, just amount in the next bracket.

          If they get under the % resets to a lower level. That is why even though the Dodgers and the Yankees had roughly equal payroll, the Yankees paid way more.

  16. ShaneRedsFan

    9 years ago

    So happy to hear this even though it’s unlikely he signs with my team. It’s going to be very exciting watching him take the mound for the first time next season!

    Reply
  17. JJ

    9 years ago

    Welcome to NY Tanaka.

    Reply
  18. Brandon Duenas

    9 years ago

    Dbacks please!!! PLEASE GOD.

    Reply
  19. John

    9 years ago

    Finally, this has been the biggest build up for no apparent reason. Now all that’s left is for the A-Rod verdict to come out and we can all stop with the unnecessary drama. But, YAY! BIDDING WARS!

    I’m gonna say he gets 7 years at about $140MM because I was to see it get crazy.

    Reply
    • drwheelock

      9 years ago

      That would be pretty crazy. I don’t see it getting that high, but how desperate the Cubs are they just might make that type of offer. Doesn’t mean Tanaka will go to the highest bidder either.

      Reply
    • BillB325

      9 years ago

      I’ll say he gets 8yrs at 145MM with a AAV of 17 million and a 9 million signing bonus. Specific.

      Reply
      • LazerTown

        9 years ago

        I’d take that.

        Reply
  20. JacobyWanKenobi

    9 years ago

    There’s almost no reason not to pay the 20 mil and get in for any team. Remember, the player gets to choose his location this time, so he may not take the largest contract.

    Reply
    • drwheelock

      9 years ago

      Exactly!

      Reply
  21. Brandon Duenas

    9 years ago

    KT… I just finished Christmas shopping and went over my budget to make my family happy. Now do the same with yours and make Diamondback fans happy 🙂

    Reply
  22. Duane Wimbley

    9 years ago

    Yankees will offer 7 yrs 180-200mil

    Reply
    • JacobyWanKenobi

      9 years ago

      No.

      Reply
    • Rook

      9 years ago

      If my Dbacks don’t get him, I do indeed hope it’s because a GM does something that crazy.
      Tanaka is not getting $30 million a year before throwing a pitch in the big leagues.

      Reply
    • Joey Doughnuts

      9 years ago

      Lol, no. He may get around 7 yr/$120 if I had to guess.

      Reply
    • LazerTown

      9 years ago

      Could see 7 years, but doubt at that value. Darvish cost $108M I doubt that Tanaka completely blows that out of the water, he is pretty similar level.

      Reply
      • justinept

        9 years ago

        It will absolutely cost more for a team to reel in Darvish than it did for the Rangers to get Darvish. The bidding war aspect of this all but assures that; however, it’s completely absurd to think Tanaka will get 7 years $180 million. If the Yankees want to make him the highest paid pitcher in baseball history. then so be it, but I can think of a lot better ways to spend $25.7 million per year.

        Reply
        • LazerTown

          9 years ago

          Right. Every team had the chance at Darvish too, they had to win the posting, but I’m sure many of them had a general idea of what he was worth and how much to bid. They probably knew the cost would be around $100M most likely, salaries have gone up since then, and fa might up the amount a bit more, but I really don’t see Tanaka getting 70% more total cost compared to Darvish.

    • Melvin McMurf

      9 years ago

      i think only the angels do that

      Reply
      • drwheelock

        9 years ago

        I don’t

        Reply
    • drwheelock

      9 years ago

      Thats like Arod Money on a AAV. Kind of funny you mention those figures. lol

      Reply
    • Yankee Pinstripes

      9 years ago

      HECK NO!!!!!!!!!!

      5-7 years and the AAV is probably $15-19M

      Reply
  23. Jose Villasano

    9 years ago

    It’s about time it’s going to be between the Dodgers or Cubs you’ll see

    Reply
  24. YankeeFan™

    9 years ago

    1. CC Sabathia
    2. Masahiro Tanaka
    3. Hiroki Kuroda
    4. Ivan Nova
    5. Michael Pineda

    Reply
    • Brandon Duenas

      9 years ago

      1. Tanaka
      2. Corbin
      3. Bradley
      4. Miley
      5. McCarthy/Cahill/Delgado

      Reply
      • Brandon Duenas

        9 years ago

        Why the thumbs down? I’m just dreaming.

        Reply
        • jjs91

          9 years ago

          Some people will downvote anyone who says that he won’t sign with their team.

      • livestrong77nyyankz

        9 years ago

        Make him the ace of a rotation in a league he has never pitched in right off the bat? Yikes.

        Reply
        • Brandon Duenas

          9 years ago

          Worked for Darvish.

        • livestrong77nyyankz

          9 years ago

          He is not Darvish

        • Brandon Duenas

          9 years ago

          Really? Thanks for clarifying. I thought he was for a second.

        • livestrong77nyyankz

          9 years ago

          No problem, It was evident that you clearly had thought the two were equals for whatever reason.

        • dzuch

          9 years ago

          DBACKS make the most since. The Cubs are not contending and the Yankees are tapped out as the Angels. The dodgers don’t need him… This is the only piece of the puzzle missing from the Dbacks then they could make a couple small moves like flipping Cahil for more farmers. ..

        • livestrong77nyyankz

          9 years ago

          ok you’re right

        • LazerTown

          9 years ago

          He makes the most sense to a small budget team?

          Yankees are far from tapped out, they just want to be smarter about it.

        • dzuch

          9 years ago

          DBACKS make the most since. The Cubs are not contending and the Yankees are tapped out as the Angels. The dodgers don’t need him… This is the only piece of the puzzle missing from the Dbacks then they could make a couple small moves like flipping Cahil for more farmers. ..

        • LazerTown

          9 years ago

          3.90 era in first season is solid, but not ace like.

        • Kyle

          9 years ago

          Darvish started game 3 of the 2012 season. He was not the #1.

      • Quilcene

        9 years ago

        Feliz Hernandez/ Hiroshima Iwakuma/ Masahiro Tanaka/TaijuanWalker/ James Paxton-

        Gimme some lovin for dat—-

        Reply
        • wafootballinsider

          9 years ago

          Don’t you mean Nagasaki Iwakuma?

        • drwheelock

          9 years ago

          Seattle could land BOTH Tanaka and trade for Lee:

          Felix
          Lee
          Iwakuma
          Tanaka
          Walker AND Paxton (Due to them both being on limited PCs)

          Gimme some lovin for dat—–

        • LazerTown

          9 years ago

          Because they really have the money to add 3 $20M players in one winter, after having a payroll of $84M last year?

        • JacobyWanKenobi

          9 years ago

          If memory serves, Lee did not like Seattle.

        • JacobyWanKenobi

          9 years ago

          Happy Hernandez!

      • meinhardt1992

        9 years ago

        Shark
        Tanka
        Wood
        Jackson
        Arrieta or Rusin

        Reply
    • InvalidUserID

      9 years ago

      Pretty good rotation IMO. I’d hope for another veteran to take the #5 spot and NOT depend on Pineda or even better one to take Nova’s #4 position and push Nova to #5. He was good but he’s been inconsistent.

      Reply
      • YankeeFan™

        9 years ago

        Agree

        Reply
      • drwheelock

        9 years ago

        No way I would rely on Pineda. He wasn’t even ranked in the top 100 prospects in Seattle, and came out of nowhere, put up incredible #s in the 1st half since he could throw 99mph.

        Pineda only has 2 pitches. His ERA will continue to be in the 4-5 range. Bet me on that one!

        Reply
        • jjs91

          9 years ago

          “He wasn’t even ranked in the top 100 prospects in Seattle” No? he wasn’t ranked 16th in 2010? And he wasn’t a part of the M’s top 10 list every year he was eligible?

      • JacobyWanKenobi

        9 years ago

        On the contrary, I think the #5 spot SHOULD be used for Pineda/House options. They need to give younger guys a chance, or they’ll never know what they can do.

        Reply
    • JJ

      9 years ago

      Dont worry about the haters. Tanaka is a Yankee.

      Reply
    • Robert Muldhoon

      9 years ago

      Pineda will never throw another ML pitch

      Reply
      • jjs91

        9 years ago

        Because you say so?

        Reply
      • GetTheRunnerOver

        9 years ago

        Im sure people thought the same about Chris Carpenter at some point

        Reply
      • JJ

        9 years ago

        That not even funny.

        Reply
      • Michael Chin

        9 years ago

        As recently as fall 2013, Pineda was pitching in the minor leagues and had a good era with a fastball at 92mph. Any sane person would know that he is progressing towards the major leagues and will be in time to showcase his stuff for #5 starter in spring training.

        Reply
      • Edgar4evar

        9 years ago

        And the Yankees will still win that trade…

        Reply
        • LazerTown

          9 years ago

          Trade is far from decided, but still think Yankees could be in good shape. Montero and Noesi have been terrible. Campos and Pineda haven’t done anything in the majors, but they look to have potential.

    • GetTheRunnerOver

      9 years ago

      Pineda is still questionable, at this moment Phelps is 5

      Reply
      • livestrong77nyyankz

        9 years ago

        Give me Nuno

        Reply
        • GetTheRunnerOver

          9 years ago

          Not yet

        • GetTheRunnerOver

          9 years ago

          Not yet

        • LazerTown

          9 years ago

          He is 26. Nuno will never blow you away, but he could still have a solid career.

        • GetTheRunnerOver

          9 years ago

          Not yet

      • JacobyWanKenobi

        9 years ago

        Pineda has by far the most upside though. We know what Phelps is pretty much, and Nuno seems about the same. Gotta give Pineda a chance to prove or disprove himself.

        Reply
        • Lionel Bossman Craft

          9 years ago

          I’d like to see some more of Warren.

    • Dale Pearl

      9 years ago

      with that starting 5 the Yankees would still be lucky to walk away with an 80 win season.

      Reply
      • MB923

        9 years ago

        Lol with the improved offense (except the loss of Cano) that prob makes them a 90-95 win team once again

        Reply
    • drwheelock

      9 years ago

      Funny how Pineda and his 2 Pitches are automatically entered into your rotation.

      Reply
  25. Ravens

    9 years ago

    could all the Dodger signings today be to show Tanaka how commited they are to winning?

    Reply
    • Brandon Duenas

      9 years ago

      I doubt he cares about that honestly. Location and contract structure will matter most to him. He’s not a veteran pitcher desperate to win a WS or something.

      Reply
    • bill leff

      9 years ago

      Yeah, finalizing the Uribe deal will really excite Tanaka.

      Reply
  26. Guest

    9 years ago

    Well, that escalated quickly.

    Reply
    • Joey Doughnuts

      9 years ago

      No, no it didn’t.

      Reply
  27. rossington

    9 years ago

    Cubs will sign him no doubt in my mind.

    Reply
    • Guest

      9 years ago

      -_______-

      Reply
    • Guest

      9 years ago

      -_______-

      Reply
  28. northsfbay

    9 years ago

    Tanaka said that he wants to play for the Yankees or Dodgers. My guess is that the Yankees will out bid everyone else.

    Reply
    • trenigro

      9 years ago

      And where is that “quote” from?

      Reply
      • EarlyMorningBoxscore

        9 years ago

        The Onion Sports Network.

        Reply
      • EarlyMorningBoxscore

        9 years ago

        The Onion Sports Network.

        Reply
    • JJ

      9 years ago

      We know the yankees can out bid any team but I dont remember when tanaka said “he wants to play for the Yankees or Dodgers”

      Reply
      • frogbogg

        9 years ago

        Out bid anyone not named the Mariners.

        Reply
        • JJ

          9 years ago

          Really -____-

      • Yankee Pinstripes

        9 years ago

        He just said it by hiring Casey Close as his agent.

        Reply
    • Quilcene

      9 years ago

      Tanaka never said he wanted to play for the Yankess= he said he wanted to play on the West Coast- he said he wanted to play the Yankees….

      Reply
  29. Robert Muldhoon

    9 years ago

    Tanaka has said he wants to play on the west coast anywhere not named Oakland

    Reply
    • Jordan

      9 years ago

      It’s fine. We don’t need him anyway for our 3rd consecutive division title.

      Reply
  30. Brandon Duenas

    9 years ago

    Corbin is better than CC anyways at this point of their careers. He would be in the same situation heading over to NY.

    Reply
    • livestrong77nyyankz

      9 years ago

      I guess your Christmas present to everyone is stating irrational things. Thank you and Merry Christmas.

      Reply
      • jjs91

        9 years ago

        So nice of you to give him a present. There’s nothing wrong with calling the best pitching prospect in the game your number one starter.

        Reply
    • GetTheRunnerOver

      9 years ago

      No he isnt, CC is still the most durable innings eater in the game. He will be back in form next year

      Reply
      • Brandon Duenas

        9 years ago

        I respect NY, and CC… he’s had a great career but I don’t think he’ll be the same again. Hope he proves me wrong.

        Reply
      • Brandon Duenas

        9 years ago

        I respect NY, and CC… he’s had a great career but I don’t think he’ll be the same again. Hope he proves me wrong.

        Reply
        • GetTheRunnerOver

          9 years ago

          Why dont you think so? his problem was he still thought he could throw 96 mph. Im sure hes realized that now, and has been working out those little kinks

        • livestrong77nyyankz

          9 years ago

          His problem was arm slot and losing the rest of his balance because of his weight loss.

        • livestrong77nyyankz

          9 years ago

          His problem was arm slot and losing the rest of his balance because of his weight loss.

        • JacobyWanKenobi

          9 years ago

          A large part of his problem was that his arm slot dropped too much, and his breaking pitches turned into meat balls.

        • GetTheRunnerOver

          9 years ago

          Why dont you think so? his problem was he still thought he could throw 96 mph. Im sure hes realized that now, and has been working out those little kinks

        • LazerTown

          9 years ago

          He doesn’t have to be the same to be useful.

      • Brandon Duenas

        9 years ago

        I respect NY, and CC… he’s had a great career but I don’t think he’ll be the same again. Hope he proves me wrong.

        Reply
      • drwheelock

        9 years ago

        Hope so for NY’s sake cause it will be very ugly for them if he isn’t

        Reply
  31. livestrong77nyyankz

    9 years ago

    Haha yeah its been building up for such a long time…

    Reply
  32. jjs91

    9 years ago

    Just read his twitter feed. Okay fine it’s made up, just like anything kuroda has said or wanted to do in the past few years.

    Reply
  33. GetTheRunnerOver

    9 years ago

    Tanaka to the bronx would be a sweet Christmas gift

    Reply
  34. Brandon Mason

    9 years ago

    I hope the Angels sign him!!

    Reply
    • Melvin McMurf

      9 years ago

      the angels havent issued that totally stupiid contract so far, now is their chance

      Reply
  35. TheoHoyer

    9 years ago

    Don’t get ahead of yourself, Jason.

    Reply
    • Mr.Miggles

      9 years ago

      Let him get ahead of himself! It’s Christmas!!!

      Reply
      • GetTheRunnerOver

        9 years ago

        Its never Christmas for the Cubs though

        Reply
        • TheoHoyer

          9 years ago

          We can always hope Christmas will come next year.

        • TheoHoyer

          9 years ago

          We can always hope Christmas will come next year.

    • Jason Johnson

      9 years ago

      Nor you buddy lol. Unless he just doesn’t care about money I’m sure the Cubs will go hard for him. Down vote away “-)

      Reply
  36. Pedro Martin

    9 years ago

    NYY vs LAD bidding war… i dont see chicago/arizona being in the run besides saying they are..

    Reply
  37. bill leff

    9 years ago

    Cubs will get him. They’ll get insanely dumb to make this deal. Just watch. It’ll top 180m.

    Reply
    • Pedro Martin

      9 years ago

      i hope no team pays more than 120… it would be ridiculous

      Reply
      • justinept

        9 years ago

        $120 sounds about right, but you never know when a bidding war ensues. Wait, cross that, you know at least one thing – this bidding war won’t come close to $180 million.

        Reply
    • Pedro Martin

      9 years ago

      i hope no team pays more than 120… it would be ridiculous

      Reply
  38. Brandon Duenas

    9 years ago

    Just got off the phone with Tanaka and he said he’s coming to Arizona. It’s official. I don’t speak Japanese but I’m pretty sure that’s what he was trying to say.

    Reply
    • jjs91

      9 years ago

      Based of this recent tweet it appears you are right. “いえいえ”

      Reply
  39. Chris Keith

    9 years ago

    If the Blue Jays’ AAA Manager, Tanaka’s old manager, hadn’t just quit, I might have given the Jays a better Chance, that said, I am with the person who said not the Yankees or Dodgers, but will also throw in Red Sox!

    Reply
  40. Bryan

    9 years ago

    lol

    Reply
  41. Bestlakersfan

    9 years ago

    Come home to the Dodgers, baby!

    Reply
  42. KINGMOJO

    9 years ago

    Angels could give him 7-126m, lots of Japanese fans in Anaheim
    Weaver
    Wilson
    Tanaka
    Santiago
    Richards

    Reply
    • Pedro Martin

      9 years ago

      Kershaw
      Greinke
      Tanaka
      Ryu
      Haren..
      way better

      Reply
      • Robert Muldhoon

        9 years ago

        Felix
        Iwakuma
        Tanaka
        Walker
        Paxton
        Even better.

        Reply
        • Pedro Martin

          9 years ago

          i like it but no.. lol

        • Pedro Martin

          9 years ago

          i like it but no.. lol

        • GetTheRunnerOver

          9 years ago

          CC
          Tanaka
          Kuroda
          Nova
          Phelps/Pineda
          Even better

        • Robert Muldhoon

          9 years ago

          CC bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa — be lucky to get 10 wins out of him, Kuroda mmm maybe 12 wins, Nova hahahahaha Pineda won’t pitch in MLB again.

        • jjs91

          9 years ago

          I would argue but generally when people use wins as important stats it’s not really worth it.

        • Robert Muldhoon

          9 years ago

          Agreed, wins are a team stat. But just a matter of looking at the stankees lineup, they are not going to end up higher than 3 in the AL East.

        • livestrong77nyyankz

          9 years ago

          Nobody will argue with you because of your lack of maturity.

        • Robert Muldhoon

          9 years ago

          now that was a real adult response

        • livestrong77nyyankz

          9 years ago

          Twas indeed

        • jjs91

          9 years ago

          So the M’s have a better offense than the yankees? interesting….

        • Robert Muldhoon

          9 years ago

          Agreed, wins are a team stat. But just a matter of looking at the stankees lineup, they are not going to end up higher than 3 in the AL East.

        • Robert Muldhoon

          9 years ago

          Agreed, wins are a team stat. But just a matter of looking at the stankees lineup, they are not going to end up higher than 3 in the AL East.

        • Since_77

          9 years ago

          This post shows that this site’s commenting policy is a waste of time.

        • Robert Muldhoon

          9 years ago

          CC bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa — be lucky to get 10 wins out of him, Kuroda mmm maybe 12 wins, Nova hahahahaha Pineda won’t pitch in MLB again.

        • radicalhenri

          9 years ago

          Astros:
          Tanaka
          ?
          ?
          ?
          ?
          Even better

        • GetTheRunnerOver

          9 years ago

          CC
          Tanaka
          Kuroda
          Nova
          Phelps/Pineda
          Even better

        • GetTheRunnerOver

          9 years ago

          CC
          Tanaka
          Kuroda
          Nova
          Phelps/Pineda
          Even better

        • Alex

          9 years ago

          Tigers shock everyone like they did when they signed fielder
          1. Scherzer
          2. Verlander
          3. Sanchez
          4. Tanaka
          5. Porcello
          Even better.

        • BillB325

          9 years ago

          Okay that one wins. To bad they traded Fister though. Oh wait,
          1. Strasburg
          2.Zimmerman
          3.Gonzalez
          4.Tanaka
          5. Fister
          Not better, but sounds good

      • Robert Muldhoon

        9 years ago

        Felix
        Iwakuma
        Tanaka
        Walker
        Paxton
        Even better.

        Reply
      • Bromacho

        9 years ago

        Such insecurity. Where in his post was he saying Angels would have a better rotation than the Dodgers?

        Reply
        • Pedro Martin

          9 years ago

          he doesn’t and that not what i am replying to.. simply cross town rivalry stuff… i want my team to improve more than theirs 😛

        • Bromacho

          9 years ago

          All is well friend.

        • livestrong77nyyankz

          9 years ago

          I feel like you’re just lashing out for no reason.

        • Bromacho

          9 years ago

          That’s the wrong kind of feel to have.

      • Edgar4evar

        9 years ago

        Tanaka
        Wacha
        Chewbacca
        Binaca
        Boom-Chakalaka

        Reply
  43. EarlyMorningBoxscore

    9 years ago

    Really wish the Red Sox had room in their rotation. Santa Cherington, please make room?

    Reply
  44. Andrew m

    9 years ago

    Come on Rube…

    Reply
    • KJ4realz

      9 years ago

      Yes please

      Reply
    • KJ4realz

      9 years ago

      Yes please

      Reply
    • KJ4realz

      9 years ago

      Yes please

      Reply
    • raltongo

      9 years ago

      yes! if the Yankees are willing to crash through the luxury tax threshold, then the Phillies should be too! Argh…too many long-term contracts on a declining team, though, so I doubt Ruben & Montgomery pull the trigger…..

      It could, however, be their one BIG move to re-invigorate the fan base

      Reply
  45. GetTheRunnerOver

    9 years ago

    CC
    Tanaka
    Kuroda
    Nova
    Phelps/Pineda
    That is good, I hope i wake up tomorrow seeing Tanaka to the Yankees is a done deal..hell maybe even tonight.

    Reply
  46. NJgriffNC

    9 years ago

    I think Mariners

    Reply
  47. TheFallenSoldier

    9 years ago

    I predict he will sign with a baseball team.

    Reply
    • Brandon Duenas

      9 years ago

      pssh ya right

      Reply
    • Pedro Martin

      9 years ago

      im pretty sure LA Galaxy was about to win this bidding war

      Reply
    • TheoHoyer

      9 years ago

      Well, the Cowboys need a QB now that Romo is out for the season….

      Reply
      • Daniel Franklin

        9 years ago

        Maybe they can try to borrow Russell Wilson from the Rangers…

        Reply
    • TheoHoyer

      9 years ago

      Well, the Cowboys need a QB now that Romo is out for the season….

      Reply
    • Ferrariman

      9 years ago

      So you’re saying not the cubs?

      Reply
      • TheFallenSoldier

        9 years ago

        I see what you did.

        Reply
    • bdiddy7

      9 years ago

      That is a bold prediction, my friend.

      Reply
  48. Tre-Day

    9 years ago

    Curious to see how interested the Dodgers are. We’ve heard varying reports, I’m glad he’s been posted so instead of seeing reports I can just see what they do. Go time for everyone now.

    Reply
  49. Brandon Duenas

    9 years ago

    Just got off the phone with his agent. Confirmed that Tanaka is retiring.

    Reply
  50. TheoHoyer

    9 years ago

    Let’s be honest, he’s going to get Cole Hamels/Matt Cain/Zach Grienke money.

    How many teams out there are willing to give out a 6yr/120 or 7yr/140 contract + 20 Million posting fee.

    Reply
    • Ferrariman

      9 years ago

      probably quite a few. Yankees, Dodgers, Cubs, maybe Texas, Tigers are known for their questionable decisions..

      Reply
    • Ferrariman

      9 years ago

      probably quite a few. Yankees, Dodgers, Cubs, maybe Texas, Tigers are known for their questionable decisions..

      Reply
    • Ferrariman

      9 years ago

      probably quite a few. Yankees, Dodgers, Cubs, maybe Texas, Tigers are known for their questionable decisions..

      Reply
  51. FS54

    9 years ago

    He should go to Nationals.

    Reply
    • Tyler Evans

      9 years ago

      oh dear god. their rotation would be stacked

      Reply
      • FS54

        9 years ago

        that’s the goal.

        Reply
      • FS54

        9 years ago

        that’s the goal.

        Reply
    • Tyler Evans

      9 years ago

      oh dear god. their rotation would be stacked

      Reply
  52. FS54

    9 years ago

    He should go to Nationals.

    Reply
  53. FS54

    9 years ago

    He should go to Nationals.

    Reply
  54. John Donovan

    9 years ago

    Well the Twins have signed every other starting pitcher this year. I wonder how many jaws would drop if he ended up there. I’m not even a Twins fan and I would love to see that happen just so everyone can be wrong together.

    Reply
    • Marky Mark

      9 years ago

      That would finally give them a number 1 instead of the bunch of 4 and 5’s they signed

      Reply
  55. John Donovan

    9 years ago

    Well the Twins have signed every other starting pitcher this year. I wonder how many jaws would drop if he ended up there. I’m not even a Twins fan and I would love to see that happen just so everyone can be wrong together.

    Reply
  56. John Donovan

    9 years ago

    Well the Twins have signed every other starting pitcher this year. I wonder how many jaws would drop if he ended up there. I’m not even a Twins fan and I would love to see that happen just so everyone can be wrong together.

    Reply
  57. Jaysmooth2121

    9 years ago

    Looks like the dodgers are going to go all in for him ive heard

    Reply
    • GetTheRunnerOver

      9 years ago

      So something like the Sabathia deal?

      Reply
    • GetTheRunnerOver

      9 years ago

      So something like the Sabathia deal?

      Reply
    • GetTheRunnerOver

      9 years ago

      So something like the Sabathia deal?

      Reply
  58. Jaysmooth2121

    9 years ago

    Looks like the dodgers are going to go all in for him ive heard

    Reply
  59. Robert Muldhoon

    9 years ago

    There are only a few teams with the money available to sign him. Dodgers, Stankees, M’s and Angels.

    Reply
    • Kyle

      9 years ago

      Rangers and Diamondbacks are in there too.

      Reply
      • Matt

        9 years ago

        Rangers already got Fielder and Choo on their payroll, I’d put their chances to get Tanaka at slim to none.

        Reply
  60. Robert Muldhoon

    9 years ago

    There are only a few teams with the money available to sign him. Dodgers, Stankees, M’s and Angels.

    Reply
  61. KnowledgeDivine

    9 years ago

    have this guy throw even one pitch against MLB talent?

    Reply
    • drwheelock

      9 years ago

      Hey that’s an idea…lets schedule a try out with Tanaka pitching to the 10 best batters in both leagues:

      1. Trout
      2. Stanton
      3. Cano
      4. Davis
      5. etc etc etc

      AND at Safeco Field (pitchers park) for one day…

      and then the next try out bing in Arlington (a hitters park)

      That will get things pretty exciting.

      Oops I ment to say Arlington 1st…then the 2nd tryout in Safeco…so Seattle has the chance to corner him and not let him leave until he signs! ;0

      Reply
      • LoneTXRanger

        9 years ago

        I really really like that idea. Honestly as a GM I would want that. This guy may not even pan out. I would want to see what he has.

        Reply
  62. KnowledgeDivine

    9 years ago

    have this guy throw even one pitch against MLB talent?

    Reply
  63. Chris Metcalf

    9 years ago

    Very shocked by this. As a fan of baseball I’m obviously thrilled to see what Tanaka can do in the states, but wouldn’t have blamed Rakuten for a second for not posting him. Merry Christmas Masahiro!!!

    Reply
    • erm016

      9 years ago

      $5 says mediocre just like all the others.

      Reply
      • Ferrariman

        9 years ago

        Just like Darvish?

        Reply
        • Robert Muldhoon

          9 years ago

          Or Iwakuma

        • Joey Doughnuts

          9 years ago

          Or Hideo Nomo?

        • Ferrariman

          9 years ago

          Or Matsui. Or Ichiro. Or Koji Uehera.

        • livestrong77nyyankz

          9 years ago

          Or Kuroda..

        • Joey Doughnuts

          9 years ago

          Or Hideo Nomo?

        • Robert Muldhoon

          9 years ago

          Or Iwakuma

        • erm016

          9 years ago

          Na, more like Dice K. Or Kenshin Kawakami.

        • erm016

          9 years ago

          Na, more like Dice K. Or Kenshin Kawakami.

        • Kingslayer

          9 years ago

          More like Tsuyoshi Shinjo, the golden boy of Japan who came and ruined his immaculate career in the states. Bad luck signing with the Mets.

          Edit: He is still a baller in Japan, didn’t hurt his credibility so much.

        • 王威評

          9 years ago

          Shinjo the golden boy? You don’t know anything about Japanese baseball.
          During last 20 years, only a few could dominate like Tanaka.

          Ichiro, Matsui, Dice-K, Darvish.
          And they all did well in MLB. (Dice-K prior to injury)

          Only those 4 were treated as “the very best” player during their time.

      • Ferrariman

        9 years ago

        Just like Darvish?

        Reply
  64. Chris Metcalf

    9 years ago

    Very shocked by this. As a fan of baseball I’m obviously thrilled to see what Tanaka can do in the states, but wouldn’t have blamed Rakuten for a second for not posting him. Merry Christmas Masahiro!!!

    Reply
  65. northsfbay

    9 years ago

    The article says Tanaka’s contract will go over 100 mil. That is a lot of money for an unproven player and pitchers break.

    Reply
    • drwheelock

      9 years ago

      Exactly! I think he tops out at $120m.

      Reply
  66. northsfbay

    9 years ago

    The article says Tanaka’s contract will go over 100 mil. That is a lot of money for an unproven player and pitchers break.

    Reply
  67. Chris March

    9 years ago

    Come on Rick Hahn, one more international splash this off season.
    Sale, Tanaka, Quintana, Johnson & Rienzo
    I left Danks off because I think he & Beckham both will get traded by spring training. That would clear more money to sign him. Hopefully Danks/Beckham go to Toronto in a deal for Sanchez. Picture the rotation with him in it (minus Rienzo or Johnson of course, who could be moved for an upgrade somewhere else). They all would be around 25 yrs old each. Nice young rotation to build around.

    Reply
    • Joey Doughnuts

      9 years ago

      It would be amazing, but highly unlikely.

      Reply
    • Joey Doughnuts

      9 years ago

      It would be amazing, but highly unlikely.

      Reply
    • Joey Doughnuts

      9 years ago

      It would be amazing, but highly unlikely.

      Reply
    • jwsox

      9 years ago

      I was thinking the same. The fact that a bid cannot be more than 20. Works in favor of a mid market(I know they are in Chicago but the cubs rule this town) like the sox. Plus with Adam Dunn coming off the books next season. And assuming a trade of danks, even eating half his contract, plus all the money saved from the rios and peavy deals. They could easily afford him

      Reply
  68. Chris March

    9 years ago

    Come on Rick Hahn, one more international splash this off season.
    Sale, Tanaka, Quintana, Johnson & Rienzo
    I left Danks off because I think he & Beckham both will get traded by spring training. That would clear more money to sign him. Hopefully Danks/Beckham go to Toronto in a deal for Sanchez. Picture the rotation with him in it (minus Rienzo or Johnson of course, who could be moved for an upgrade somewhere else). They all would be around 25 yrs old each. Nice young rotation to build around.

    Reply
  69. Chris March

    9 years ago

    Come on Rick Hahn, one more international splash this off season.
    Sale, Tanaka, Quintana, Johnson & Rienzo
    I left Danks off because I think he & Beckham both will get traded by spring training. That would clear more money to sign him. Hopefully Danks/Beckham go to Toronto in a deal for Sanchez. Picture the rotation with him in it (minus Rienzo or Johnson of course, who could be moved for an upgrade somewhere else). They all would be around 25 yrs old each. Nice young rotation to build around.

    Reply
  70. YankeeFan™

    9 years ago

    now theres a report tanaka might not be posted -_________-

    Reply
  71. YankeeFan™

    9 years ago

    now theres a report tanaka might not be posted -_________-

    Reply
  72. John

    9 years ago

    Well apparently there are reports that he will not be posted by some Japanese news posts. Check out Dylan Hernandez and his tweets. Once again…conflicting reports. I feel like we should wait until they officially announce something, because this is beyond ridiculous.

    Reply
  73. John

    9 years ago

    Well apparently there are reports that he will not be posted by some Japanese news posts. Check out Dylan Hernandez and his tweets. Once again…conflicting reports. I feel like we should wait until they officially announce something, because this is beyond ridiculous.

    Reply
  74. Jaysmooth2121

    9 years ago

    Looks like they have said they’re not going to post tanaka by sources of dylan hernandez twitter page

    Reply
  75. Jaysmooth2121

    9 years ago

    Looks like they have said they’re not going to post tanaka by sources of dylan hernandez twitter page

    Reply
  76. DerekJeterDan

    9 years ago

    It’s a Merry Christmas indeed!
    Now Yankees, make my avatar come true!

    Reply
    • GetTheRunnerOver

      9 years ago

      If it does happen, mind if i use your avatar?

      Reply
      • DerekJeterDan

        9 years ago

        Go for it!

        Reply
    • GetTheRunnerOver

      9 years ago

      If it does happen, mind if i use your avatar?

      Reply
  77. DerekJeterDan

    9 years ago

    It’s a Merry Christmas indeed!
    Now Yankees, make my avatar come true!

    Reply
  78. neekohlai

    9 years ago

    Please Jerry/Arte break the bank on this guy. Think of the Tanaka v. Darvish/Tanaka v. Iwakuma matchup revenue alone. The AL West would be a gold mine for the Japanese market.

    Reply
  79. neekohlai

    9 years ago

    Please Jerry/Arte break the bank on this guy. Think of the Tanaka v. Darvish/Tanaka v. Iwakuma matchup revenue alone. The AL West would be a gold mine for the Japanese market.

    Reply
  80. Dale Pearl

    9 years ago

    only large market teams need apply. small market… just remember you exist only to be a minor league stop for the big 5

    Reply
    • Teufelshunde4

      9 years ago

      Tell that to STL. They are doing s good job beating the big 5 consistently.

      Reply
  81. Dale Pearl

    9 years ago

    only large market teams need apply. small market… just remember you exist only to be a minor league stop for the big 5

    Reply
  82. Dale Pearl

    9 years ago

    only large market teams need apply. small market… just remember you exist only to be a minor league stop for the big 5

    Reply
  83. GetTheRunnerOver

    9 years ago

    I wonder if Cashman sent Ichiro and Kuroda to do some sweet talking to Tanaka

    Reply
    • Joey Doughnuts

      9 years ago

      I’m sure Tanaka only wants to speak to the Yankees friend Benjamin.

      Reply
    • Joey Doughnuts

      9 years ago

      I’m sure Tanaka only wants to speak to the Yankees friend Benjamin.

      Reply
    • Since_77

      9 years ago

      That might be the only reason Ichiro is still on the team.
      He performed below ML level last year.

      Reply
  84. GetTheRunnerOver

    9 years ago

    I wonder if Cashman sent Ichiro and Kuroda to do some sweet talking to Tanaka

    Reply
  85. Dbacksfan44

    9 years ago

    Make it happen KT

    Reply
    • Joey Doughnuts

      9 years ago

      Knowing Kevin Towers, he will give the Eagles $20M and then throw in Archie Bradley for no reason.

      Reply
    • Joey Doughnuts

      9 years ago

      Knowing Kevin Towers, he will give the Eagles $20M and then throw in Archie Bradley for no reason.

      Reply
    • Joey Doughnuts

      9 years ago

      Knowing Kevin Towers, he will give the Eagles $20M and then throw in Archie Bradley for no reason.

      Reply
  86. Dbacksfan44

    9 years ago

    Make it happen KT

    Reply
  87. Dbacksfan44

    9 years ago

    Make it happen KT

    Reply
  88. Bromacho

    9 years ago

    Fish is quite popular in Japan. Last I checked Angels had the best kind…

    Reply
  89. Bromacho

    9 years ago

    Fish is quite popular in Japan. Last I checked Angels had the best kind…

    Reply
  90. start_wearing_purple

    9 years ago

    ‘Bout time.

    Reply
  91. start_wearing_purple

    9 years ago

    ‘Bout time.

    Reply
  92. Robert Muldhoon

    9 years ago

    I am pretty sure Tanaka will not want to play for the NYY’s due to all the old old guys on the team.

    Reply
    • Bromacho

      9 years ago

      But then he could call Sabathia his sensei

      Reply
      • Daniel Franklin

        9 years ago

        I highly doubt Sabathia would teach Tanaka much… much more likely that he would be called Sabathia-senpai.

        Reply
    • WhoKilledTheRallyMonkey

      9 years ago

      Respect your elders!

      Reply
  93. Robert Muldhoon

    9 years ago

    I am pretty sure Tanaka will not want to play for the NYY’s due to all the old old guys on the team.

    Reply
  94. coreif

    9 years ago

    I wonder why Rakuten changed their minds.

    Reply
    • Sky14

      9 years ago

      I’m guessing that he wanted to come state side. They made him their best offer but it’s not even close to what he will make in the US. It makes sense why he would not forgo the opportunity at $100 million, potentially. They always said they will let him go if he cannot be convinced to stay.

      Reply
  95. Robert Muldhoon

    9 years ago

    If Tanaka goes to either NYY or dodgers the salary will put them over the limit and cost them an additional 14 or so million dollars. So the true cost will be like 35 million for either team to sign him.

    Reply
  96. MadmanTX

    9 years ago

    Guaranteed the Rangers will join the 20 mil bidders club. I think from there, it only partly becomes about the money. Tanaka will look at the club and its competitiveness and the Rangers should make his short list. Unless somebody grossly overpays Tanaka, the Rangers have a pretty good shot.

    Reply
    • Seamaholic

      9 years ago

      They’d have to exceed their stated budget by a long distance.

      This is a pointless conversation … I’m not a Yankees fan (don’t give a hoot about the AL in fact) but it’s so obvious he’s going there. Only chance of it not happening is if the dodgers go to $25m/yr or something. Everyone else is just buying a lottery ticket and hoping.

      Reply
      • Kyle

        9 years ago

        I don’t think it’s as obvious as people think it is. I think the M’s, Rangers, and the Dodgers all have very good chances as well.
        Will Yankees and Dodgers bid the most? Probably. That doesn’t mean he’s going there.

        Reply
    • Phil Merkel

      9 years ago

      Yes, and those who say the Rangers have topped out don’t realize how deep the pockets are and that if they can sign him, then Ogando-Moreland-whoever will be gone to free up some $$$ to offset the signing. Those trade pieces could then bring the Rangers the DH they need so badly.l

      Reply
    • Kyle

      9 years ago

      He can take, what will surely be, the NYY’s obscene paycheck, but hopefully there’s more to Tanaka’s decision-making than that. I don’t think the Yankees will outbid everyone as much as the fans on here think.
      There are many other destinations that he will have to choose from: Seattle, LAA, and Texas I feel will all put in highly competitive offers. Obviously I’m hoping the Rangers get him, but it has to make sense. You can’t give this guy $20MM annually before he proves himself. If it gets to that point there’s no problem bowing out.

      Reply
  97. bud_chud

    9 years ago

    he and Darvish are very good friends hopefully he will help bring him to Texas

    Reply
  98. Robert Muldhoon

    9 years ago

    Iwakuma and Tanaka were good friends in Japan. 🙂

    Reply
  99. TAKERDBACKS

    9 years ago

    Come on dbacks suprise me just once.if not garza.please sick of seeing l.a and n.y buy the world

    Reply
    • Phil Merkel

      9 years ago

      Let them buy the world…they haven’t won the big one after doing so

      Reply
      • Ace Simmons

        9 years ago

        The Yankees and Red Sox have.

        Reply
        • Phil Merkel

          9 years ago

          Tell me how many times in the last 10 years the Yankees have won??? The original comment referred to L.A. and N.Y., not Boston.

  100. HaloHero

    9 years ago

    Angels will go all in and do what it takes to get him. They need him the most and have the assets to get the job done.

    Reply
    • Robert Muldhoon

      9 years ago

      M’s have more available money than the anaheims

      Reply
      • HaloHero

        9 years ago

        I’m pretty sure they’d exceed the luxury tax thresh hold next year to land him.

        Reply
        • Robert Muldhoon

          9 years ago

          The angels would, so add another 15 million to the budget

  101. LightUptheHalo

    9 years ago

    So when does the actual bidding start?

    Reply
    • Robert Muldhoon

      9 years ago

      One day after the posting for 30 days only

      Reply
  102. WhoKilledTheRallyMonkey

    9 years ago

    I doubt LAA will land Tanaka but it should help make Garza more affordable.

    Reply
    • GetTheRunnerOver

      9 years ago

      What kinda deal does Garza get? like the Hughes one you think?

      Reply
      • JSapp11

        9 years ago

        No lol

        Reply
      • WhoKilledTheRallyMonkey

        9 years ago

        Garza will get more than Hughes. I’m think this will bring him down to 4/60 instead of 5/75

        Reply
  103. PhillyYank

    9 years ago

    Yankees fans are going to find a present under the tree from Santa Cashman.

    Reply
    • Robert Muldhoon

      9 years ago

      wont happen – he will cost 20 per at the minimum. Add in the 15 million dollar luxury tax and the stankees will be out of the bidding.

      Reply
      • northsfbay

        9 years ago

        Never count the Yankees out.

        Reply
    • Bromacho

      9 years ago

      Is it A-Rod

      Reply
  104. livestrong77nyyankz

    9 years ago

    I actually do predict the Cubs will get him, I hope I’m wrong and he winds up with the Yankees but that is just my gut feeling.

    Reply
    • GetTheRunnerOver

      9 years ago

      Me too man.

      Reply
    • Jim01702

      9 years ago

      I can’t see the cubs spending $120+ million on him.

      Reply
  105. southpaw777

    9 years ago

    Nobody sees the red Sox as a possible destination? Teams have inquired about Lackey, Doubront and Peavy. Im sure they could move someone to make room. Besides, if they did go over the LT its only 17.5% and they have a lot of $$ coming off the books after 2014, so it would reset. Just a thought…

    Reply
    • livestrong77nyyankz

      9 years ago

      No I don’t see it sorry. The Red Sox will likely get higher offers on trades closer to spring training or at the very least once Tanaka is off the market.

      Reply
  106. YankeeFan™

    9 years ago

    According to sources a official announcement of Tanaka Posting At 11am Japan time

    Reply
  107. That Guy

    9 years ago

    Nationals?

    Reply
  108. Art Vandelet

    9 years ago

    Come on, KIA Tigers! Time to make your move!

    Reply
  109. northsfbay

    9 years ago

    Yankees, Angels, Cubs, D’Backs names have been tied to Tanaka.

    Reply
  110. Art Vandelet

    9 years ago

    Breaking: Golden Eagles to Post Kevin Youkilis

    Reply
    • Rook

      9 years ago

      What would be really funny is if the Yankees put a max bid in on him.

      Reply
  111. Brett Czerwinski

    9 years ago

    Yankees had a 7 yr 140 mil offer for choo even after the Jacoby deal..they are going to go all out for tanaka

    Reply
    • northsfbay

      9 years ago

      I got raked through the coals earlier that I thought the Yankees will go all out for Tanaka. It is not what I want to happen, it is what I think will happen.

      Reply
    • start_wearing_purple

      9 years ago

      Them, and I suspect, the Mariners. If they spent everything big on just Cano then they’re still staring back in the standings.

      Reply
    • Harrisonc27

      9 years ago

      Thats a very good point

      Reply
    • rouscher

      9 years ago

      But they offered that before beltran, who knows how much they’re willing to spend now

      Reply
  112. Teufelshunde4

    9 years ago

    I would think the M’s go big for Tanaka. Keep young studs and spend the rest on Tanaka.

    Reply
    • northsfbay

      9 years ago

      The M’s have starting pitching prospects that are close to the majors. I would think they would spend their money on offense.

      Reply
      • Teufelshunde4

        9 years ago

        Who is left to spend those dollars on? All the talk of M’s goo g after Price. Tanaka would make more sense then depleting farm system for a rental player in Price.

        Reply
        • Sky14

          9 years ago

          I could see the M’s being serious players for Tanaka. They would have a rotation that would keep them competitive without needing much offense.

      • 王威評

        9 years ago

        Ms have a Japanese owner group, they “always” had an extra budget for Japanese players.

        Reply
  113. Blue387

    9 years ago

    Paging Sandy Alderson to the white courtesy phone.

    Reply
  114. Runtime

    9 years ago

    In other news:
    AA, Kawasaki, and Tomo Ohka have been spotted in Japan.

    Reply
    • TO647

      9 years ago

      It would be amazing if having Ohka and Kawasaki on the Jays actually influenced Tanaka’s decision. It likely won’t though.

      Reply
      • Runtime

        9 years ago

        Kawasaki absolutely won’t…

        Ohka might… not much though.

        Reply
  115. Robert Muldhoon

    9 years ago

    Astropolis was banned from the M’s site, and now here she is again.

    Reply
  116. Rook

    9 years ago

    Hopefully the bidding process is pretty quick. I can’t really see any reason for that to take all that long. Most teams already know if they are putting up the $20 million or not.
    I wana see what the contract offers look like right out of the gate.

    Reply
    • Robert Muldhoon

      9 years ago

      Offers cannot be made until the day after he is posted. Then all teams have 30 days only to negotiate.

      Reply
      • Robert Muldhoon

        9 years ago

        However I believe the new agreement allows the teams with the top 3 offers to negotiate.

        Reply
        • Rook

          9 years ago

          From what I read, any team that puts up the $20 million will be allowed to talk contract with Tanaka. It won’t be limited to a certain number of teams.

      • Rook

        9 years ago

        I thought there would be a couple days to get bids in, then the teams that fork over the $20 million could start negotiating.

        Reply
  117. Damon Bowman

    9 years ago

    The real question that needs to be answered is how long of a deal is Tanaka looking for. Does he want a 6- or 7-year deal where he all but guarantees only a deep-pocketed team can afford him or does he want to be crafty about it? If he turns out to be as good as expected, Tanaka might be better off taking a 3- or 4-year deal to get to 27 or 28 years old and then hit the market again before turning 30. He could cash in twice instead of signing a deal that would let him return to free agency after passing what would probably be his best seasons.

    Reply
    • Phil Merkel

      9 years ago

      Finally, someone with some brains. If Tanaka were smart, he would take a 3-5 year contract then become a FA…the shorter the contract length, the better his odds of making bucks later. In that short time he will be able to prove his worth very quickly…which I think he will.

      Reply
  118. Mikel Grady

    9 years ago

    People will quickly realize the cubs have deeper pockets than anyone and when they rebuild they will never look back as theo collects worlds series trophies .

    Reply
    • Teufelshunde4

      9 years ago

      Hahaha. Cubs have a really nice system except they are missing pitching at every level from rookie ball to the majors. Unless they can come up with butt load of pitching and fast, Theo will have to trade some of his prized hitting prospects for pitching. Never good to trade everday players for pitching since pitching breaks so easily. Cubs are on a good track. They have a ways to go to be truly competitive.

      Reply
    • StevePegues

      9 years ago

      You’re awfully close to a mad scientist “Fools! They’ll live to regret this!” style rant here.

      Reply
  119. 714_ElHombre_714

    9 years ago

    hope angels sign him
    1.jered weaver
    2.tanaka
    3.C.J wilson
    4.Garret richards
    5.Tyler skaggs

    Reply
    • WhoKilledTheRallyMonkey

      9 years ago

      Would be nice but the whole league will be in on Tanaka. It would be smart to scoop up Garza while the rest of the league is chasing Tanaka

      Reply
      • 714_ElHombre_714

        9 years ago

        Garza is plan B

        Reply
      • Kyle

        9 years ago

        Being un-biased: you really shouldn’t give Garza a lot of money/years. He’s not worth nearly what he’ll get paid.
        As a Rangers fan: I really hope you sign him : )

        Reply
        • 714_ElHombre_714

          9 years ago

          How long have you been a rangers fan since 2010

        • Kyle

          9 years ago

          Early 90’s. Still clinging to 2002?

    • Teufelshunde4

      9 years ago

      Angels need to try and get Trout signed long term before spending money on any other player. Dipoto was on Clubhouse confidential other day and got nasty when questions of try to sign Trout long term. Gotta wonder is the FO and Trout relationship is already strained?

      Reply
      • Jose Ochoa

        9 years ago

        dude hes under control for 4 more years by then weaver cj wells and hamiltons contract will be finished no matter what trout wont hit free agency till hes 30 angels have alot of money coming off the books in the next 2-3 years arte will make him the highest payed player in history mark my words he wont hit free agency

        Reply
  120. Alex Rios

    9 years ago

    Just do it Sabean

    Reply
    • Adrian Garcia

      9 years ago

      he’s spent all of his funds overpaying his own stars

      Reply
      • northsfbay

        9 years ago

        The big contracts on the Giants are Cain, Posey, Pence.

        Reply
  121. Harrisonc27

    9 years ago

    Honestly, I really like tanaka. It is a risk to sign him to a 7 yr 180-190 mil but he is worth the risk. I just hope he goes to the yanks

    Reply
    • northsfbay

      9 years ago

      A big contract to a pitcher is always a big risk. Pitchers break.

      Reply
      • BCleveland3381

        9 years ago

        The difference is most pitchers that sign that sort of deal in free agency are already 30 years old. If a team signs Tanaka for 7 years, his deal would end when he was 32.

        Reply
        • northsfbay

          9 years ago

          A 30 year old pitcher is a bigger risk. A pitcher at any age is a big risk.

    • Rook

      9 years ago

      Thats not going to happen. There is no way he gets $27 million a year before throwing a pitch in the ML. He is not worth that kind of risk.

      Reply
      • drwheelock

        9 years ago

        That’s Arod money and Pujols money AAV, but those were also top AllSTars before they signed huge contracts. Tanaka hasn’t pitched 1 pitch in MLB yet. $20M/yr is even pushing it.

        Reply
  122. dc21892

    9 years ago

    That was the Japanese way of saying Merry Christmas.

    Reply
  123. BCleveland3381

    9 years ago

    Bottom line is this should get the free agent market going again. Teams are waiting on Tanaka before they start going after Garza, Santana, Jimenez, Arroyo, etc.

    Reply
  124. Butch Crassidy

    9 years ago

    6/100-110 sounds about right. Go get him, Theo and Jed.

    Reply
    • drwheelock

      9 years ago

      I’m thinking 7/100-120

      Reply
      • Butch Crassidy

        9 years ago

        Doubt the Cubs would want to give a pitcher a 7-yr deal. Heck, I doubt they want to give a mostly unproven pitching commodity 6 years, but I think 6 is where negotiations will at least start.

        Reply
  125. rouscher

    9 years ago

    Amaro if you’re listening, get this one

    Reply
  126. Eslva917

    9 years ago

    2 year deal

    Reply
    • JJ

      9 years ago

      maybe 5-6

      Reply
    • start_wearing_purple

      9 years ago

      You’re funny.

      Reply
  127. Michael Chin

    9 years ago

    Matsui, Kuroda and Suzuki are on or has played on the Yankee. I’m sure some if not all of them would recruit Tanaka over to the Yankees. Especially with Yankees offering a top offer, there is no reason for Tanaka to not go to the Yankees. He is not a Grienke, he thrives in pressure most recently winning the NPB championship in 2013. Two top Japanese pitchers, two tall Dominicans and an obese black pitcher. #28 for NYY

    Reply
    • DerekJeterDan

      9 years ago

      Not to mention, Darrell Rasner, Andruw Jones, Casey Mcgehee and Kevin Youkilis are all playing for Rakuten now. They could also have some pull.

      Reply
    • homunculus

      9 years ago

      Yes, but they’ve also collectively played for teams like the Dodgers, Mariners, and Angels so I don’t think that is a major consideration in his mind.

      Reply
    • drwheelock

      9 years ago

      Let’s see Matsui Yankees wouldn’t resign, and Yankees are already talking about dumping Ichiro and trying to trade him already. His HOF years were in Seattle…not with the Yankees.

      Reply
  128. s l e d g e

    9 years ago

    Welcome to the NYY Tanaka! and have a very ho ho ho! Merry X-Mas everyone!

    Reply
  129. homunculus

    9 years ago

    Again… I’ll believe it when the actual words come out of Tachibana’s mouth. And there is already one Japanese newspaper saying he won’t be posted. These aren’t so much rumors as they are educated guesses.

    Reply
  130. Bromacho

    9 years ago

    Pot calling the kettle black. NYY can’t criticize other teams when it comes to bad long term deals.

    Reply
    • Rev0lution

      9 years ago

      And did Arte learn from that? NOOOOOO!!! He went out and did it not once, but twice and the Angels tanked both times.

      At least when the NYY overspends, there is October ball for their fans. I guess the Angel fans can always travel to Los Angeles and watch the Dodgers play in the fall.

      Reply
      • LazerTown

        9 years ago

        Isn’t that like a 5 hour drive…. each way?

        Reply
  131. Kenneth Lichtig

    9 years ago

    Arte will sign him. Have not been in the playoffs the last three years. Orange County natives are getting restless. Arte does not want attendance to decline

    Reply
  132. FlaveFlava

    9 years ago

    yay!

    Reply
  133. LoneTXRanger

    9 years ago

    I can see Darvish pulling Tanaka to Texas. I’m just not sure that they have the money Tanaka wants. ( may or may not be worth it) Then again, you can never count Daniels out.
    I can see Tanaka pulling a 5/6 yr $95-110mil

    Reply
    • northsfbay

      9 years ago

      The rumors are that the bidding is going over 100 mil.

      Reply
      • LoneTXRanger

        9 years ago

        I really hope that he doesn’t break the 100 mil amount. He is unproven, and is not a Darvish. I would rather miss on Tanaka then breaking the bank on a bust.

        Reply
      • LoneTXRanger

        9 years ago

        I really hope that he doesn’t break the 100 mil amount. He is unproven, and is not a Darvish. I would rather miss on Tanaka then breaking the bank on a bust.

        Reply
    • pft2

      9 years ago

      Darvish might be too jealous that the posting rules were not changed when he was posted. Also, Seattle, NY and Boston have Japanese pitchers on their staff who could influence him, and NY still has Ichiro.

      Reply
    • pft2

      9 years ago

      Darvish might be too jealous that the posting rules were not changed when he was posted. Also, Seattle, NY and Boston have Japanese pitchers on their staff who could influence him, and NY still has Ichiro.

      Reply
    • Kyle

      9 years ago

      I like Tanaka, but I’d rather extend Darvish. If they thought signing Tanaka would put any kind of strain on a new Darvish deal that’s where I would stop.

      Reply
    • Anthony Hughes

      9 years ago

      He’s going to get well over $100MM in my opinion. He’s regarded as being the top pitcher on the market by a wide margin. And the top free agents get crazy money now. And keep in mind, he’s 25! Most of the top free agents are nearly 30 or maybe even 30 already when they sign these big deals. He’s going to be highly sought after.

      Reply
  134. 王威評

    9 years ago

    IMO, only 3 teams have the chance to land Tanaka. NYY, SEA, LAD.
    West coast teams like angels, dodgers, mariners can easily explore Asian/Japan market. 20M posting fee is basically free of charge.
    Angels got some big contracts, and need to lock Trout, probably wont in it.
    luxury tax or not, never count out the Yankees.

    Reply
    • Rev0lution

      9 years ago

      Ahhh, a man with good common sense (except that part about including SEA – “it ain’t happenin’ with the NYY purse open and ready to dole out the dollars”).

      Reply
      • 王威評

        9 years ago

        And you do know Mariners is owned by a Japanese group, right?

        Ms “always” had an extra budget for Japanese players.

        Reply
      • Leftover_stew

        9 years ago

        Just like Robbie Can?

        Reply
  135. pft2

    9 years ago

    Don’t be surprised if the Red Sox sneak in here. They could then trade both Dempster and Peavy who are on the last year of their deals to make room and stay under 189. With the uncertainty of Buchholz shoulder and of pitching prospects in general, I can’t see them not being in on him.

    Yankees are in cheap mode now and probably won’t offer him enough to grab him since it will blow 189 out of the water, even if Arod gets suspended for a whole year.

    Reply
    • homunculus

      9 years ago

      Good luck with finding any takers.

      Reply
  136. pft2

    9 years ago

    Don’t be surprised if the Red Sox sneak in here. They could then trade both Dempster and Peavy who are on the last year of their deals to make room and stay under 189. With the uncertainty of Buchholz shoulder and of pitching prospects in general, I can’t see them not being in on him.

    Yankees are in cheap mode now and probably won’t offer him enough to grab him since it will blow 189 out of the water, even if Arod gets suspended for a whole year.

    Reply
  137. Mark Tabello

    9 years ago

    Tanaka has stated his desire to pitch on the west coast. That said Dodgers , Mariners seem to be most logical. Yankees , Angels , Cubs, Dback, will all be bidding to change his mind. I put my chips on the Dodgers at 6yrs/$126 million

    Reply
    • BK

      9 years ago

      Dodgers dont really have a need in the rotation. I bet 6/120 to the Angels.

      Reply
      • Mark Tabello

        9 years ago

        Agree the Angels have the bigger need but Dodgers are driven to be viewed as globally elite. Dodgers were trying to engage Rays on what it would take to get David Price in a trade so I’m sure they would rather pay $ for another front line starter than gutting their farm. If it’s not Dodgers I hope Angels do it. Even as a Dodgers fan I want to see Mike Trout play in October

        Reply
      • homunculus

        9 years ago

        While the Halos do need pitching more than the Dodgers, LAD will go after him if they want to make a serious run at the title. Billingsley won’t be back until May at the earliest and who knows what they will get from Beckett after his surgery. Billingsley, Beckett and most likely Haren won’t be around after this season so Tanaka would fit nicely in both the short term and long term plans of the Dodgers.

        Reply
      • homunculus

        9 years ago

        While the Halos do need pitching more than the Dodgers, LAD will go after him if they want to make a serious run at the title. Billingsley won’t be back until May at the earliest and who knows what they will get from Beckett after his surgery. Billingsley, Beckett and most likely Haren won’t be around after this season so Tanaka would fit nicely in both the short term and long term plans of the Dodgers.

        Reply
  138. John

    9 years ago

    It’s official, he has been posted as the announcement comes from their team president according to Dylan Hernandez. Sweet, this is like the Offseason Part II. Going to be the Tanaka signing then all the other pieces come flying off the board. Might even sprinkle a Price trade in there. Really hope the Yankees scoop him up, but competition should be crazy.

    Reply
  139. Visionsofsilver

    9 years ago

    C’mon Dodgers!

    Reply
  140. Visionsofsilver

    9 years ago

    C’mon Dodgers!

    Reply
  141. bobbleheadguru

    9 years ago

    Merry Christmas…. Tigers Fans!

    Reply
  142. Quikmix

    9 years ago

    Awesome! Should be fun watching the bidding war. Here’s hoping the Angels at least take a shot and, if they don’t win, go after Garza.

    Reply
    • s l e d g e

      9 years ago

      i’m sure Arte is up to something. Uh oh…

      Reply
  143. Shane Flannagan

    9 years ago

    Lets go Cubs, need to get this guy. Pitching doesn’t look too bad if the Cubs could sign Tanaka. But, knowing our luck he will land with the Yankees or Dodgers

    Reply
    • justinept

      9 years ago

      The interesting part of this for me, as a Cubs fan, is seeing how much the Cubs offer. For the past two years, a large contingency of Cubs fans have complained that the Cubs are disguising their rebuilding efforts as an excuse to go cheap – that their refusal to enter free agent bidding wars isn’t because the club doesn’t want to pay 30-year old players for past performance, but instead, because the club doesn’t want to spend the money to put a representative team on the field. Well, this is going to come to a head with Tanaka. As a potential ace just entering his prime years, he represents Epstein’s first real chance of throwing money at a guy for future performance as opposed to past performance. I doubt they’ll land him, but anything short of a 7-year$116 million offer would be a huge blow to Epstein’s credibility for the remainder of the rebuild – or his tenure as Cubs President, whichever ends first.

      Reply
      • Shane Flannagan

        9 years ago

        There just hasn’t been any top free agents that fit the age range the Cubs needed to have when they were ready to contend. I think the Cubs will go out to get him

        Reply
        • justinept

          9 years ago

          I completely agree. That’s why I think anything short of a very serious bid would hurt Epstein’s credibility. He keeps saying that the Cubs aren’t entering bidding wars because investing long-term in 30-year old players based on past performance is bad business. He doesn’t have that excuse with Tanaka. He’s about to enter his prime and has the potential to be a star pitcher for a long time.

          For what it’s worth, I’m on board with the rebuild. I spent a number of years doing PR for minor league baseball teams, and the KC Cougars and Tennessee Smokies broadcasters are both close friends of mine. So I hear all about the legitimate talent that will be coming up in a few years.

        • Anthony Hughes

          9 years ago

          I think the Cubs are going to have to have the largest bid BY FAR to get him. That’s what it’s going to take. Teams not contending have to do that. The Nationals did it with Werth, and the M’s just did it with Cano. The Tigers also did it with Pudge Rodriguez. If the Dodgers and Yankees are offering, say, 6 years and $100-110MM, the Cubs probably need to offer at least 7 years and at least $140MM. I don’t see Tanaka choosing to go there if the money is close with other teams that are contenders, particularly the Dodgers, since he apparently prefers the West Coast.

      • homunculus

        9 years ago

        I think the Cubs will be in the mix, but it’s going to take something north of a $16.6m AAV contract, especially if it’s 7 years. This is his opportunity to max his deal because it’s highly unlikely that he will be able to get a bigger contract at 32 and 13 combined seasons under his belt.

        My guess it’s going to take something shy of Greinke’s deal if you’re going to lock him up for 7 years. Otherwise, I could easily see him take less years and higher AAV so he can hit the market again before he hits 30.

        Reply
        • justinept

          9 years ago

          Well Greinke’s deal was 6-years for $159 million. So even being just shy of that money would be considerably higher than the total cost of the Darvish deal. Figure that the Rangers AAV – contract plus posting fee – was $18.5 million. Greinke’s AAV is $26.5 million. Even if you offered comparable money – say $24.5 million over 7 years – you’re talking about a $191 million investment for a guy who has never thrown a pitch in the big leagues. That’s $80 million more than the Rangers paid to acquire Yu Darvish, and as good as Tanaka was in Japan, most reports say Darvish was a notch above Tanaka in terms of future projection. There’s just no way I see that happening.

          What I find interesting, though, is the idea that he might sign a 4-year deal. I hadn’t heard that before, or thought about it, but it makes sense. If he signs a 4-year $85 million deal, he’d still be one of the highest paid pitchers in baseball – and since he’d be eligible for free agency at 29-years old, he’d be young enough to land another huge contract (pending performance, of course.) It would be a similar risk to the one that Cespedes took two years ago.

        • homunculus

          9 years ago

          The interesting thing here is that Tanaka will be a de facto FA so unlike the Darvish and Dice K negotiations, the market will dictate the price more so than the posting fee. I just don’t see how Tanaka would sign a long term deal unless he’s blown away by the terms since he could likely reap the benefits of going back on the market before his 30s. Then again, if it is a 6 or 7 yr deal, it wouldn’t surprise me if he has an opt out clause after 3-4 years a la Sabathia. In fact, i think that may end up being the way to do it. Get a long term guarantee at a good but not bank breaking AAV, but offer the opt out clause as a way to renegotiate the deal after a few years of service.

        • Anthony Hughes

          9 years ago

          I thought Greinke was 6/$147MM.

        • justinept

          9 years ago

          Baseball Reference says 6 for $159. It could be incorrect…

        • Anthony Hughes

          9 years ago

          That’s the most he could get, but the guaranteed money is $147MM. It goes up by $2MM in 2018 if he pitches 1,000 innings in the first 5 years of the deal, and the other bonuses would happen if he wins Cy Young Awards and things like that.

  144. Omazing

    9 years ago

    Tanaka:
    24-0 in 2013
    53-9 past 3 years highest ERA was 1.87
    30 Complete Games in 76 Starts past 3 years.

    Somebody is going to have a Very Merry 2014.

    Reply
  145. Bones

    9 years ago

    It will be $23 million a year for 7 years. Cubs. They will then sign Shark to 5 years $75 million and have a pretty stout pitching staff.

    Reply
    • justinept

      9 years ago

      $23 million per year would technically be a $181 million investment over 7 years when you include the $20 million posting fee. I have no problem coming back later and admitting I was wrong if it happens, but at this moment, I’d say there is no chance any team is going to hand anywhere near that kind of money to Tanaka.

      Reply
      • Cubstein

        9 years ago

        Wouldn’t be surprised if that’s around what he goes for including the posting fee. So really 1 7 year 161 Million total. Market has been ridiculous this year and I anticipate he’ll blow Darvish’s contract away, even though I’m not sure I wouldn’t rather have had Darvish even without the benefit of hindsight.

        Reply
      • Cubstein

        9 years ago

        Wouldn’t be surprised if that’s around what he goes for including the posting fee. So really 1 7 year 161 Million total. Market has been ridiculous this year and I anticipate he’ll blow Darvish’s contract away, even though I’m not sure I wouldn’t rather have had Darvish even without the benefit of hindsight.

        Reply
  146. YARRitsBLAKE

    9 years ago

    If the Dodgers sign him…GEEZ…what a rotation.
    1) Kershaw
    2) Greinke
    3) Ryu
    4) Tanaka (I only put Tanaka slotted 4th because he hasn’t proved anything yet)
    5) Haren

    With the depth of Billingsley, Beckett, Fife, and Magill. Lee is coming up quick…man. This should be an interesting to see what happens.

    Reply
    • Visionsofsilver

      9 years ago

      The Dodgers may feel like they don’t need another starter, but I’d hate to see them pass up an opportunity to have a rotation like that. 100m+ for an unproven (mlb) commodity is pretty steep, but worth the gamble in my opinion.

      Reply
      • YARRitsBLAKE

        9 years ago

        Yeah I am inclined to agree. The logical side of me is saying they won’t commit $100+ million to a third pitcher (depending on how long it takes to lock up that long term deal with Kershaw). Especially with one of those contracts going to an unproven commodity. We honestly do not know how well Tanaka will adjust to the Majors. He has, from what I can tell, a similar repertoire to Kuroda. Now Kuroda has been successful yes, but not a $100+ million pitcher. The pitches he throws also remind me a lot of the first Japanese import that the Dodgers brought over: Hideo Nomo. Both had a splitter for their out pitch, threw a good slider, and had good command of their fastball. Tanaka though appears to have a little more on his fastball (Nomo always sat around 90-93, maybe 95 every once in a while; whereas Tanaka reports to throw a 4-seamer in the 93-95 range up to 96 sometimes). Tanaka also throws a sinker, which Nomo did not. That could help him get inside on righties if used effectively.

        I dunno, as long as he doesn’t go to the Evil Empire, I am ok with that lol.

        Reply
        • Visionsofsilver

          9 years ago

          Good points. Let’s hope Tanaka has more longevity than Nomo did. It seemed like he went downhill quick after his fast start.

        • YARRitsBLAKE

          9 years ago

          Nomo’s major issue was that his raw stuff wasn’t electric enough, and he couldn’t adjust after a while. Plus, when you have that CRAZY of a wind-up, you are bound to run into control issues and deliver-repetition issues (see Tim Lincecum). Know that Nomo’s fastball, at it’s peak, was a 92-93 MPH four-seamer, with no movement. Once he aged a little, the difference in speed between his fastball and splitter went from about 6-8 MPH, to only 3-5 MPH, making it harder to keep hitters off balance. And his slider wasn’t developed enough to compensate for it. Hitters started catching on to his wind-up, and they started sitting on the fastball and letting the splitter go for balls in the dirt all the time.

        • homunculus

          9 years ago

          The big difference here is that, even if he turns out to be a No 2 starter, you’re getting him while he’s in his 20s unlike Kuroda, who was 33 when he signed with the Dodgers. That alone makes it worth the risk. Another thing to consider, Kuroda signed a $15m/1yr deal when he was 37 so it’s not that hard to see Tanaka signing a deal over $100m and that might be a bargain.

        • YARRitsBLAKE

          9 years ago

          I can understand that. Kuroda was a bit older. And the nice thing, I guess you could say, about Japanese players is by the time teams post them at age 25 (or so), most of them already have at least 7 years professional experience in the Japanese leagues. So it isn’t like the teams in the Majors are getting someone who needs “seasoning”.

        • YARRitsBLAKE

          9 years ago

          And Kuroda signed that because the Yankees were desperate for pitching. Everyone knows it was a slight overpay on the Yankees part. Wasn’t a bad deal, just a slight overpay in my opinion for 37 years old. I do wish we could have signed him instead of Haren. I would rather have Kuroda instead of Haren for that extra $5 million.

        • Revery

          9 years ago

          Evil Empire? That’s like the pot calling the kettle Dodger Blue.

        • YARRitsBLAKE

          9 years ago

          =D Guilty as charged Revery hahaha

      • YARRitsBLAKE

        9 years ago

        Yeah I am inclined to agree. The logical side of me is saying they won’t commit $100+ million to a third pitcher (depending on how long it takes to lock up that long term deal with Kershaw). Especially with one of those contracts going to an unproven commodity. We honestly do not know how well Tanaka will adjust to the Majors. He has, from what I can tell, a similar repertoire to Kuroda. Now Kuroda has been successful yes, but not a $100+ million pitcher. The pitches he throws also remind me a lot of the first Japanese import that the Dodgers brought over: Hideo Nomo. Both had a splitter for their out pitch, threw a good slider, and had good command of their fastball. Tanaka though appears to have a little more on his fastball (Nomo always sat around 90-93, maybe 95 every once in a while; whereas Tanaka reports to throw a 4-seamer in the 93-95 range up to 96 sometimes). Tanaka also throws a sinker, which Nomo did not. That could help him get inside on righties if used effectively.

        I dunno, as long as he doesn’t go to the Evil Empire, I am ok with that lol.

        Reply
    • Pegasus

      9 years ago

      Beckett and Bills are essentially worthless at this point are they not? you always have a pretty inconsistent lineup

      Reply
      • Visionsofsilver

        9 years ago

        Inconsistent because of injury. A healthy Ramirez / Crawford / Kemp / Puig / Gonzalez / Guerrero could do some serious damage.

        Reply
        • northsfbay

          9 years ago

          There is no guarantee that players will be healthy.

        • Visionsofsilver

          9 years ago

          Hence why I said IF they were healthy they COULD do some damage.

      • homunculus

        9 years ago

        Not worthless if all you’re looking for is a 4/5 starter. The problem is that they’re both coming off injuries, and in Beckett’s case, age.

        I just think that if the Dodgers want to make a serious run at the title, they could probably use another power arm as the 3 to matchup with teams like the Cards who seem to have young power arms everywhere. Ryu’s been great so far, but I’d feel better about their chances if he’s their 4 rather than 3 in a 7 game series.

        Reply