Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Shohei Otani and The Yankees

I'm still not clear on the rules regarding International Free Agents, but there may be a chance for the Yankees to get 18-year old Japanese pitcher Shohei Otani.

It was reported at Sanspo.com that the Nippon Ham Fighters intend to pick Otani during tomorrow's NPB draft. Shohei has said he wants to play in MLB, but it was originally thought that he would cost the Yankees future considerations involving IFAs, since the team is almost already at their cap of $2.9 million. But it may be possible that if Otani is drafted, and then posted by Nippon Ham, that the Yankees could get involved without affecting the IFA cap at all.

Like I said, the rules aren't very clear to me, as one person pointed out that a foreign player must be of a certain age to not have any affect on the IFA cap. So I'll be looking out for more information, and will share it with you as soon as possible.

6 comments:

  1. He can be drafted and then posted, thats how the Yankees would get around the IFA budget

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    1. I was reading that due to his age, and not having any service time in NPB, it may not be that easy. Not to mention the gentlemen's agreement between NPB and MLB about not stealing talent.

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    2. and I read that he could make a deal with the team that drafted him to automatically post him after drafting him. That would bypass the age requirements and the gentlemans agreement

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    3. I hadn't read that it would bypass those things, but I hope you're right.

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    4. My mouth was moving wasnt it? Then I was probably right..

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    5. I always imagine the sound you make while talking is like the sound my ass makes after eating questionable Mexican food.

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Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)