Get used to saying this name because you are going to be hearing it all off season long, Shohei Otani. Otani is a Japanese high school pitcher and has announced that he will pursue a Major League career rather then opting into the Japanese League first, thus avoiding the bidding war that comes with the posting process. Otani, unlike Daisuke Matsuzaka or Yu Darvish, will not jump directly into a rotation but will rather go down to the minor leagues like any normal prospect would.
Otani stand 6'4" and throws right handed while hitting 99-100 mph comfortably which is scary and turns me on at the same time in an arm so young. He has been scouted recently by other major league teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox so the competition will definitely be there so it will probably come down to the money. Otani knows that he will have to go to the minors first but has specified, in English I may add, that his dream is to push to the majors as soon as possible.
If Otani signs he would become the first Japanese amateur to jump straight to the majors and skip the Japanese League and draft. Hopefully he comes to the Yankees because it is just money that does not require a posting fee and the risk is far below the reward in my eyes.
I like the idea of getting this kid rather than a guy that's been through NPB.
ReplyDeleteHe's categorized as an International Free Agent and therefore covered under the $2.9 mill budget which NYY has already exhausted. If he signs before July it is very unlikely he signs with NYY.
ReplyDeleteI am so confused with these new CBA rules. If that damn budget gets in the way I cannot see many people who would have the money left over for him. Not a bigger market team anyway.
ReplyDeleteIts true so unless he waits until July, which he wont, we arent getting him. Thats a damn shame.
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