Kyuji Fujikawa has been the best and most dominant reliever in the Japanese League for the past 10 + years and is now looking to see how that translates into the Major Leagues. Entering his age 32 season he will leave his job as the Hanshin Tigers closer and will look for a major league bullpen job. He is represented by agent Arn Tellem who has represented other notable Major Leaguers such as Mike Mussina, Jason Giambi, and Japanese slugger Hideki Matsui. The history between the Yankees and Tellem shows us that we have as good a chance as anyone to sign this guy, especially if Rafael Soriano opts out. Fujikawa has pitched to an ERA under 1.50 with a K/9 over 12.0 for six of the last eight seasons while hitting 94 MPH on his fastball with his splitter being his out pitch. Sounds like the kind of guy worth taking a waiver on to strengthen the bullpen so I am all for this signing if the years and money are right.
I'm going to be paying this guy plenty of attention, as a Japanese reliever sounds interesting. I mean, it's usually the workload that gives me pause about Japanese starters, but that's not a worry here... I don't think.
ReplyDeleteDamn. I forgot that the Yankees spent almost all their allotted IFA money already, and would have to forfeit future spending power to get him.
ReplyDeleteI wouldnt think that the Japanese League players would count against IFA money would it? Even if it did I would think it would go against the 2013 budget and not the 2012 budget?
ReplyDeleteThe IFA only applies to amateur free agents such as the 18 yr old Japanese kid, and young players from Cuba, latin america, mexico, etc. Since this guy played professional baseball he is not subject to those rules. I am guessing his contract must have also expired and that is why he doesn't have to be posted in order to negotiate with a MLB team.
ReplyDeleteI may have been thinking of the kid when I wrote that, and commented under the wrong article. Either way I screwed up... thanks for the correction.
ReplyDeleteI fully expect us to get this guy, especially since he does not have to be posted.
ReplyDelete