"The Old Reflector"
"Dazzle Debut." After
waiting for the rain delay, Kosuke Fukudome gave
fans in Wrigley something to cheer about when he hit the
three-run homer in the bottom of 9th inning. Chicago Cubs
however, falls in extra innings to Milwaukee Brewers
4 - 3.
Fukudome went 3 for 3 in his regular season MLB debut, but
received no help with rest of his teammates going 2 for 31.
(3/31)
Cubs fall on thrilling Opening Day
What an entrance: Fukudome arrives
"Kudos to Kuroda." Hiroki
Kuroda pitched marvelously in his final
Spring Training game. Kuroda said he is still
trying to get used to American style of play.
(3/30)
Kuroda, Kershaw blow away Sox
"Ageless Wonder." Keiichi
Yabu, who last pitched in the Major League back
in 2005 for the Oakland Athletics (his only MLB season)
made the San Francisco Giants' Opening Day roster.
"Indy to Minor League." Boston Red
Sox signed
Terumasa Matsuo, the MVP of
Shikoku Island League (Indy League in Japan) to a
Minor League contract. Matsuo will report to Red Sox's
extended Spring Training before being assigned to one
of their Minor League affiliate, my guess is he will be
pitching at AAA-Pawtucket once he is in game condition.
(3/30)
Sox land free agent Japanese hurler
"Unlucky Duos." Both Hideo
Nomo and Yasuhiko Yabuta have their own
injuries to deal with right now. Nomo suffered a pulled groin
a few days ago while Yabuta was hit by a line drive on his
leg that left him with a contusion. Yabuta is not expected to
miss any action but Nomo will be in extended Spring Training
and pitched a few innings in the Minor League before he is ready
to contribute for the Kansas City Royals in the Major League.
(3/29)
Nomo remains question mark
DeJesus, Nomo out of lineup Friday
Yabuta hit by liner, leaves early
Nomo not ready to end career
"Hitched Hideki." Hideki
Matsui tied the knot with his 25-year-old bride
in a New York chapel, where no one knew anything
about other than some close family members.
(3/27)
Matsui's marriage stuns teammates
"Releases & Retire." Byung-Hyun
Kim's horrible Spring Training eventually
resulted being released by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Masumi Kuwata,
who had a so-so Spring Training
decided it was time to retire from professional baseball.
Kuwata is a popular figure among his teammates and
fans, will go back to Japan before deciding if he wants
become a scout or coach to stay involved with baseball.
"8.06." Chien-Ming
Wang's ERA for the 2008 Spring Training is a
dismal 8.06, he mentioned his manager Joe Girardi told him
the hitters are getting too comfortable with his pitches.
(3/26)
Wang's spring ends on down note
"Top of the Order." A month
ago, Kosuke Fukudome was going to bat
from either 2nd of 5th out of the lineup, now manager
Lou Pinella said he is considering having Fukudome
to leadoff against southpaw starting pitchers.
(3/26)
Fukudome may move around in lineup
"Nomo Out." Hideo Nomo
pulled his right groin and that will force him
to miss the start of the 2008 season. Nomo will likely pitch
a few games in AAA-Omaha before Kansas City Royals
call him up or release him, depending on his performances.
(3/26)
Nomo slowed by sore groin
"No Surprise Here." On
the road against Kansas City Royals in Surprise Arizona,
Hiroki Kuroda went out and held
his own like what
normally a 4th starter would give to his team.
Kuroda was jumped over by Joey Gathright during
the game, Gathright jumped over plenty of cars before,
but said it was the first time he ever jumped over a human.
"Home Sweet Home." Daisuke
Matsuzaka started the Opening Day contest,
but it was hero in the dark, Hideki Okajima earning the win
in Boston Red Sox's
6 - 5 victory over Oakland Athletics.
(3/25)
Homecoming kings
"2009 WBC." Kosuke
Fukudome said it would be an honor to
represent Japan again in the World Baseball Classic.
(3/24)
Fukudome indicates Classic interest
Venues of
hosting the 2009 World Baseball Classic
first round games have been announced, and they were
awarded to Tokyo (Group A), Mexico City (Group B),
Toronto (Group C), and San Juan (Group D). Petco Park
might host the second round games while Dodger Stadium
have the upper hand of the semifinal and Championship game.
(3/23)
Venues set for World Baseball Classic
"Option Play." Hong-Chih
Kuo should be on the opening day roster for
Los Angeles Dodgers unless he is traded. Kuo, out of Minor League
options will not be risked of being claimed through waivers.
(3/23)
Kuo, Young look like roster locks
"Cubs/Dodgers/Royals Blues." Kosuke
Fukudome is batting around the Mendoza Line,
but mentioned he would only pay attention to the quality
of his at-bats compare to what is on the stat sheet.
Hideo Nomo
is pitching well lately and making a strong
case to be on the Kansas City Royals' opening day roster
as a long reliver after not pitching in the MLB since 2005.
"New York...New York." It is
official that Chien-Ming Wang will be the starting
pitcher for New York Yankees in their season opener
against the Toronto Blue Jays in the Bronx, which manager
Joe Girardi said was well deserved for Wang since he
has won 19 games two years in a row. Ironically, the
opening game will also be on Wang's 28th birthday.
(3/21)
Wang will start Opening Day for Yanks
"Japanese Pitching Corps." Hideo Nomo
pitched in his new role, out of the bullpen for
the Kansas City Royals and was effective in the two innings.
Nomo struck out three and now have 14 in 13 innings total.
Daisuke
Matsuzaka is back where it all began for him, Matsuzaka
made his debut as a pro in Tokyo Dome almost a decade ago,
held a press conference and was treated like a rock star.
Masumi Kuwata
is the MLB version's Ric Flair, he said he
will not retire! Kuwata who signed a Minor League deal
hope he will be able to pitch in the Minor League for the
Pittsburgh Pirates if he is not on the opening day roster
so he can earn his way back later on during the season.
(3/21)
Nomo has strong 'pen debut
Matsuzaka-mania back in Japan
Kuwata not giving up on making Bucs
"Minor Changes, Cont." Kazuo
Fukumori pitched in a Minor League contest,
as expected, he continued his hot Spring Training.
(3/20)
Wilson, Fukumori dominate Minors game
"Aki Doki." Akinori
Iwamura continued to make a comfortable transition
from 3rd to 2nd base. Evan Longoria will began the year in
AAA-Durham, but Iwamura will not be playing 3rd base.
(3/20)
Chemistry aiding Aki's move to second
"Center of Attention." Kosuke
Fukudome played center field for the first time in the
Chicago Cubs' uniform. Fukudome proved moving from
right to center is not a problem, but it did affect his hitting,
or as least that is what his manager Lou Pinella mentioned.
(3/20)
Fukudome makes first start in center
"Decision '08." Here are
what the readers thought about the last poll.
Fukudome ended up being the only one that is playing
in the MLB for the 2008 season. Iwase and Kawakami
both remained with the Chunichi Dragons while Uehara
is very likely the next Japanese players to play in the
MLB when he reaches free agency after this season.
Which potential 2008 Major Leaguer are you most interested to see coming from Japan?
Votes
Kosuke Fukudome
74%
43
Hitoki Iwase
9%
5
Kenshin Kawakami
9%
5
Koji Uehara
9%
5
58 votes total
A new poll is up, exercise your right and vote.
(3/20)
"Minor Changes." Due to
Boston Red Sox's dispute with the MLB over
coaches' stipend in their trip to Japan, Daisuke Matsuzaka
pitched in a Minor League Spring Training game because
the game he was suppose to pitched was delayed and
was not sure if it was going to be played at all or not.
After the
game, Matsuzaka and rest of the Boston Red Sox
Major Leaguers left their Spring Training in Fort Myers, Florida
and heading to Japan to take on the Oakland Athletics.
"Magnet Man." Kosuke
Fukudome got hit on the neck by the baseball when
he attempted to stole a base. Fukudome was lifted for
precautionary measure and should not miss any actions.
Teammate Ryan Theriot said Fukudome is like a magnet,
because accidents keep coming to Fukudome's way lately.
(3/18)
"Back in Business." Hiroki
Kuroda
bounced back from his worst performance
during his last outing by pitching a gem. Takashi Saito
also pitched for just the second time this Spring Training.
(3/18)
"Matsui Out." Kaz Matsui
will start the year on the DL, Matsui had
successful surgery to repair an anal fissure but would
require time for him to heal and get back in game shape.
(3/17)
"Son of Rising Sun." Daisuke
Matsuzaka received the honor of starting role for
Boston Red Sox's season opener against Oakland Athletics
to be played in Tokyo. Matsuzaka also started his career
in Japan pitching in Tokyo Dome almost ten years ago.
(3/17)
"Celebrities TTM, Cont." More
success came in my mailbox the last two weeks
since I started the section, I have scanned all the
signatures obtained the last 14 days, take a look!
(3/17) Celebrities
TTM
"Weekend Updates."
Akinori Iwamura met Shelley Duncan for the first time
since the high spike incident. Iwamura said Duncan only
exchanged Hello with him when he reached 1st base.
Hideo Nomo's only chance of making the Kansas City Royals
would be a reliever. Nomo welcomed that possibility because
he enjoys the Royals' atmosphere and coaching, while most
importantly, pitching in the Major League again since 2005.
Hideki Okajima was absolutely the best reliever during the
first half of 2007, he crumbled a little during the second half
and manager Terry Francona admitted he used Okajima
more than he should have and that will not happen again
this year while Okajima is working on improving his fatigue.
Chien-Ming Wang don't care about
his stats in Spring Training,
he mentioned that in the month of March, the most important
aspect of the game for him is working on his other pitches.
(3/16)
Los
Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres played to a 3 - 3
tie in front of a sold-out crowd at Wukesong Stadium, baseball
venue of the 2008 Summer Olympics Baseball. Chan Ho Park
started the game pitching 5 great innings and Hong-Chih Kuo
followed up with 2 of his own. Chin-Lung Hu started at shortstop,
he went 0 for 4 for the day with a walk and two strikeouts.
Shingo
Takatsu pitched a side session for his former
team Chicago White Sox, but with enough pitchers already
fighting for roster spots, Takatsu will not be signed to a
Minor League contract and start the year in AAA-Charlotte.
Daisuke
Matsuzaka is now the big papi, for a day at least,
Matsuzaka's wife Tomoyo gave birth to a healthy baby boy in
Boston and Matsuzaka should be travel to Japan next week.
Kosuke Fukudome
told Japanese reporters that he is
frustrated lately and is in a funk. Fukudome had a collision
against Chicago Cubs but is fine after the play.
(3/15)
So
Taguchi joked that he is going to call Ichiro
and congratulate him of breaking his hitting skid.
Daisuke
Matsuzaka's availability to pitch in Japan is
still up in the air, Boston Red Sox is letting Matsuzaka
make his own decisions and not commenting any further.
Kaz Matsui is
going to have a surgery to repair an anal
fissure, he is expected to miss the next two weeks.
(3/14)
"Spring Switch." Hideki
Matsui patrolled the outfield for the first time this
Spring Training after undergoing arthroscopic knee
surgery last November, Matsui looked good at running
after fly balls and showed no sign of any concerns.
Hiroki Kuroda
had a rough outing for the first time so
far this Spring Training, Kuroda's problem was that he
did not keep his pitches down along with defense
being sloppy, said his pitching coach Rick Honeycutt.
Ichiro and Kosuke Fukudome are having two different
Spring Training so far, Ichiro has not been hitting, while
Fukudome held his own so far against the pitchers he
have faced. But Ichiro broke out his slump and collected
a hit, a classic Ichiro style hit that is, an infield single to
raise his batting average to .040 and joked he was going to
send the ball to the Hall of Fame. Fukudome on his end
had a fabulous catch to take away a hit near the wall.
Fukudome, being witty and all, said it is nothing special, just
another ordinary play by him and that is how he play the game.
Also, Yung-Chi
Chen joined Jae Kuk Ryu, as he was also being
optioned down to AAA. The move was expected since Chen
never played in the MLB and his path is still currently blocked
by Jose Lopez. Another thing had against Chen was that he was
out for most of the year in 2007 after suffering a season-ending
injury in middle of April and needs more seasoning at AAA-Tacoma.
(3/13)
"March Madness!" South Korea
and Taiwan have both qualified for the 2008
Olympics, resulting four out of the eight teams competing
in Beijing will be Asian representatives. It is early to tell
who is the favorite and it all depends on what players are
available to play for their country this upcoming August.
The Olympic Qualifier finishes up tomorrow, and Canada
is the front runner of getting the last ticket to Beijing.
Check IBAF's official website for
scores and updates.
The IOC has voted to remove baseball
from the program for the
2012 Olympics, so this is the last time that baseball will be
played at the Olympics unless it is reinstated at a future date.
Games will be played at Wukesong
Baseball Field, the
same stadium hosting the two exbition games between
the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres.
(3/13)
"Karate Kid." Akinori
Iwamura was unfortunately the victim of a
dirty play during a Grapefruit League game between his
Tampa Bay Rays against New York Yankees. Iwamura
was spiked high into his right knee by Shelley Duncan,
who went after the smallest player according to Iwamura's
teammate Jonny Gomes, the collision
resulting in a bloody
gash. Benches cleared and two
players along with two
coaches were ejected. It is unknown whether
Duncan
would be suspended or not by MLB for his actions.
(AP Photo)
Shelley Duncan's best Daniel LaRusso/Ralph Macchio impression.
Kosuke Fukudome
continues to fitting in with his new
team nicely, Fukudome have enjoyed spending his
spare time playing golf with his new teammates.
(3/12)
"Superb Springs." Hong-Chih
Kuo is back on the mound and ready to make
his first trip to China, which he describes should be fun.
Chien-Ming Wang
pitched great but admit that he still
is
not 100%, especially in game shape. An 100%
Wang
is a 20 wins/Cy Young candidate type of season.
Kazuo Fukumori
pitched six scoreless innings in Spring Training
so far, but he still feel there are more thing he needs to do before
locking up an opening day spot on the Texas Rangers, Fukumori
pitched as a closer during his career in Japan, and highly deserve
to be the closer on his new team if he keeps on pitching this well.
(3/11)
"Spring Struggles." Shingo
Takatsu will not be teaming up with Kosuke Fukudome
on the 2008 Chicago Cubs, Takatsu asked and granted an
unconditional release by the club after he struggled mighty
during the Spring Training so far, posting an ERA of 9.64 after
five appearances. Takatsu's future is unknown, but pitching in
the Major League again are not likely to happen anytime soon.
Jae Kuk Ryu
made the Tampa Bay Devil Rays' opening day roster
last season, but this year he will likely open the year at
AAA-Durham.
Ryu will be in Minor League camp for rest of the 2008 Spring
Training.
"Stretch Mode." Hideo Nomo
will be pitching out of stretch in 2008,
shelving his old "Tornado" windup, because it's easier on
his elbow which had bone chips removed in the past.
On a side note,
there was almost a brawl between the
Canada/Taiwan Olympic Qualifier game, which Canada
won 6 - 5 in front of sold-out raucous Taiwanese crowd
in extra innings. Apparently Canadian base runner
Jimmy Van Ostrand, prospect of the Houston Astros who hit
a homer at last year's Futures' Game was not happy about
being tag out by about five feet said something to
Taiwanese catcher Chun-Chang Yeh, who is the best
defensively catcher in the CPBL, Taiwan's pro league.
Fans threw water bottles at the Canadian dugout and was
finally stopped when the umpires said had the bottles
kept flying the Taiwanese squad would have to forfeit the
game. This clip from YouTube showed about two minutes of
exactly what happened, indeed a nice play by Yeh to hold on to the
baseball. If you watched it closely, you will see Chien-Ming Chang
made a 156 Kilometer throw from right field, pretty awesome
consider the pitch from pitcher Kai-Wen Cheng is a Kilometer less.
"Dodgertown Diaries." Takashi
Saito threw 23 pain-free bullpen session, a very
positive sign of his recovery from strained calf muscle.
Chan Ho Park
pitched his way into an option for the
Los Angeles Dodgers' as the team's 5th starter.
Park, obviously not the same dominating pitcher
during his first tenure with the Dodgers has allowed
just two hits in seven scoreless innings this spring.
(3/10)
Saito fine after bullpen session
Park keeps pace in fifth-starter race
"Bullpen or Bust." Byung-Hyun
Kim impressed Pittsburgh Pirates' pitching coach
Jeff Andrews and catcher Ryan Doumit in his first Spring Training
outing, Kim's chance of making the team is not bad, but the
team will only use him to pitch out of bullpen. Kim also have a
clause in his contract where he can opt-out and become a
free agent if he is not on the opening day 25-man roster.
(3/10)
Bucs' Kim settles down in spring debut
"Beijing or Bust." Australia,
Canada, Germany, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea,
Spain, and host nation Taiwan is currently playing an Olympic
Qualifying
Tournament, which the top three teams will be joining China, Cuba,
Netherlands, Japan, and United States at the 2008 Olympics held
in Beijing, China. Check the official
IBAF homepage
for updates daily,
the Olympic Qualifying Tournament features many Minor League
prospects who was given the okay by their team to skip Spring
Training
to play for their country, while there are a few former Major
Leaguers
as well, such as Karim Garcia, Geronimo Gil, Miguel Ojeda (Mexico),
Sun Woo Kim (Korea), Stubby Clapp, Adam Stern (Canada) etc.
Both South Korea and Taiwan are currently undefeated at 3 - 0,
with Australia or Canada looking good of locking up the final spot.
(3/10)
"DHing." Hideki
Matsui is back, not on the field defensively but as least
in the batter's box. New York Yankees are not sure when Matsui
will be ready to play the outfield again, he will DH full time for
now.
(3/9)
Matsui returns with three at-bats
"70 Pitches." Daisuke
Matsuzaka thought he finished his day after three
innings, but the team wanted him to build up arm strength so
he went out to pitch until he reached 70 pitches for the game.
(3/9)
Dice-K builds arm strength
"Thievery." Kosuke
Fukudome decided to instead having a pinch-runner,
he wanted to try his speed against the American competition.
Fukudome was thrown out but this is what Spring Training is for.
(3/8)
Fukudome makes call to test speed
"Rookie VS. Veteran." Kosuke
Fukudome is hitting well while Ichiro is struggling
at the plate. Fukudome said through his interpreter, it's
just Spring Training. Fukudome's manager Lou Pinella
has been raving his outfielder's base running abilities.
(3/7)
Fukudome besting Ichiro ... for now
"Strained Saito." Takashi
Saito will not be pitching again until he is 100%
free of discomfort. Saito said he felt tightness in his
strained right calf muscle during a 21-pitch bullpen session.
(3/7)
Club slows down Saito
"Matsuzaka Jr." Unless
Daisuke Matsuzaka's wife Tomoyo give birth to their
second child before the Boston Red Sox heading to Japan,
Matsuzaka will stay in the United States with his wife.
(3/7)
Matsuzaka baby could affect trip
".000?" Ichiro's
batting average is currently a goose egg, that is right,
no even a single hit, but manager John McLaren is not worrying
about it by saying Ichiro's performance is the last thing he cares.
(3/6)
Ichiro not fazed by slow start
"Park's Priority." Chan Ho
Park has been given the starting nod for the game
Los Angeles Dodgers is playing in China later on this month,
but his main goal is to start the season in the Dodgers' rotation.
(3/5)
Park to start China tour
"Stretch Time." So
Taguchi's AAA-Memphis manager once told him that the
team has an important stretch coming up during Taguchi's
first year in the US back in 2002, of course, Taguchi could not
quite understand what it meant at the time. Fast forward five
plus years later, Taguchi now takes pride of playing without a
translator, something not many other Japanese players can do.
(3/4)
For many, English harder than the game
"Moving Up." Lou
Piniella said he will give Kosuke Fukudome some
looks at batting from the 2nd spot because he wants to
see Fukudome make more contact during his at-bats.
(3/3)
Fukudome may shift to No. 2 in lineup
"Forbidden City Field Trip." Chin-Lung
Hu, Hong-Chih Kuo, and Chan Ho Park will
head to China to play an exhibition game representing
Los Angeles Dodgers against their divisional foe
San Diego Padres. Hiroki Kuroda, and Takashi Saito
will both remain in Florida for their Spring Training.
(3/3)
Dodgers name squad for China
"Celebrities TTM." Please take
a look at the newest section of the website,
Celebrities TTM, which is similar to Autograph Land, but all
the autographs are obtained through the mail instead.
Also, my
success does not guarantee that you will also receive an
autograph had you also asked them, through the mail autograph
requests are hit and miss, and statistically only about 50% of
chance it will be a success, there are celebrities who refused my
request and I have see other people had success with before.
(3/2)
Celebrities TTM
"Open Sesame." Had he
stayed healty, Chien-Ming Wang would have got
the opening day starting nod last season, a year later,
Wang is still the front runner to start New York Yankees' opener.
Wang pitched two scoreless innings in his Spring Training
debut, could he win 19 games for the 3rd straight season?
(3/1)
Wang likely to get Opening Day nod
"Leap Year Debuts." Happy
Birthday to Terrence Long and rest of other
2/29
leap year birthday players who can only truly celebrate
their birthdays once every four years. Both Hiroki Kuroda
and Masahide Kobayashi pitched their first Spring Training
game today and both held their ground with Kuroda
pitching two scoreless innings, and one for Kobayashi.
"Green
Light." Kosuke Fukudome might
stole more base this season than
many other projected, manager Lou Pinella expressed the desire
of giving Fukudome the green light when the situation is right.
(2/27)
Fukudome makes plans to steal
"Shining Saito." Takashi
Saito, perhaps the best pitcher in the Los Angeles Dodgers'
squad is not getting too much attention because of Hiroki Kuroda,
but Saito's value to his team is still undeniable to his teammates.
(2/27)
Saito shines without spotlight
"Catch If You Can." Kenji
Johjima is trying to learn how to catch a knuckleball
with R.A. Dickey on the Seattle Mariners' roster this season.
(2/26)
Johjima trying to knuckle down
"Ohayo Gozaimasu." Everyday,
Kosuke Fukudome greet his new teammates in
Japanese Ohayo Gozaimasu, which means good morning.
Fukudome is getting the Daisuke Matsuzaka treatment, like
Matsuzaka, Fukudome is also being provided an interpreter and a
Japanese trainer, who used to work with Fukudome back in Japan.
Akinori Iwamura
is making a smooth transition to play
the 2nd base for likely rest of his MLB career, because the
3rd base position is top prospect Evan Longoria's to lose.
Kei Igawa is
also making a better transition into his 2nd
Major League season, Igawa struggled for much of 2007
which he spend most of his time down in the Minor League.
"Beach Boys." Los Angeles
Dodgers are holding their last Spring Training at
Vero Beach, Florida. Manager Joe Torre watched Hong-Chih Kuo
throwing live batting practice, Kuo is likely going to be pitching
out of bullpen, but has never been comfortable or successful
coming out out of that role, and there are always a possibility
that he might be dealt by the end of the Spring Training.
The team did
signed Fumimasa Ishibashi, to a Minor League
contract. Ishibashi has played independent ball here in America,
but his
stats indicated he is likely just a roster filler for A/AA ball.
(2/22)
Torre to rest catcher Martin
"Military Duty." Shin-Soo
Choo is coming off a Tommy John ligament replacement
surgery that has limited his chance of playing last season. But Choo
is facing a tougher road ahead, as serving a mandatory military
duty for his native South Korea is not too distant away unless
he help his country win the gold medal of baseball at 2010
Asian Games, or becoming an American citizen, which is what
Seattle Mariners' hurler Cha Seung Baek did a few years back.
Also, Tomo
Ohka signed a Minor League contract with the
Chicago White Sox and is a non-roster invitee to their
Major League Spring Training. Ohka is likely pitching with
AAA-Charlotte unless he put up a remarkable performance.
(2/22)
Choo's big league path faces obstacles
"Ichiro's In." Ichiro have
arrived at Seattle Mariners' Spring Training
facility at Peoria, Arizona. A quiet leader, manager John McLaren
would like him to be more vocal for this upcoming season.
(2/20)
Ichiro makes noise just by showing up
"Major League Deal?" Last week,
Byung-Hyun Kim turned down an Minor League
offer to join the San Francisco Giants. The Pittsburgh Pirates
is also interested in Kim, but would not comment whether
their offer is a Major or Minor League deal, but it has been
confirmed that he is only going to be pitching in relief situation.
(2/20)
Pirates working on adding Kim
"New Page(s)." I am still
working on my TTM project, which I should be able to
finish and make it public sometime by next week, but I have
finished another project of mine, which was to keep track of
players who I shared an identical alma mater and birthday with.
Check out Cool Connections, and if you have baseball cards of
those 17 players to trade, drop me a note via feedback form.
(2/20) Cool Connections
"Two Timers." Masumi
Kuwata is competing for a bullpen spot, this
time healthy after having surgery on his right ankle.
(2/18)
Kuwata takes second chance
"3rd to 2nd." Akinori
Iwamura said he is more comfortable playing 3rd base,
but he will do whatever is the best for the team if Evan Longoria
is ready to start the season in the Major League next month.
(2/17)
Iwamura ready for second base
"Road Block." Kenji
Johjima is entering his 3rd season as the Seattle Mariners'
starting catcher, this year Johjima is working on how to block
the home plate better because he realized last year he needed
to improve this particular aspect of the game for his team.
(2/17)
Johjima honing skills behind the dish
"Shopaholic." Masahide
Kobayashi's favorite place off the field? Wal-Mart, because
a place that sell a lot of items with big cart are not common in
Japan.
(2/16)
Kobayashi popular early
"2008 or Bust." Kei Igawa
entering the Spring Training vying for a starting
spot, but likely he will end up in the bullpen. Igawa is trying
to prove last year is behind him and he is ready for 2008.
(2/16)
Igawa eyeing '08 rebound
"Kuroda's Pitch." During the
first workout for the Los Angeles Dodgers,
Hiroki Kuroda was the star and the media darling.
(2/15)
Relaxed Kuroda impresses
"Case Closed." Chien-Ming
Wang is the 4th straight player to lose an
arbitration case this month. New York Yankees won their
case against Wang, and will pay him 4 million instead
of the 4.6 million Wang and his agent have requested.
(2/15)
Yankees win arbitration case with Wang
"Being #1." Kosuke
Fukudome's first day at Spring Training went
fairly well, Carlos Zambrano and rest of his Chicago Cubs
teammate let him know that there will be pranks to be
played on him this year. Fukudome do not speak much
English, but have hired Ryuji Araki to translate for Fukudome.
(2/15)
Fukudome arrives in Cubs camp
"Surprise @ Surprise." Hideo Nomo,
trying to make a comeback after being
absent in the Major League for over two years is currently
at Kansas City Royals' Spring Training complex. Nomo, a
man of not many words did gave the 34 Japanese media
members a post-workout interview along with Yasuhiko Yabuta.
(2/14)
Long-shot Nomo gets a chance with KC
"Japanese Relief Corps." Los Angeles
Dodgers signed their closer Takashi Saito to a
one-year deal worth 2 million, last year he made 1.3 million.
"English Lessons." As
expected, Kansas City Royals hired an interpreter
to ease Yasuhiko Yabuta's 1st year with the team.
(2/12)
Yabuta fitting in quickly with Royals
"Wrong For Wang?" Chien-Ming
Wang would like to be a New York Yankee
throughout his Major League career, however the team is
not willing to offer a long-term deal because of...well
see example of Carl Pavano. Wang have already arrived at
team's Spring Training to prepare for this upcoming season.
(2/12)
Wang, Yanks differ on contract talks
"TTM Project." The past
few months I have been writing to celebrity
and college coaches about obtaining their signatures
through the mail. So far, I have received numerous
response and returns, I will create a new section of the
website within the next week or two to put up my success.
Another note
about Katsuhiko Maekawa, the Japanese
pitcher that Washington Nationals signed two days earlier.
All I have to say is that I hope one of his teammate or
his interpreter do the driving while he is in America.
Maekawa was charged in a hit-and-run accident just
last month while had his license revoked back in 2002.
(2/7) Orix suspends
Maekawa indefinitely after hit-and-run
"AAA Signing." Washington
Nationals signed Katsuhiko Maekawa who has
been pitching with the Gigantes del Cibao of the Dominican
Winter League. Maekawa's
stats is impressive in the DWL,
but had a 5.26 ERA and a 417/345 K/BB ratio in 609 innings
during his career in Japan. Look like he is going to pitch most
if not all of his 2008 season in AAA-Columbus unless he can win
a roster spot from other southpaw pitcher Non-Roster Invitees
Mike Bacsik, Ray King, Arnie Munoz, Michael O'Connor, etc.
I will include Maekawa under Coming in 2008 with a baseball
card of him only if he actually make it to the Major League.
(2/5)
"Ready to Shine." Hiroki
Kuroda worked out at Dodger Stadium and answered
some brief Q & A with the media from both Japan and the US.
(2/1)
Kuroda confident he can help Dodgers
"Give Me Five!" MLB.com
reporter Tom Singer's break down on the
five Japanese newcomer for this upcoming season.
(1/30)
Japanese imports gaining foothold
"Old School." Inspired by
both Hideo Nomo and Chan Ho Park's last attempt
at pitching in the Major League and the
previous photo on top
being almost two years old, I have decided to have the photo
on top to have an "old school" style flavor in them. As everyone
know, Chien-Ming Wang, Hideo Nomo, and Chan Ho Park were the
first players from their perspective countries to find success in
the
MLB, so I found pictures of during their early days in the MLB.
(1/27)
"Diamond Bucs." Saw this
when I try to look up my alma mater's baseball
schedule for this upcoming season, did not know there were
19 players from the school is playing pro baseball right now.
The most notable is Chad Tracy of Arizona Diamondbacks,
but the most accomplished MLBer out of East Carolina is Bob
Patterson who pitched 13 seasons in the Big League.
(1/25)
Pirates in the Pros
"DVD Movies For Sale." Trying to
free up some space at home, the following DVD is
available for purchase, contact me via feedback form if you would
like to buy any of the movies below, free shipping no matter how
many you get, if you want all 23 of them, I am willing to sell them
for $125 shipped. Movie synopsis can be found on
imdb.com.
$5.95 each
(free shipping)
Fists of Fury - Bruce Lee
The Master - Jet Li
Harvard Man - Sarah Michelle Gellar
The Accidental Spy - Jackie Chan
Dorm Daze - Danielle Fishel
Iron Monkey 2 - Donnie Yen
Once Upon a Time in China - Jet Li
The Second Chance - Michael W. Smith
$8.95 each (free shipping) Iron Monkey - Donnie Yen
Not Another Teen Movie - Jaime Pressly
Troy - Brad Pitt
Memoirs of a Geisha - Zhang Ziyi
Scary Movie - Wayans’ Brothers
Scary Movie 2 - Wayan’s Brothers
Shaolin Soccer - Stephen Chow
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon - Chow Yun-Fat
Ong-Bak - Tony Jaa
Wedding Crashers - Owen Wilson
Kung Fu Hustle - Stephen Chow
Unleashed - Jet Li
Spider-Man - Tobey Maguire
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre - Jessica Biel
I, Robot - Will Smith
(1/22)
"Back in Chi-Town." Former
Major Leaguer Shingo Takatsu who pitched two seasons
in the Major League (2004-2005) will be attempting a comeback
after spending the last two season pitching in Japan. Takatsu inked
a Minor League deal and would team up with Kosuke Fukudome if
he makes the Chicago Cubs' 25-man roster out of Spring Training.
"You Are Invited." Hideo Nomo
and Chin-Hui Tsao, who both signed a Minor League
deal with the Kansas City Royals last month will be participating
Major League Spring Training with them in Surprise, Arizona.
(1/17)
Berroa, Nomo among spring invitees
"2 to 5." Where
should Kosuke Fukudome bat in the lineup? That is the
problem Lou Pinella is currently having. Fukudome looked more
to be suited at the #2 spot because of his speed and good on-base
percentage, I also think he is better suited at the #2 spot since
he would likely not be a home run hitter in the NL because of the
better pitching he will be facing compare to the ones in Japan.
(1/16)
Fukudome's slot still in question
"The Transactions." Only about
a month to go before pitcher/catcher report to
Spring Training, let's take a look at who switched organization
during the winter. This list only contain Major Leaguers.
Currently, Tomo Ohka and Aki Otsuka remain free agents.
Name - New Team - Old Team
Kosuke Fukudome - Chicago Cubs - Chunichi Dragons (Japan)
Kazuo Fukumori - Texas Rangers - Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
(Japan)
Tadahito Iguchi - San Diego Padres - Philadelphia Phillies Sun Woo Kim - Doosan Bears
(Korea) - San Francisco Giants
Masahide Kobayashi - Cleveland Indians - Chiba Lotte Marines (Japan)
Hiroki Kuroda - Los Angeles Dodgers - Hiroshima Toyo Carp (Japan)
Kaz Matsui - Houston Astros - Colorado Rockies
Hideo Nomo - Kansas City Royals - Injured/DNP
Chan Ho Park - Los Angeles Dodgers - Houston Astros
Jae Seo - Kia Tigers (Korea) - Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Kazuhito Tadano - Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters (Japan) - Oakland Athletics
So Taguchi - Philadelphia Phillies - St. Louis Cardinals
Chin-Hui Tsao - Kansas City Royals - Los Angeles Dodgers
Keiichi Yabu - San Francisco Giants - Injured/DNP
Yasuhiko Yabuta - Kansas City Royals - Chiba Lotte Marines
Texas Rangers
finally added reliever Kazuo Fukumori to their
40-man roster, Fukumori is coming off elbow surgery but has been
throwing and is expected to be ready for the start of Spring
Training.
(1/14)
Texas adds Fukumori to roster
"The Tornado." Found this
video of Nomo's first outing in the Venezuela Winter
League for Leones del Caracas, where he compiled an unimpressive
record of
0 - 2 with 6.59 ERA. From the video, Nomo looked like
he gained at least 50+ lbs since he came over more than a decade
ago, where I think it have some effect on his tornado windup because
he will have hard time to adjust with his body balance when throwing
his pitches, therefore his command could be streaky at times.
Against Tiburones de La Guaira (this video), Nomo pitched 1 inning
and gave up 1 hits. I just hope Nomo can stay in
shape and stay as
The Tornado, the video of him looked more like Rich "El Guapo"
Garces.
(1/10)
"Nomo Going One More." Hideo
Nomo, who last played in the MLB back in 2005
with Tampa Bay Devil Rays has agreed to a Minor League
deal with the Kansas City Royals, Nomo pitched in the
Minor League for New York Yankees/Chicago White Sox and
spend this winter pitching in Venezuela Winter League.
Nomo is the 3rd Asian pitcher Royals signed the last two months,
after getting relievers Yasuhiko Yabuta and Chin-Hui Tsao.
(1/4)
Nomo not ready to retire yet
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