Braves Interested in Japanese Pitcher Hidetaka Kawagoe
by gondeee on Nov 14, 2009 1:15 PM EST
in Braves Related Free Agents
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PrintAn interesting note from the Japanese Yahoo baseball rumors site, via NPB Tracker:
Daily Sports has a report saying that the Braves have some interest in signing Hidetaka Kawagoe, who was release by the Orix Buffaloes at the end of the season. Kawagoe, 36, moved from the rotation to the bullpen during the 2009 season, and profiles better as a reliever regardless of which league he next plays in. The Chiba Lotte Marines have also been kicking the tires on Kawagoe, and appear to be his most likely destination if he stays in Japan.
I have no idea why we'd be interested in him. Here are his career numbers in Japan, not very impressive. He's been a middle-of-the-rotation starter most of his career until last year. Could the Braves see something in him that no one else does? Are they trying to pull off another Mike Remlinger-esque switch from the rotation to the pen? Let's see how long it takes Mark Bowman to shoot this rumor down.
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Patrick of NPB Tracker says he's nothing mroe than organizational filler.
http://www.capitolavenueclub.com/
Why ?
Enough with looking at starting pitching seriously. Come on we already half to unload a starter this year hopefully D. Lowe to free up some cash. Secondly this guy is having a problem making it in the Japanese league and it is just another waste of money.
I don’t care that he is going to be a organizational filler it is still a waste of time.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Nov 14, 2009 2:42 PM EST reply actions
Exactly
Why do the Braves even care about this guy? The Braves have plenty of guys that can pitch. They need someone who can hit and a closer. This guy ain’t a closer.
I think we should kick the tires on John Wetteland.
Here are Pujols's stats: 1.000/1.000/4.000/5.000. That's right. He is batting a thousand, with a thousand OBP (naturally), and every hit has been a home run, and thus his OPS is a perfect 5.000.
if true...
…it hints that Wren is serious about building a welcoming environment to Japanese players. That would include keeping KK. Then you have to ask, who is Wren trying to lure to Atlanta?
Hideki Matsui, anyone?
There are several negatives with Matsui, including fielding and age – though Garrett Anderson proves the front office does not place a high value on fielding. The other glaring problem is that he is represented by “super agent” Arn Tellem.
by hollerin' brave on Nov 14, 2009 8:15 PM EST reply actions
theres no way
we sign Matsui. He can’t play the field anymore. Not to mention, like you said, Hideki is represented by an agency FW said he would never work with again.
"Are you tryin to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?"
by Scott Coleman on Nov 14, 2009 8:43 PM EST up reply actions
That is quite a jump there…
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Nov 14, 2009 9:38 PM EST up reply actions
quite a jump, but...
…let’s just compare his to Garrett Anderson.
In 2009, GA had a UZR of -11.8, which I know is not the best gauge of fielding of ability. In 2008, HM had a UZR of -2.3 in left field. And I know a year can make a lot of difference. Anderson had a 22 point swing from 2008 to 2009. The point is, we’re not afraid of bad LFers.
Bill James projects .282 with 23 HRs and 88 RBIs for HM next year. That doesn’t seem worth while for 13 million dollars, not to mention the fielding.
I am in no way suggesting the Braves should go down this path, but it is interesting to see who is a Japanese free agent and what sort of culture Wren may be trying to build. Anyone have any idea who else would fit that criteria?
by hollerin' brave on Nov 15, 2009 8:00 AM EST up reply actions
Ichiro Suzuki.
Get. It. Done.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
hahah
yeah, lets do it!
"Are you tryin to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?"
by Scott Coleman on Nov 15, 2009 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
I think it is a jump to say that because the Braves are interested in a Japanese pitcher (for the 2nd year in a row) then, that means they must be trying to bring in Matsui. Matsui doesn’t fit anywhere near Atlanta, no matter how many fellow countrymen there are here.
Sure, the Braves signed a bad OFer last year…hopefully, that means that they learned their lesson, not that they will do it agian.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Nov 15, 2009 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
I wanted Matsui when he first come to MLB
But I dont want him on his way out >.<
Still a good hitter but not worth the price imo
Although….he might not make a bad 1B!?!
Matusi in a Braves' uniform
i think i just threw up a little bit in my mouth.
by apoxonbothyourhouses on Nov 15, 2009 5:38 AM EST reply actions
“I think we should mate.”
“What?”
“Uhh…i think we should date!”
“Ugh.”
“What’s wrong”
“Oh nothing…I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.”
"Are you tryin to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?"
by Scott Coleman on Nov 15, 2009 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
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