Darvish coming to MLB

Yu Darvish is going to make himself available to MLB teams through the same bid process used by Ichiro and Daisuke. I can't imagine the Braves going after him, but it will still provide an interesting story for MLB.

6 months ago Doghnut 13 comments 0 recs |

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The odds of the Braves making an offer for him are zero. You are absolutely right about that. Unfortunately the organization has drawn the wrong conclusions from the KK affair, but not much we as fans can do about that. I’ve seen Darvish pitch a few times on TV and if somebody can figure out a way to keep him healthy he could be a fantastic pick up. Matsuzaka was fantastic for a couple of years with the Red Sox before things started to go south on him so I’m not convinced that it’s impossible for a Japanese starting pitcher to make a successful transition. But it definitely won’t be the Braves who will benefit from it.

by Zontar on Dec 8, 2011 11:15 AM EST reply actions

Not only KK

We have a glut of starting pitching, so even if we didn’t have the KK experience, I doubt we would go after someone so expensive.

I didn’t know about him having injury issues. That might be a problem, but if he can stay healthy I really think he could be great here.

"He knows where he's throwing. If he didn't, there'd be dead bodies strewn all over Idaho." - Washington Senators scout on Walter Johnson

by Doghnut on Dec 8, 2011 1:28 PM EST up reply actions

Darvish does not have injury issues. Sorry. What I meant to say and failed was that Japanese starting pitchers are considered to be injury prone in MLB. So “keep him healthy” means preventing injuries. As Klemson Krash points out, Dice-K didn’t listen to his coaches and injuries were the result.

by Zontar on Dec 8, 2011 3:52 PM EST up reply actions

Ahh ok

Thanks for the clarification. I know the Japanese treat their pitchers differently. That transition can’t be easy even for the ones who do follow their coach’s advice.

"He knows where he's throwing. If he didn't, there'd be dead bodies strewn all over Idaho." - Washington Senators scout on Walter Johnson

by Doghnut on Dec 10, 2011 10:37 AM EST up reply actions

Darvish will reset the standard for Japanese talent.

He is, without a doubt, more talented than anyone who has or will come from Asia. I think his posting will shatter Dice-Ks and it will take ALOT of money to sign him. He views his posting as a favor to the American game and will want alot of money.

Unlike Dice-K, I hope he allows his pitching coach to COACH him.. and the trainers to train him how to play the game. I honestly believe Dice-K thought he was better than our training and that is what is affecting him now. Darvish is a generational talent and I am excited to be overexposed to him. I think he could almost step into a MLB rotation. I am interested to see who signs him and would be surprised if Miami and St Louis weren’t in on him.

In the body of other posts, I am often admittedly high and tend to not want to edit a lot.
by willlinn on Dec 2, 2011 12:01 PM PST

by Klemson Krash on Dec 8, 2011 11:24 AM EST reply actions

Darvish

His numbers in the NPB are downright filthy and with a mustache like this…

How can you go wrong? The bidding war will be fun to follow.

by ducheneaux13 on Dec 8, 2011 2:06 PM EST reply actions

I'm just always hesitant about the Japanese players

They’re like prospects. They get incredibly hyped up, but because we’re basing that solely on potential, a lot of them just never match that hype. From all accounts he is the most talented Japanese pitcher to come over, but Dice-K was supposed to be the best thing since sliced bread. It’s a big adjustment culturally, but also to the talent, larger ball, etc. I hope he succeeds because it’s always fun to have another great player, but I’m not writing his ticket to the hall just yet.

by was385 on Dec 8, 2011 2:34 PM EST reply actions

Darvish performed on a very big stage though against some real MLB talent (in the WBC)

In the body of other posts, I am often admittedly high and tend to not want to edit a lot.
by willlinn on Dec 2, 2011 12:01 PM PST

by Klemson Krash on Dec 8, 2011 2:42 PM EST up reply actions

Still, "reset the standard"?

That’s Ichiro, and he’s not gonna be better. Maybe as good, but not better. Kuroda, Nomo, among other arms have performed pretty well too.

http://sportsandgrits.com/

by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 8, 2011 2:51 PM EST up reply actions

Apples to Oranges... I'm talking in the pitching world...

we’ve seen some pretty big stinkers get picked up from japan… who were supposed to be highly touted… at least w/ Darvish you have a general idea of how he performs under pressure… and also that he can get MLB level bats out when it matters.

In the body of other posts, I am often admittedly high and tend to not want to edit a lot.
by willlinn on Dec 2, 2011 12:01 PM PST

by Klemson Krash on Dec 8, 2011 3:23 PM EST up reply actions

I wonder how much money Ichiro has made for Japanese players. You know every time a Japanese player gets posted every FO goes “well, you know Ichiro worked out ok…..”

If we can land [Stephen Drew], I will give FW a bj.
~justincredubil02

by king of games on Dec 8, 2011 5:07 PM EST up reply actions

I believe Dice-K has won WBC MVP awards both times

I’m not saying he won’t be a great pitcher, I think he definitely can, but like a prospect there’s just so much that can go wrong. With the crazy amounts of praise he’s getting already I just think most people should temper that a little until he actually performs in the MLB.

by was385 on Dec 8, 2011 4:32 PM EST up reply actions