Johjima!!!

[warrick95]

He'll be good, but I still think it's doubtful that he hits that many homers here. If the best Japanese slugger in Matsui can only manage numbers that peak at 31, it's doubtful he's gonna break 20.

[suppasonic]

One funny thing is in the past 3 years his HBP numbers have sharply risen. For those of you in wierd stat leagues, he could help you out.

[Yoda]

I highly doubt this guy will break 20 HRs this season while maintaining a high BA especially in Seattle.

Hideki was an absolute monster in Japan before he came over and his numbers (especially power) are not even close to what they once were. That goes for pretty much every Japanese position player.

Therefore, I also think that his value will never be higher and this is the perfect time to sell high.

[d18Mike]

Yeah, I was watching the second game when he hit an HR. The announcers said something to the effect that there were many scouts in the stands and thus his days as a power hitter will be over soon. They'll have the book on him soon enough. I'm not expecting 50. I'll be delighted with 15-20.

[OToddWalker]

roy halladay and randy johnson don't pitch in the japanese leagues

[acsguitar]

Well Matsui hit.

38
37
34
42
42
36
50

Johjima hit.

31
25
34
36
24

Not a huge difference

And for those who said Matsui peaked at 31 hr's here in the pro's he only has played 3 years.

The last two seasons Johjim has hit 60 hr's in 232 games

I'm buying his power

[Yoda]

Well Matsui hit.

38
37
34
42
42
36
50

Johjima hit.

31
25
34
36
24

Not a huge difference

And for those who said Matsui peaked at 31 hr's here in the pro's he only has played 3 years.

The last two seasons Johjim has hit 60 hr's in 232 games

I'm buying his power

I'm sorry but that's a pretty big difference. While Kenji had 35+ HRs just once, Matsui hit 35+ every year. And Matsui plays in a hitter's park, in an excellent line up and still hit only 16 HR in his first season here.

[thehotcorner]

agreed, thats a huge difference. thats why i just traded him ^^

plus i have willingham.

[uwnick2005]

I'm sorry but that's a pretty big difference. While Kenji had 35+ HRs just once, Matsui hit 35+ every year. And Matsui plays in a hitter's park, in an excellent line up and still hit only 16 HR in his first season here.

While I agree the Johjima/Matsui production in Japan is not all that comparable, it should be noted that Yankee stadium is a slight pitchers park, not a hitters.

The most impressive thing with Johjima so far is that he has displayed power to both fields. That is an encouraging sign, and suggests continued success as the season goes on.

[Yoda]

I'm sorry but that's a pretty big difference. While Kenji had 35+ HRs just once, Matsui hit 35+ every year. And Matsui plays in a hitter's park, in an excellent line up and still hit only 16 HR in his first season here.

While I agree the Johjima/Matsui production in Japan is not all that comparable, it should be noted that Yankee stadium is a slight pitchers park, not a hitters.

The most impressive thing with Johjima so far is that he has displayed power to both fields. That is an encouraging sign, and suggests continued success as the season goes on.

How is Yankees Stadium a pitchers park for lefties? I'd like to see your reasoning.

As far as Johjima goes, it's only two games into the season. It's too early to tell whether he will hit at a pace of 1 HR/ game.