Posted Japanese players

[Broncmet724]

Are there any others besides Daisuke Matsuzaka, Kei Igawa, and Akinori Iwamura?

[Havok1517]

Nope, those are the currently the only posted players and look to be the only 3 postings for 2007. There are a few that will sign FA contracts such as Kuwata, who has interested Bos, Cle, & Pit, and Okajima who recently signed with Boston. There will likely be at least 3 or 4 postings after the 2007 season though.

[Broncmet724]

Looking at Kuwata. Wow, he's old. And his numbers in Japan weren't that good. Seems like a big risk to sign him.

[Havok1517]

Looking at Kuwata. Wow, he's old. And his numbers in Japan weren't that good. Seems like a big risk to sign him.

Masumi Kuwata, veteran ,5′9″, 176 lb., 38 year-old right-hander, hopes to have a resurgent season as a major leaguer much like Dodger reliever Takashi Saito. Kuwata was once an elite starting pitcher, but injuries have made him strictly a reliever in the eyes of any U.S. suitors. He incorporates a quick high leg kick in his delivery of a split-finger fastball (his thunderball or sundaboru), low 90’s fastball, slider, and a change-up. Kuwata will probably sign a 1-year minor league contract. He might produce as a novelty at the major league level or never make it out of the minors. Any contending team in need of bullpen help will likely have interest. He’s currently a free agent, so no posting fee is necessary.

[thedude]

Looking at Kuwata. Wow, he's old. And his numbers in Japan weren't that good. Seems like a big risk to sign him.

Masumi Kuwata, veteran ,5′9″, 176 lb., 38 year-old right-hander, hopes to have a resurgent season as a major leaguer much like Dodger reliever Takashi Saito. Kuwata was once an elite starting pitcher, but injuries have made him strictly a reliever in the eyes of any U.S. suitors. He incorporates a quick high leg kick in his delivery of a split-finger fastball (his thunderball or sundaboru), low 90’s fastball, slider, and a change-up. Kuwata will probably sign a 1-year minor league contract. He might produce as a novelty at the major league level or never make it out of the minors. Any contending team in need of bullpen help will likely have interest. He’s currently a free agent, so no posting fee is necessary.

Apprently the Red Sox think they will be able sign him to a minor league deal.

[number9]

As a minor league training camp invite for the Pirates, Kuwata is low risk, no?

Kinda interesting article in English language Asahi where the reporter interviewed bunch of baseball people on both sides of the Pacific about their expectations on Matsuzaka and Igawa.
http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asa ... 80121.html