Free agents and contracts

Mayumi duly signed the extension to his contract so unless he falls on his sword or commits some unforgivable indiscretion we're stuck with him for another two years. At least we have a strong batting lineup and we might want to consider Uchikawa as another signing (if he's willing) for right field.

For pitching two prospects stand out Lim (Swallows) and Kobayashi (Lotte). Lim is definitely a long shot - he's known to want to stay at Swallows and will only be looking for another team if the Swallows don't offer him a satisfactory deal. Kobayashi is a better bet here and Tigers are going to try and persuade him to join them. With Kubo doing so well - this may be an attractive change of location for Kobayashi.

Would be great to sign either of those two guys if they don't mind initially being in a set up role for Kyuji. Our bullpen isn't as strong as the JFK years, so would be good to bring in more support. Then, when Kyuji eventually bolts for MLB, we will hopefully have a new closer ready to take over.

The plan as mooted earlier in the season is to platoon a new closer with Fujikawa. The thoughts about Lim particularly were that he would be sharing the closing duties. I suspect that Kobayashi would also be used as another closer.

Question out of the deep blue sea - can't we just poach Maeda Kenta from Hiroshima, like we did with Arai and Kanemoto??

Maeda's not a free agent yet and still has several years before he becomes one. I don't think that Carp are going to trade their only decent pitcher. Both Kanemoto and Arai signed to Tigers as free agents.

We'll get Maeda someday, but a few years left to go! But if Kuroda becomes available, I hope we can snatch him this time. He's had a lot of injuries in MLB, but I think he still has some good years left in his arm. With some of our older pitchers (Shimo, Ando) falling out of the rotation, it would be good to have a veteran presence like him.

Rumors are swirling that Uchikawa wants out of Yokohama. How good would he look in pinstripes patrolling right field at Koshien? Picture this lineup - Murton-Hirano-Tori-Arai-Braz-Joh-Uchi-Asai-Pitcher. The mind just BOGGLES.

I imagine he'll leave too, meaning the Giants and Tigers will be the typical teams after him. I think our priority is adding some pitching, but would also love to add his bat to an already lethal line-up!