This is a site about Pro Yakyu (Japanese Baseball), not about who the next player to go over to MLB is. It's a community of Pro Yakyu fans who have come together to share their knowledge and opinions with the world. It's a place to follow teams and individuals playing baseball in Japan (and Asia), and to learn about Japanese (and Asian) culture through baseball.
It is my sincere hope that once you learn a bit about what we're about here that you will join the community of contributors.
Michael Westbay
(aka westbaystars)
Founder
As many of you know, this all started last off season. When team mate Kawasaki was let go as a free agent to Chunichi without much attempt to keep him, Ishii was very critical of Yakult's front office and stated that he wanted to be posted at the end of the season.
Well, Yakult went on to win the pennant and the Nihon Series. In October, Matsuen-owner had even OK-ed Ishii's request to be posted. However, with a winning year, combined with the WTC incident, Ishii started having second thoughts, and said that there was a chance that he would remain. The next month, after a family meeting to discuss a move to the Majors, Ishii seemed to have decided that it was best to stay put for the time being, "but playing in the Majors is a long time dream."
On a TV broudcast last Friday (12/21), Ishii commented, "I think I want to go (to the Majors), while I'm at my peek right now. My chance to go will definately come. I will definately go."
So, Ishii has now come full circle, from wanting to be posted, to deciding to stay, to turning down a very good multi-year contract in hopes of heading over to the Majors. We'll see what come of it in the weeks ahead.