The Future of the NPB

I feel it's very good for players (Johjima, etc.) to want to test their abilities at the highest level in the world. It's an athlete's desire to see how he competes and to what measure how he ranks to others, but most importantly to himself.

It's too bad that the Japanese rules often do not allow players to try until they are virtually washed up or have reached their ceiling and are of no quality use. In other words, most MLB scouts shy away from NPB pitchers because of their ridiculous, overthrowing approaches. I once heard it said a 25 year old NPB pitcher has about a 32 year old's arm. And no one wants to eat millions on that. Like Yabu with Oakland, a great pitcher with Hanshin, but a "role player, non-despcript, only pitch in meaningless games" type of reliever in the MLB.

As for opening up to more foreigners? Come on, as neurotic and paranoid as they are over four per team there would be civil unrest if 6-8 gaijin were out there everynight. Sumo would quickly make its return as a fan favorite.

- Like Yabu with Oakland, a great pitcher with Hanshin

How in the world was Yabu great with Hanshin? 84-106, 3.60 aren't great numbers. He led the league in losses 3 times, twice in hits allowed, once in runs allowed, but never in any "good" category. He was never an All-Star, Best Nine, or Sawamura winner. Yabu was mediocre in Japan and his performance with the A's was within all reasonable expectations.

A player has to be just good enough to lead the league in losses multiple times. Anyways, most Japanese players are cheap gambles for MLB teams at the moment. If things pan out, great, otherwise no big loss. Which also means many Japanese players come back to NPB after testing the MLB waters for a few years. That's a good thing. And sumo's top ranks are even more gaijin heavy, if you want to know.

The posting compensation doesn't make signing a Japanese player cheap or risk free. Plus, the stars are getting very good money. Ask the Mets about cheap gambles, though Yoshii and Shinjo didn't cost a lot like Kaz did.

In answer to the post originator's statement, yes, I think NPB should go after more foreign players. For a player with the right make-up, NPB is a nice gig. Ask Rhodes or Petagine.

That hoary old chestnut again? Do some reading around this site - reams have been written on that very subject.

Sorry, gave Yabu too much credit.