Players to be Posted/Free Agents/Retirements

From Hanshin:

Hiroshi Yagi is retiring.

Keiichi Yabu is a free agent, and has talked about going to the majors

Hideki Irabu, I believe, is a free agent.

It seems like I've seen an unusual number of players mention wanting to move to the Majors this off season. Off the top of my head:

Inaba, Yakult (free agent)
Kazuo Yamaguchi, Orix/Kintetsu (posting)
Nori Nakamura, Orix/Kintetsu (posting)
Tadahito Iguchi, Daiei (posting)
Yabu, Hanshin (FA)
Denny, Yokohama (FA)

Ohmura from Kintetsu has declared free agency, but I doubt he'll try to go to America. I think we'll see a lot of player movement this off season.

Another player of note to retire is Hanshin's Hiroshi Yagi.

A list of qualifying players has been listed here. I'd like to keep that thread with just the facts, speculate all you like about them here or in the "Rumors" forum.

I'd like to throw out a few names which have been discussed for posting in some other threads:

• Daisuke Matsuzaka
• Koji Uehara
• Kenji Johjima
• Hirotoshi Ishii

My guess would be that none of them will be posted, but does anyone have a different take, and why?

I've heard talk of posting Daisuke Matsuzaka, and that the Mets might be interested. However, I seriously doubt Seibu will post him. As for the other players you listed, I doubt they will be posted either.

Well, I don't see the Giants ever posting anyone, so that eliminates Uehara.

I remember hearing that Johjima would rather remain in Japan, win championships, and become a hall-of-famer.

Matsuzaka has always been considered someone who is ready for the majors, but I don't see Seibu letting go of him.

So that leaves Ishii. Seeing as Ohtsuka had to be posted twice before the Padres took him, I don't see there being much of a market for Ishii. I could be wrong though, I haven't seen him pitch much.

Daiei's Iguchi, though, has asked to be posted. Just pure speculation on my part, but the Yankees and Cubs both have holes at second.

I read the opposite thing about Johjima here [Baseball Guru]. It describes him as angry with his team and wanting to play in the majors. However, that was from 2002.

Given that Daiei is in crisis, and if they wait one more year he can then walk for free, doesn't it make sense to post him this year?

- Given that Daiei is in crisis, and if they wait one more year he can then walk for free, doesn't it make sense to post him this year?

Not exactly, Daiei without Johijma would be a major loss.

-- Given that Daiei is in crisis, and if they wait one more year he can then walk for free, doesn't it make sense to post him this year?

-Not exactly, Daiei without Johijma would be a major loss.

So keeping him for one more year and then losing him to free agency makes more sense than posting him this offseason for $11M+? I think the Hawks will hang on to him till the bitter end like Yomiuri did with Godzilla and the Lions did with Kazuo. But I'm not convinced that makes the most sense.

- I think the Hawks will hang on to him till the bitter end like Yomiuri did with Godzilla and the Lions did with Kazuo. But I'm not convinced that makes the most sense.

Actually, the Lions tried to post Kazuo the year before, but it was Kazuo who refused the offer stating that he didn't feel he was ready.

The Giants were simply arrogant enough to think that they could get Hideki to stay.

As for sense and the Hawks, what sense was there giving Kokubo to the Giants without anything in return? No players, no money, nothing. And I think I'd read that Kokubo took the Comeback Player of the Year Award this year (not surprising as he was able to heal having 2003 off). The Daiei club almost seems set on self destruction in some ways.

I think we're all overlooking one major point with Johjima. I can see teams passing up Johjima because of his English skills or lack there of. Catcher is one of the few positions where communication is key.

Johjima is one of my favorite players, but I'd never think of adding him to my team for that reason. You could argue that we have Spanish speaking catchers in the MLB, but all of them have good English skills. Pudge for the Detroit Tigers for example.

I'm not saying that Johjima can't speak English, but I did listen to him fumble through a few English "catch phrases" on a KBC commercial this season. So his skills can't be that good.

- Johjima is one of my favorite players, but I'd never think of adding him to my team for that reason. You could argue that we have Spanish speaking catchers in the MLB, but all of them have good English skills. Pudge for the Detroit Tigers for example.

Tony Pena's English skills when he first came up for the Pirates in 1980 were almost nonexsistant.

Kenji's handled pitchers on the Hawks' staff who didn't speak Japanese. Johjima described it as all baseball talk when asked how he worked with his English- or Spanish-speaking team mates. I think he'd be fine.

Cleveland's director of scouting, John Mirabelli, said the Indians have some interest in Keiichi Yabu. [Link - Cleveland.com]

In addition to Cleveland, they're reports that the Angels are interested in Keiichi Yabu. [Link The Japan Times]

As for Johjima, what do you think the chances of him being posted are? And, do you think he will go to MLB next year?

With respect to Iguchi, do you think he'll go to MLB? And, who do you see Fukuoka replacing him with?

- With respect to Iguchi, do you think he'll go to MLB?

Iguchi was released by Daiei. So I think there's a high chance Iguchi will end up with a major league team, espically one of those who needs a second baseman.

Akinori Iwamura has expressed an interest in being posted before, too. Here's what Garland-san had to say about him back in April. If you're putting together another Japanese-possibilities-for-MLB article, Jim, I hope you include him.

I'll only say that I intend to do an article much like that, but 1) I won't be able to finish it until the posting situation is clear, which may eliminate some players from the discussion, and 2) I have a change in mind to the format of the first two articles. But you'll have to wait for the article to find out what I have in mind. I can say that the change I am referring to is not the change you will soon be able to read about in terms of the projection of pitching records. I will only tell you that free agents who are not retiring will definitely be evaluated. Beyond that, I will keep my own counsel.

Jim Albright

Beyond that, I will keep my own counsel.

Of course. Can't wait to read it.

About when would you expect the posting situation to be clear, and when/where can I read your article?

"Tim" wrote:

- About when would you expect the posting situation to be clear, and when/where can I read your article?

I'm not going to get myself on some timetable at this point, especially since this is update time as well. I'll post an announcement on this site when the article is done, and the article will appear on the baseballguru.com site.

Jim Albright

When I replied last time, I was under the mistaken impression that the window for posting players was narrower than, in fact, it is. I want to get defensive games data if possible, and that stuff won't be available to me right away. Regardless, I will get the article out before the end of the year, hopefully earlier.

Jim Albright

Now the article on free agents from NPB for 2005 is out, and the new twist I've added is a section called "Players to Watch." Those players who are under 30 at the beginning of the 2005 season (defined as April 1, 2005 - no joke intended, for those familiar with the concept of "April Fool's Day") and have met one of two other standards which confirm their ability and indicate they are close enough to the time they might go to the majors to pay attention to them. If there are postings, I will update the article, but I'm not going to put players in the article on speculation - it's just too much for me to handle.

The article can be found here.

Jim Albright

Jim, I noticed you listed Yoshinobu Takahashi as a player to watch. How do you or anyone else view the effect outfielder Gabe Kapler will have on Takahashi coming over? I remember reading during the season comments from Takahashi that he wanted to take a shot at MLB.

-Greg Slaten-

Let me be clear: with the possible exception of Johjima, I will be quite surprised if any of the "players to watch" come over in 2005.

The Giants will apparently cut loose both their first basemen, Kiyohara and Petagine. If that happens, one of the outfielders can be moved to first and everybody has a spot. Even if the Giants retain one of the first basemen, I would expect them to keep the four outfielders as a hedge against Kapler failing to make the transition to Japan and/or injuries, and as bench strength.

It's hard to see the Giants posting anyone at this time given the attitude of their management.

Jim Albright

Down at the kombini a few minutes ago I saw a headline on a sports shimbun (SanSpo or I believe Sankei Sports) with Matsuzaka and Major ...

Ok, here's a link to the story [SanSpo] in Japanese. It's actually about after the 2005 season, not this year. So he will remain with the Lions for at least one more year.

Don't leave out Kei Igawa of Hanshin Tigers.

- Don't leave out Kei Igawa of Hanshin Tigers.

I don't think Igawa will get posted anytime soon by the Tigers.

Omar Linares retired from Baseball. The Dragons are going to try and keep him as a Cuba liaison.

Kazuo Yamaguchi said he's putting his plan to play in the majors on hold. He will play for the new Orix-Kintestu team next year. Yamaguchi said he still wanted to take a shot at the majors, but will play for Orix-Kintestu next year. [Link - Yahoo! Asia News]

Lions' pitcher Shinji Mori said he wants to go to the majors next season. He asked the Lions to put him on the posting system. [Link - Daily Yomiuri]

Iguchi of Daiei got his unconditional release.

Nakamura of The Buffaloes asked to be posted.

There were a couple of other player movements on Japanball as well. I'm sorry, I have post-election fatigue.

Orix catcher Takashi Miwa will retire, he said, and become a coach for the new Orix Buffaloes. [Link - JapanBall.com]

Yakult outfielder Atsunori Inaba became a free agent and voiced his intention to play in the major leagues. Inaba batted .265 with 18 HR and 45 RBI this year.

Also, Koo Dae Sung told Orix he will leave Orix to pursue a career in the majors. Sung went 6-10 with a 4.32 ERA, in 18 games, 116.2 IP, and had 44 BB/99 K.

Source: The Japan Times

Swallows third baseman Akinori Iwamura said he has his sites set on the major leagues. Friday, he asked the Swallows to make him available to the majors via the posting system. Yakult declined Iwamura's request. Yakult President Kesanori Tagiku said "Wait another year and we'll think about it." Iwamura batted .300 with 44 HR and 103 RBI. [Link - Daily Yomiuri]

Nishi has hired mega-agent Scott Boras to take offers both in NPB and MLB. You guys probably know more about his situation than me. Where would he be interested in going, and has there been any news over there?

Tadahito Iguchi is set to hire Dick Moss as his agent. The deal is expected to be formalized by next week. [Link - Japan Ball]

- Nishi has hired mega-agent Scott Boras to take offers both in NPB and MLB. You guys probably know more about his situation than me. Where would he be interested in going, and has there been any news over there?

According to this article [Japan Ball], the Pirates have interest in Nishi. A Pirates scout has pursued Nishi, he revealed.

According to this article [Donga.com], both New York teams have interest in Koo-Dae Sung.

Orix third baseman Norihiro Nakamura is set to leave for the United States on Saturday. Nakamura hinted there are several major league teams interested in acquiring him. [Link - Japan Ball]

According to this report [Toronot Sun], the Blue Jays will look at Denney Tomori. The Blue Jays' Japanese scout is pushing the Blue Jays to sign Tomori.

The Mariners and Dodgers will send scouts to watch Nakamura's workout in Anaheim. Both of these teams have an uncertainity about their third baseman next year. [Link - RotoWorld]

The White Sox said they express a strong interest in Nakamura. GM Kenny Williams said, "From what I saw here today, we are going to have to go back and meet with my staff and the owner of the ballclub. We will discuss the possibility (of bidding for Nakamura's negotiating rights) and it certainly may be a fit for the White Sox."

Also the Angels and Phillies are interested in Keiichi Yabu.

[Link - Daily Yomiuri]

In addition to the White Sox, the Dodgers and Twins are interested in Nakamura. [Link - Japan Times]

Nakamura was also observed by the Reds, Mets, Brewers, and Rangers on Saturday (December 11). [Link - Sun Times]

Colorado has now reported that they're interested in Tomori. [Link - Denver Post]

Giants' infielder Toshihisa Nishi is likely to return to the Giants for a 10th season. Baseball sources say Nishi is likely to make this official by the end of this month. [Link - Japan Ball]

Toronto GM JP Ricciardi, after watching Tomori's workout, stated they've have no interest in signing him. [Link - Canoe.ca]

According to Sankei Sports, the Mets are interested in Tadahito Iguchi. [Link - Report in English at nj.com - down the page a bit - Warning: page has pop-up window.]

I have my doubts about this one. If the Mets sign Iguchi, they have to trade Matsui or send him back out at short - or move one of them to the outfield.

Jim Albright

- I have my doubts about this one. If the Mets sign Iguchi, they have to trade Matsui or send him back out at short - or move one of them to the outfield.

I have my doubts about this signing too, as where would Iguchi play with Reyes and Matsui unless one gets traded? Matsui has a no-trade clause. There are talks of Reyes going to Texas for Alfonso Soriano which could clear up a spot at second, as they would try to have Soriano play in the outfield. However, Soriano would never agree to a position change so I think this is pure speculation that the Mets would sign Iguchi.

The Mets have said they have no intention of trading either Reyes or Matsui, or any intention of signing Tadahito Iguchi. [Link - JapanBall]

- Matsui has a no-trade clause.

Where did you read that? Hideki does, but I'm almost positive Kazuo does not.

- Where did you read that[?]

Kaz Matsui has a no-trade clause that has 27 teams where he won't accept a trade to, the other 3 teams in that aren't in the list are the Angels, Dodgers, and Yankees. [Link - RotoWorld] [Link - New York Post]

- Kaz Matsui has a no-trade clause that has 27 teams where he won't accept a trade to, the other 3 teams in that aren't in the list are the Angels, Dodgers, and Yankees.

Thanks for the info on Kazuo's limited trade clause. I'd never seen that mentioned before. Seems like the Post only recently learned about it as well.

I think the Mets would only trade Matsui if Matsui prefers to be traded to a team where he can remain at shortstop. There was a rumour at one point that a possible trade to Seatle, who needed a shortstop, was discussed. I guess that would need his approval.

It appears Matsui's preference is to remain with the Mets and play second base, from what's been said publicly, but it's very possible that it wouldn't be said otherwise if this wasn't the case, until an actual deal was reached.

I think Matsui is an about average MLB shortstop, and there is enough need that there would be teams interested. Also, Iguchi appears to be a similar bat, and already plays second base. And Iguchi doesn't appear to be receiving offers near what the Mets are paying Matsui. I believe the White Sox are only offering around $2 million per year. So there might be at least some reason for New York to consider such a trade, if they could sign Iguchi. The Mets are better off with a healthy Reyes at shortstop.

But considering Reyes' injury problems last season, they are also likely better off having Matsui, rather than Iguchi, since Matsui could more easily move back over to short if Reyes were injured, and the Mets would have a better bat as a reserve at second base. I also think Matsui will turn out to be above average at second, and maybe even in the top tier in the National League, as I think the talent is a bit thin at the position.

In any case, if they were going to sign Iguchi, I think the trade would come first.

- There was a rumour at one point that a possible trade to Seatle, who needed a shortstop, was discussed. I guess that would need his approval.

Even if there was a rumor, Seattle is one of the 27 teams on Matsui's no-trade clause.

Which 3 teams can he be traded to?

- Which 3 teams can he be traded to?

Matsui can be traded to the Angels, Yankees, or Dodgers.

Iwamura declined a 180 million (1.8-oku) yen offer from the Swallows. He said he "hopes to move to the major leagues next season through the posting system." [Link - JapanBall]

Atsunori Inaba said he will hold an open workout for major league teams on December 26. [Link - Daily yomiuri]

On Monday, Hanshin pitcher Kei Igawa made a request to be posted on the posting system during a meeting with team officials. [Link - Japan Ball]

According to this article [Japan Times], Inaba has drawn interest from the Phillies.

Links on Igawa and his request to be posted: [Link - Jan. 5 Nikkan Sports article via Yahoo! News]

Gist of Article: Igawa (25) has not signed a new contract and may not participate in spring training. The Tigers don't want to release him, but Igawa is persisting in his demand to be posted. It seems to be a matter of which side will give in first.

Giants' pitcher Koji Uehara said Tuesday that he hopes to move to the majors via the posting system in 2006. Uehara said "The club has heard from my agent and I've told them directly that I want to use the posting system." However, Yomiuri team representative Hidetoshi Kiyotake turned around and said "We don't recognize the posting system. I've said from the beginning that [is] out of the question." [Link - Japan Ball]

Hawks' catcher Kenji Johjima asked to participate in MLB spring training, the Hawks declined his request. Johjima said "he felt no hard feelings as he planned to leave only for the United States only with permission and support from the team." [Link - Japan Ball]

Yakult pitcher Hirotoshi Ishii said that he met with Yakult president Yoshikazu Tagiku last week, and talked about the possibilty of using the posting system after the 2005 season. [Link - Japan Ball]

According to this report [Japan Ball], the Red Sox are close to signing former BayStars' pitcher Denney Tomori.

Iguchi on Sunday revealed that the White Sox are interested in him. Iguchi said "I hear there have been several offers. The owner of the White Sox said he wants to meet with me." Iguchi would be a perfect fit for the White Sox, as they need a second baseman with Uribe destined to move to shortstop, with Valentin gone. [Link - Japan Ball]

According to this report [New York Post], the White Sox are close to reaching an agreement with Tadahito Iguchi.

Just a quick post to ask if anyone knows the status of Julio Zuleta's contract with the Hawks? I was a big fan of Zuleta's during his brief stint with the Red Sox organization in 2003, and am wondering what the chances are of his returning Stateside any time soon?

Thanks!

This turns out to be a good day to ask this question. Because today's (January 8, 2005) Nikkan Sports lists the five foreign players for the 2005 Softbank Hawks:

Batista
Cabrera
Zuleta
Gomez
Gulin

The table notes that Zuleta will have his salary doubled from last year's 5,000-man yen to 1-oku yen.

My guess for now is that he'll serve mainly as the designated hitter as the infield will be full with Matsunaka at first, Cabrera at second, Kawasaki at short, and Batista at third. Matsunaka, despite winning the Triple Crown last season, looked a little hurt in post season, so Zuleta may get time at first if Matsunaka doesn't fully recover over the off season.

Thanks for the quick response! Any idea if his contract extends beyond the 2005 season?

- Any idea if his contract extends beyond the 2005 season?

The Hawks signed Zuleta to a two year contract through the 2006 season. (See also this thread.)

According to the FAQ on this site, there is no limit on the number of foreign players a team can sign, but only 4 can be on the 25-man roster. Is this still true? Another thread in Rumor Mill says that the Hawks are close to signing Pedro Feliciano as well, which would be six.

The Mets signed pitcher Dae Sung Koo to a 1 year contract with an option for 2006. Koo will be introduced on January 10 at the Mets' minicamp at Port St. Lucie. [Link - MLB.com]

According to the Japan Times, Keiichi Yabu is nearing an agreement with the Oakland A's. [Link]

He would likely contend for a rotation spot should he indeed sign.

According to this report (Kyodo via Japan Today), Igawa and his agent met with team officials on Friday, but the team is still refusing to post him.

If Igawa is really determined to go to the majors, is there anything he can do? How long can Hanshin prevent him from signing with a major league team?

If Igawa sits out the season without a contract, he effectively becomes a free agent next October (or November?). During this time off, Igawa may not play with any other professional team - worldwide. I believe that he may play with an amateur team if he gets permission from the Commissioner's Office, but am not 100% sure. And I doubt if the Commissioner would give him such permission. He's had enough trouble in his first year and wouldn't want to start another controversy - which he may get if Hanshin and Igawa can't resolve this.