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
Even during the Tigers' rapid descent in the middle of the season, Valdez was one of our most consistent performers.
There were two reasons given.
- Hanshin needs all the money they can get to acquire both Petagine (at 1 billion yen a year) and Kanemoto.
- With Williams coming in 2003, and Trey Moore already here, one of the gaijin pitchers (i.e., Valdez) would have had to play on the farm team.
Hoshino-kantoku said he agonised over the decision, but was left with no choice. All I can say is, this Williams guy had better be good! If he isn't, Hoshino has just made a big mistake.Incidentally, the firing of Valdez raises a few questions.