Pudge Headed to Japan???
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Re: Pudge Headed to Japan???
[ Author: Guest: Enrique Rojas | Posted: Dec 21, 2002 4:03 AM
]
So far, Ivan Rodriguez is the best catcher around the world. He speaks well with the glove and his bat, too. When he's healthy, he makes a big difference in the diamond. If he plays in Japan, maybe he will break every offensive and defensive record for catchers. I'll assure you.
Ivan Rodriguez es el mejor catcher de todo el mundo.El habla bien con su guante y su bate tambien. Cuando esta saludable, es una gran diferencia en el diamante. Si juega en Japon, rompera todos los records ofensivos y defensivos para catchers. Lo puedo asegurar.
Ivan Rodriguez es el mejor catcher de todo el mundo.El habla bien con su guante y su bate tambien. Cuando esta saludable, es una gran diferencia en el diamante. Si juega en Japon, rompera todos los records ofensivos y defensivos para catchers. Lo puedo asegurar.
Re: Pudge Headed to Japan???
[ Author: Guest: Brent | Posted: Dec 22, 2002 12:52 AM
]
Pudge does not quite have this reputation in the states. Obviously I don't have any inside information, but I have the MLB Extra Innings package, and you can't watch a visiting broadcast without two things being mentioned.
- Most teams have a pitchers and catchers meetings before every series to go over scouting reports, who's hot who's not, and develop a gameplan. Pudge does not attend these meetings.
- Though he posesses a great arm, he doesn't let his pitchers throw off-speed stuff when there is a potential base runner on. This is fairly evident from watching a couple of innings. I imagine this could be deleterious to the development of a young pitching staff and telegraphing pitches probably doesn't help the team win either.
With all of this said, he is still an extraordinary talent at a position where there is a dearth of athleticism. I'm sure he'll get a fair 1 year deal somewhere, but I don't know if he would be well liked in Japan.
Re: Pudge Headed to Japan???
[ Author: BuffaloHeadPresident | Posted: Dec 22, 2002 1:18 PM
]
Pudge has a nice arm and hits well, but he's overrated.
He's 31 and injury prone. He'll probably only catch 100 games a year. Catchers do not have long careers, and he's been catching since his teens. This means he has to play in either the AL, or the Pacific League in Japan (that's the DH league, right?).
He throws out a fair amount of baserunners, but he doesn't call a good game. His philosophy generally revolves around "F*** it, let's call another fastball."
He also hits in one of the best hitter's parks in baseball - his numbers are inflated by that. Granted though, it is evened out by the fact the rest of his division are pitcher's parks, but he's still playing half the year in a prime hitter's park.
He's 31 and injury prone. He'll probably only catch 100 games a year. Catchers do not have long careers, and he's been catching since his teens. This means he has to play in either the AL, or the Pacific League in Japan (that's the DH league, right?).
He throws out a fair amount of baserunners, but he doesn't call a good game. His philosophy generally revolves around "F*** it, let's call another fastball."
He also hits in one of the best hitter's parks in baseball - his numbers are inflated by that. Granted though, it is evened out by the fact the rest of his division are pitcher's parks, but he's still playing half the year in a prime hitter's park.
Re: Pudge Headed to Japan???
[ Author: es1981 | Posted: Dec 23, 2002 3:35 AM
]
With the flow of Japanese superstars to MLB, and their demonstrating the high quality of play in the CL and PL, it would seem just a matter of time before a bona fide MLB All-Star signs with Yomiuri (or someone else, if anyone else has the requisite cash).
I don't think Pudge can be considered in this class just now, since he's not been healthy in quite some time. Maybe there's some glory left, but it remains to be seen.
MLB players coming to Japan have thus far been borderline players, players using Japan as an advanced minor league (a la Cecil Fielder), and silhouettes against the setting sun finishing up in the land of the rising sun. Rodriguez seems to be in the latter class, should he head to Japan.
Eric
I don't think Pudge can be considered in this class just now, since he's not been healthy in quite some time. Maybe there's some glory left, but it remains to be seen.
MLB players coming to Japan have thus far been borderline players, players using Japan as an advanced minor league (a la Cecil Fielder), and silhouettes against the setting sun finishing up in the land of the rising sun. Rodriguez seems to be in the latter class, should he head to Japan.
Eric
Re: Pudge Headed to Japan???
[ Author: mikeltodd | Posted: Dec 25, 2002 11:11 AM
]
Pudge's salary demands would be out of reach to all but the Giants and Lions. With Abe behind the plate, the Giants are set for another decade. The Lions' owner is one of the world's richest men, but he didn't get there by being a chump. I don't think he would touch Pudge with a barge pole. A non-Japanese-speaking catcher is under too much of a disadvantage here. I believe that this whole thing is an agent's ploy; what I can't see is who in MLB would fall for it. If it ever did happen, I would herald it as the second coming of Kevin Mitchell (heh heh heh). Merry Christmas!
Re: Pudge Headed to Japan???
[ Author: torakichi | Posted: Jan 24, 2003 9:14 AM
| HT Fan
]
The Daily Yomiuri reported today that Ivan Rodriguez signed with the Marlins for $10m.
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Opinion/Notes: Pudge & agent Jeff Moorad are seeking in the neighborhood of US$8-10 mil/year, and the Orioles and Cubs are nowhere near that number - and they're the only MLB teams showing genuine interest. Kinda doubt he'd get that figure in NPB either, but a 1-year deal might be of interest to him. Welcome to the after-effects of MLB's "soft salary cap" due to the luxury tax. And the fact that Pudge is now considered an older, injury-prone receiver w/a bad rap when it comes to handling pitchers.
PS: His English still isn't that good -- and how fun do you think it would be to communicate w/him for Japanese pitchers?