Hanshin Talking with Adam Riggs

So if he signs, I'm guessing Sheets is going to second? I know Fujimoto is a fan favorite, but he is a black hole in that batting order.

Well now that Iwamura is off to the Devil Rays, if we lose Riggs as well, then Yokohama won't have to worry about the cellar anymore.

Hmmm, interesting.

I seem to recall that Sheets was very capable at third. So, where does that leave Imaoka and Sekimoto? Well, assuming Imaoka regains fitness, it's a good bet that he'd knock Sekimoto back to the bench. Now, Imaoka used to do quite well at second. So, where does that leave Fujimoto? Possibly battling Toritani for the shortstop position.

Sheets also played short when he was with Hiroshima, so there are plenty of combinations. (Although I'd rather see him do less work in the field if it's going to affect his hitting.) In any case, we might see some infield platooning next year.

Are any MLB teams talking to him?

I'm both surprised and disappointed that after the Phillies had a scout go watch the Swallows, they came away with no Iwamura and probably no Riggs, either. Hope they know what they're doing.

The Phillies mentioned an interest in Iwamura, but ultimately decided that he would cost too much, which is a joke since they paid Helms, primarily a bench player, $5.45 million over two years. At best a platoon player.

Philly would been better off with Iwamura instead of Helms who's defense is questionable and is a streaky hitter. Helms is strictly strong against righties and weak against lefties. Overall, a bad decision not to sign a real third baseman, in which Helms, Mark DeRosa (who Philly wanted), or Adam Riggs or none of.

One would think since Philly traded star player Scott Rolen, they want a real third baseman, since all of them since Rolen have been a big disappointment. One would think that this would convince Philly management, but obviously not.

The Dragons need a bat in the lineup and should talk to Riggs, I would imagine. They're not hurting for money and Father Time may start catching up with the Tyrone-a-saurus, much as I like him and wish him continued success.

The Fighters could also use a Riggs since Ogasawara is now a Giant. Though, Nippon Ham is giving the impression they don't want to spend any money.

Are they still talking or what? What's going on?

My understanding is that Riggs has decided to stay with Yakult.

A very wise decision on Yakult's part, to keep him. So, now that we know who's on first, as far as I can see, what's still on second and I don't know is still on third. Happy holidays, everybody!