Yankees Win Rights to Igawa

More at ESPN and The New York Times.

The New York Times speculates that the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry drove up the bidding. I'm pleasantly surprised that Igawa proved so popular, but a bit skeptical that he's joining the Yankees.

Correction, it was $26 million ($26,000,194 to be exact).

Personally I felt that the bid was a bit too much.

Especially having to need to play in New York, even if he's the last man in the rotation, people will be looking at him because of his $26 million bid. I wonder how well he can do in the big leagues.

What the heck was the extra $194 for? That's another weird Price is Right moment.

Anyways, yet another Japanese player in the AL East. Hopefully this all means there's more Blue Jay games on TV, but chances are it'll just mean that instead of Jays games there will be constant AL games involving some combination of Yanks-BoSox-DRays-Mariners-ChiSox. Ah well.

Very interesting turn of events. Who would have thought a month ago that Igawa, rather than Matsuzaka, would be headed for a (near) future in pinstripes? As a Tigers fan, I had gotten sick of Igawa's whining and inability to win the big games against the Dragons. It will be fun to now root against him as a Yankee. And I had never been a fan of Matsuzaka, but I'll wholeheartedly root for him now, provided the Red Sox are able to sign him.

- What the heck was the extra $194 for?

Standard auction strategy, that's all. It beats the guy who's bid exactly $26 million (or $26,000,193 for that matter).

Anyway, I'm excited about Igawa going to the Yankees. There's going to be some interesting match ups in the AL with Matsuzaka and Igawa facing Johjima and Ichiro. Not to mention possible Igawa vs. Matsuzaka duels in AL East.

Hideki Matsui mentioned that you can get good natto in New York, so Igawa should be fine. As long as he works hard, unlike another Japanese pitcher who played in pinstripes not that long ago.

Of the two dozen or so Hanshin fans I spoke to today, many are keen to book a tour to New York to see Igawa in action. And almost all expect Koshien Stadium to be spruced up a little with some of this $26 million windfall.

-- What the heck was the extra $194 for?

- Standard auction strategy, that's all. It beats the guy who's bid exactly $26 million (or $26,000,193 for that matter).

Apparently the 194 also signified Igawa's strikeout total last season. [North County Times]

Yeah, the 194 was a mention to his 194 strikeouts.

Similar(?) auction strategy, led the BoSox bid exactly $51,111,111 for Matsuzaka, which would be correct?

Anyways, Seibu and Hanshin luckily stumbled into a spend happy FA market.

The 194 is the K total Igawa had this year. A nice gesture to show they are serious about signing him.

The $194 was for the amount of strikeouts Igawa had last year. At least that is what Cashman said. I hope he does well - since I love the Yankees!

- What the heck was the extra $194 for?
The last three digits are matching his strikeout total this year.

On the 194 extra dollars, instead of just upping the bid over $26 million, the 194 is also Igawa's strikeout number this year.

Indeed, a most interesting development. Maybe all my Igawa souvenirs (especially Hanshin shirt) just gained value in the Bronx! And likewise there's a fortune awaiting the marketing of Igawa-Yankees shirts in Kansai (funny too, the shirts and caps being near-identical).

Of course, nothing involving Matsuzaka or Igawa going to MLB is a done deal until the contracts are signed.

As I noted in the Nichi-Bei forum, my only fear is that Igawa's sensitivity might be an issue in his assimilating to fickle Yankee baseball fans. One bad outing and the cries of "Irabu-2" will erupt. On the flip side, a few multi-strikeout games and he will be the King of the Grand Concourse.

But all in all, he should do well as a lefty in Yankee Stadium. I'm glad Matsui will be his team-mate, and I can't wait to see the next Yankees-Mariners match up in Seattle. Igawa vs. Ichiro and Johjima, fantastic.

With an understanding manager as Torre, and with teammate Matsui, he should adapt well. Not to mention, Chien-Ming Wang is there. I can't wait for the 2007 season, for an new look AL East of Matsuzaka, Igawa, Matsui, and Iwamura. I'm glad I'm an Orioles fan and will get to see them daily. Now only if the Orioles sign a big name Japanese player.

If the Yankees sign him, I predict he won't even stay in the Majors for the whole season.

- If the Yankees sign him, I predict he won't even stay in the Majors for the whole season.

Sure the Yankees are going to waste that much money to pitch him in AAA Scranton. But seriously, if New York thought this high of him, they wouldn't spend $25 million. Before you come to any conclusion, at least let's allow Igawa to pitch.

Good luck Igawa-san, even though I hate the Yankees, I will be rooting for you.

The extra $194 dollars also refers to his number of strikeouts this year.

Nobody's really talked about it, and maybe it's too early to speculate. But how do you see Igawa as a fit in the Bronx?

He hasn't been a big game player over the last couple of seasons. Sure, he's beat up on the Carp and BayStars, but he's been suspect at best in pressure situations.

When the boo-birds get on his case at Fenway, or even at home after a couple of bad outings, he doesn't seem the kind of player that will handle it well. It's one thing to play in the majors, and it's another to play in New York. I think his temperament may count against him. Another Kaz?

Anyway, just speculation and I wish him well.

Ah, that's a nice touch.

Can you just imagine Matsuzaka and Igawa pitching head to head and the furor this will create? There might be as many press there from Japan as fans.

I do believe that Torre will be very smart when looking at the pressures that Igawa will face in New York. He has Matsui as a team mate and a very experienced veteran pitching staff that am sure will help make the transition to MLB as smooth as possible.

Reports today have Cashman stating that Igawa will be tentatively at the back end of the rotation, so again, with $ involved both the team and fellow team mates will be doing everything possible to see that Kei succeeds. After that it is all up to Kei, because if he does have a rough start he will certainly hear about it. Whether he can handle the pressure, only time will tell.

- I do believe that Torre will be very smart when looking at the pressures that Igawa will face in New York.

Indeed. I think that's one thing about Torre and the Yankees - they do treat newcomers well, and respect anyone who works hard and puts in 100%. Although Igawa's never been my favorite player (contrary to what has been suggested on this site), he does have an inner strength that should see him through. He demonstrated that in his last two outings of the 2006 season, which he expected to be his last with the Tigers. He does have it in him.

What might count against him (as far as the fans are concerned) is his hang dog/worn out expression which he carries with him to the mound. Some on this site have confused this with tiredness, or lack of effort, but it's just the way he looks. As long as it's not misinterpreted over there also.

He's a pitcher who needs a challenge, and as long as he has that, he responds. My gut feeling is that the Yankees have got a very good deal and that the Red Sox have overpaid. Matsuzaka is an excellent pitcher who will do well, but he is not twice the pitcher Igawa is.

Can Igawa handle the New York Fans? Well, if he can handle Tigers fans he should have no problem.

- Matsuzaka is an excellent pitcher who will do well, but he is not twice the pitcher Igawa is.

Not to start an argument, but aren't we over exaggerating just a slight bit? The stats easily suggest otherwise in both the regular season and post season. To further show, breaking down post season stats:

Igawa is 0-1, with an 6.10 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP in the Nippon Series while Matsuzaka combined between the playoffs and Nippon Series is 4-1 with a 3.74 ERA and 1.29 ERA. What your definition of twice the pitcher is, is confusing to me?

Because using the stats, so far Matsuzaka has provene he could pitch in clutch situations (such as the playoffs, WBC, etc.). Igawa, while good and I like his chances of success a lot, has not achieved anywhere near the level of success as Matsuzaka when it counted, or career wise.

Getting back to original point at hand, both are in tough environments where losing is not an option. Same in New York (regardless if it's the Bronx or Shea) or Boston, fans expect one thing and that is to perform. Though I expect both to make the necessary adaption, and both should be fine. No mistake, Boston is just as tough as New York. The Yankees-Red Sox feud never ends.

To clarify, I don't necessarily go for stats, especially for those as narrow as the Nippon Series. Furthermore, we have not seen Igawa pitch in a playoff series, so your comparison is invalid. The Red Sox paid practically twice the amount the Yankees paid. Whilst Matsuzaka is a better pitcher than Igawa, and a very fine pitcher to whichever team he pitches for, he is not so good as the amount would suggest. The amount offered to talk to him is way over-inflated (the Yankees' $32 million was a far more reasoned offer) and this is demonstrated by the behind the scenes moves by the Red Sox to try and reduce it.

Cashman and the Yanks know exactly what they are doing. The reason the Yankees have paid for the negotiating rights is to create even more competition with the Red Sox who have paid over $50 million for Matsuzaka. Being a fan of the Yankees, I agree with Cashman's move here, and hope that the Red Sox are unable to close the deal. They are running dangerously low on time to close this thing.

Anyway, as you all saw, just having one pitcher isn't going to make the BoSox any better. The Yankees will crush them again this year, they are not the team they were in 2004. They can buy whoever they want, but they will not be able to compete with the Yankees anymore. How many wins did they get this year? 87 or 86, that's pitiful. I don't think Matsuzaka will help them that much.

- Cashman and the Yanks know exactly what they are doing.

Not starting an argument on the AL East situation, as this is the wrong place for it. New York must not have much of a clue what there doing as they haven't won a World Series since 2000 and every year their payroll has gone up.

- The reason the Yankees have paid for the negotiating rights is to create even more competition with the Red Sox who have paid over $50 million for Matsuzaka.

No, the reason they went after Igawa was because Boston got Matsuzaka and didn't want to be shut out of the market for Japanese pitchers. Plus, Boston and New York must counter everything regardless of what it is.

- ... hope that the Red Sox are unable to close the deal

Except for one thing, Boras has little at his disposal to prevent such a deal from happening. Matsuzaka isn't a free agent. This has been Matsuzaka's dream to play in the majors, and if Boras was to ruin it there would be a lot of people looking to, for a lack of better word, torch and pitchfork Boras in Japan. Finally, if Boras allows negotiations to collapse without a deal, and Matsuzaka gets injured, then Boras will look very good (sarcasm). As with Boston and time, the odds are against Boras. Boras can't threaten people with talking to other teams, can't change the system (so that Matsuzaka would become a free agent in 6 years), and has little leverage or threats to use.

- They can buy whoever they want, but they will not be able to compete with the Yankees anymore.

Kind of like the Yankees who can't compete with Arizona, Anaheim, Boston, Anaheim (again), and Detroit? New York's starting rotation is in shackles (minus Wang and Mussina). Also, kind of like who the Yankees buy and buy but can't beat mid-market teams, right? Please, your kidding aren't you? New York is just as pitiful as you play Boston out to be.

While Boston's rotation also might not be much better, with Schilling, Matsuzaka, Wakefield, Papelbon, and who ever, I'd rather take my chances with them than New York's meltdown waiting to happen.

Not to start another argument, but that's a painfully small sample you selected. I'm not saying that either of you is right or wrong, because I've never seen either of these guys pitch, but if you're going to base an opinion on stats, you're going to have to bring more to the table than that.

- ... but that's a painfully small sample you selected

Of course it's a small sample of stats, but the argument has been who's able to pitch better under the pressure of their respective stadium. Playoff stats are the best indication. In Yankee or Fenway, the World Series is always on the mind, and winning it too.

Based on those stats, it shows Igawa has had trouble pitching in games that count. Matsuzaka's career stats say otherwise, that he has outperformed Igawa. Matsuzaka may play in a lesser market than Igawa, but that doesn't seem like an indication that Igawa will be able to succeed any better than Matsuzaka.

The only reason I responded, is because of what Christopher said:

- Matsuzaka is an excellent pitcher who will do well, but he is not twice the pitcher Igawa is

I sampled the post season stats, when it counts, and everyone knows Matsuzaka's and Igawa's career stats, and can make the judgment Matsuzaka has been better slightly than Igawa on their own.

Look, I don't want to start another argument, but the stats suggest otherwise. As for Matsuzaka's and Igawa's chances of succeeding, that is up to the individual. No stats can tell us that. But to suggest Igawa is twice the pitcher Matsuzaka is is just plain absurd.

OK. This argument that neither of you want can stop here. I've found the misunderstanding.

- But to suggest Igawa is twice the pitcher Matsuzaka is is just plain absurd.

He didn't say that. He said:

- Matsuzaka is an excellent pitcher who will do well, but he is not twice the pitcher Igawa is.

That is to say, Matsuzaka is less than twice the pitcher Igawa is. It is inferred that Matsuzaka is still greater than the pitcher Igawa is. Nobody said that Igawa is better than Matsuzaka, let alone twice the pitcher.

Why is Matsuzaka being compared to 2 x Igawa? Because the bid was about 2 times as much. The posting bids are being used as a comparative value for the two players. Salaries, or in this case auction prices, are not trusty indicators of how much a player is worth. For example, Yokohama's Kinjoh earned just about twice as much as Yakult's Aoki in 2006, yet would anyone claim that Kinjoh = 2 x Aoki? There are many who would argue that Aoki > Kinjoh.

Monetary values (apples) simply do not compare well with metric values (oranges) such as stats. There are far too many variables that are not even measurable, so you're not going to get anything but an unprovable "gut feeling" for a result.

Well, that should clear up this misunderstanding. Nothing to see here. Let's move along.

Westbay-san, that is a great interpretation. Some teams have more to spend then others. Just because someone makes more money does not make their talent better.

On a lighter note, here is an very good article in the New York Times on the posting system [registration required]. It has filled in some missing rationale and caused me to reconsider some of my opinions on the posting system.

The price for even mediocre starters has risen to the $8M per range. The posting fee doesn't count toward the luxury tax either. This was covered in the New York Times article. So the point may be that no pitcher this year, including the two Japanese pitchers, are worth what they can command (including the posting fee). MLB is flush with revenue.

An interesting aside is that Larry Lucchino, one of the BoSox honchos, just came back from Japan where he reportedly was seeking corporate sponsors for the Matsuzaka posting fee. What shall we have? "Matsuzaka - brought to you by Asahi beer"? I think it's more like "taken from you," but it's a novel approach anyway.

I can imagine the adverts from the corporate sponsors. We're taking away your favorite pitcher - he's not even going to the Yankees - please buy our product.

Yeah, I'm wondering if Boston will put something on the wall at Fenway like the Daily Yomiuri ad at Yankee Stadium, or something of the such. Corporate sponsors will have a field day with Matsuzaka and Igawa.

The corrupting influence of Big Money in MLB is a pervasive and depressing matter. But I like to focus on the best aspect of Igawa, Matsuzaka, et al. coming to play in the U.S. - namely, the awareness of baseball internationally by a growing number of fans. There was little more thrilling to me last season than a trip to Seattle to see the Mariners play the Yankees with Chien-Ming Wang pitching. Taiwanese and Japanese flags all over the stadium as we had spectators from 3 countries chowing down on obento and tacos (with Czech beer). It was not too long ago that I felt quite alone as an American in even knowing who the Hanshin Tigers were; and frustrated when in Japan trying to find a Yankees box score; but that has changed forever, and it's a good thing for the sport and for people worldwide. Let's try to keep some of our idealism amongst the greed and power struggles of big league teams and owners.

Baseball is big business and generates big money on both sides of the Pacific. Would you also kindly cite the "corrupt" influence, as in dishonest, unethical, immoral, unfair, prejudicial influence on MLB? Tell me about financial inequities of large and small teams, the evolution of baseball players from sportsmen to entertainers, and the sky high salaries they command. If you think baseball is a pure ritual played by innocent boys, then I suppose I could agree about the corrupting influence, but I think you are waxing a wee bit naively. Baseball - MLB or NPB or KBO or whatever - is a business.

- Of course it's a small sample of stats, but [... they show] Igawa has had trouble pitching in games that count. Matsuzaka's career stats say otherwise, that he has outperformed Igawa.

No, those stats tell me nothing about either pitchers' ability to pitch in the playoffs, especially Igawa. If you need playoff stats to prove a point and you only have a few game's worth of stats to use, you have nothing.

I think Matsuzaka is the better pitcher, but I base that on the numbers both guys have compiled over their entire careers, not just a few select games.

Finishing this story off, Igawa has just signed a five year, 20 million dollar deal (plus incentives) with the Yankees. I wish him well in pursuing his dream.

Although I'm sure that's not the last word, the story is just beginning.

Here's an interesting scouting report on the NBC Sports website comparing Matsuzaka and Igawa - a rare informed analysis, treating these two players like the pros they are.

Oh yes, and he hasn't signed yet. He had a physical yesterday and they're still working out a couple of details. So I think we've jumped a gun little here.

In Igawa's case mere details - he will sign. (Though my last post did indeed jump the gun slightly.) By the way the article was very interesting.

Well, I don't think there was any doubt about Matsuzaka either. There was no question of his going back to Seibu - Boras was stringing it out for as long as he could, but he didn't have much leverage. He wasn't going to forgo his commission - he was always going to make a deal.

Well, it's official now [Japan Ball].

Here's an interesting Sports Illustrated article: "Welcome to New York: Going one-on-one with Yankees' new import Igawa."

I don't know whether Igawa was trying to be funny, boring, or sarcastic, or maybe some of his replies got shortened in the translation - but he's really got to try harder at forging good media relations if he's to be successful in New York. Brief, humble Japanese-style answers won't cut it I'm afraid.

That was the most awesome SI interview I've ever read. I'm sure it's some combination of the things you listed, plus that they'd just caught up with him right before or after taking a team physical, but I couldn't stop laughing the entire way through.

I don't know what was more funny - some of the questions or answers?

Wow! Mitsukuni Tokugawa is Igawa's historical hero! My mom watches the TV Series "Mito Komen" religiously which is based on Mitsukunin Tokugawa's life (Kotaro Satomi is her favorite actor).

You know, I hadn't made the connection. But now you've put this mental image of him proclaiming himself as Lord Igawa of Mito into my head.

Yeah, I couldn't quite believe it myself.

That was funny! I loved his answers - he'll do fine with the New York media.

As a Yankees fan I was pretty excited when Hideki Matsui signed with the club. He's become my favorite ballplayer of any league. I can't wait to see how Igawa does.

How the heck does this Franz Lidz character know that M. Tokugawa was one of the first guys to eat ramen in Japan? Is his hobby reading Shima Ryotaro books?

And what's up with water being more exotic than natto?

Honma-kaina?

I took two years of Japanese back in high school as my school was one of the few public schools to offer Nihongo. I never once heard the phrase "honma-kaina?" I wish our textbooks taught in Osaka-ben. I would have probably learned more and my buddies and I would be the only peeps in the neighborhood, blurting out phrases in Osaka-ben.

I hope this guy Igawa from the Tigers does well in his debut year in the Majors. He has an excellent chance to make his mark in the Yanks' rotation.

Dude, on the other hand, think about teaching Japanese kids to speak hoosier Americanese!

I think Igawa should do okay, so long as he doesn't go too far pushing natto in New York. According to a Nikkan Sports Osaka, he was appointed an honorary ambassador by his hometown, Mito city, which is famous for producing the rotten beans. They want him to promote natto in New York, which should or should not go down well with the locals. Anyone for natto burritos in Yankee Stadium?

In other news, Brian Cashman wants Igawa to get a haircut [Nikkan Sports Osaka].

Well, it shouldn't be as bad an extreme makeover as Johnny Damon's.

Or as extreme a makeover as Ogasawara... er... I've ranted about that enough this winter.

There'll be an official press conference by the Yankees sometime today to introduce Igawa according to this article on their site - and they said that "In keeping with Yankees rules, [Igawa] cut his trademark long hair."

"I feel refreshed," he said.

There's a picture on that page, or I'm sure there'll be more after the press conference today. Honestly, it doesn't look all that different to me.

His hair looks about the same length as Chien-Ming Wang.

He was on TV at the official announcement of his signing with his new haircut. It looks fine. As for natto, I've heard that he doesn't eat it. Apparently, he can't stand the stuff.

Haha, that was an entertaining surreal interview. Too bad none of the questions were expanded upon.

It looked like the interviewer had only prepared Godzilla related questions, and Igawa shot down that thread of questioning right from the start. Reminds me of some phone interviews I've done with North American "journalists" who have something they want me to say (to support their [incorrect] view of Japanese baseball), and I won't say it.

Nothing so atypical about that SI interview, really. Each month Baseball Digest presents similar player profiles in which quick answers are given to such trenchant questions as "Favorite TV show?" "Favorite actor?" Let's face it, if they were budding Dostoyevskys, they would not be swinging bats and tossing balls, and their interviews would be appearing in Harpers.

I only hope Kei-san picked the St. Regis hotel himself. One of the nicest, and least-known, bars in Manhattan. Excellent cosmos.