Rumors about NPB

As a matter of fact, there is currently a player with 9 pitches. And your question is timed perfectly with a special in Shukan Baseball that just came out today that has a nice chart of who throws what.

Anyway, Orix's right handed pitcher, Ogura Hisashi, throws:

Pitch      Speed v.Left v.Right
Stright   138-144  37%    42%
Shoot     136-141  10%     6%
Curve      98-115   3%     3%
Slider    120-131  14%    29%
Cut Ball  135-138   0%     0%
Fork      125-134   8%     7%
Sinker    125-134  15%     2%
Change-up 106-123   1%     0%
Nuckle    125-133  12%    11%

The percentages of type of pitch vs. left and right handed batters is rounded to the nearest unit. While he's thrown 0% cut balls so far this season, it's listed as one of his pitches, and may be a pitch or two that didn't merit a whole number percentage. I only have the summation to go by, not the original data set.

The majority of pitchers in Japan know at least four pitches. It's certainly not unusual to have six to seven pitches to choose from.

As for salary negotiation, until recently, the players had to negotiate salaries on their own with the front offices. Those who try to use agents with the Giants get traded away for being trouble makers (such as what happened with Iriki this past off season). Some players put up a good fight to get more, others, like Hideki Matsui, sign the first offering given them every year without a word.

So, they are permitted to negotiate, with agents for any team but the Giants. Some (most lower players) accept what they're offered without a word in opposition as far as I know.

Hope this helps to clear some things up.

Thanks a lot. I wasn't expecting so much help!