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November 08, 2007

Hitoki Iwase

From Tracy Ringolsby -

The Rockies are looking for left-handed pitching help from Japan, where the top free-agent possibility is Hitoki Iwase of the Chunichi Dragons. But he would seem out of the Rockies' price range. The top closer in Japan, Iwase has recorded at least 40 saves each of the past three years and has a career 1.97 ERA. The Yankees reportedly have shown interest in the 33-year-old pitcher.

Some reports say that Hitoki Iwase is somewhat like Hideki Okajima. However, Joel Sherman had this to share on him a few days back:

Iwase is the long-time closer for the Chunichi Dragons, and there are rumblings he wants to come here. He had 43 saves this year and 129 over the past three seasons. However, an AL executive who has seen the soon-to-be-33-year-old and has reports from several scouts from his organization said, "I question if he can be a closer here. His out pitch is his slider and he commands it well, but his fastball is just 88 (mph)."

After Hideki Irabu and Kei Igawa, if I'm the Yankees, I would think very carefully about this one.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at November 8, 2007 10:36 PM

Comments

That scouting report is meaningless. Until he was burned out, Okajima was untouchable, and he threw his fastball 86-88. It was all about deception. I don't know anything about Iwase or necessarily think the Yanks should pursue him, but to dismiss him outright because he throws 88 is the height of stupidity by Sherman and this scout.

Posted by: baileywalk [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 8, 2007 10:54 PM

I'm skeptical about Japanese pitchers. It seems the best of them are no more that average major league pitchers (which is quite an accomplishment in its own right, but not worthy of top dollar.)

Posted by: rbj [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 9, 2007 08:17 AM