Who Will Get The Rights To Shohei Otani?

[TheStarOne]

22 year old right handed pitcher in Japan

Plays for the Nippon Ham Fighters NPB Pacific League in Japan

6 foot 4 inches tall......215 pounds

averages 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings

fastest pitch 102.5



And he is also a power hitter.....OPS of 1004...22 Home Runs in 382 plate appearances

He hits to all fields

Is Japan's Babe Ruth headed to the Majors?

 

[BallsOfFurry]

The Asian Babe Ruth.
If he can be anywhere near as impressive against MLB talent, he is going to be a game changer.
Of course you have to guess The Yankees are favored, EVERYBODY will want in on his rights.

 

[Fountain City Blues]

Going to assume he goes to an NL team.

 

[Mike A. S.]

Going to assume he goes to an NL team.

He definitely should, since he's a two-way player. Although, he could theoretically play in the field on non-pitching days in either league anyway. And unless playing both is really important to him then he'll probably just go where the money takes him regardless of which league it is.

 

[BallsOfFurry]

He definitely should, since he's a two-way player. Although, he could theoretically play in the field on non-pitching days in either league anyway. And unless playing both is really important to him then he'll probably just go where the money takes him regardless of which league it is.

He will not both pitch and play a regular position, bank on that much.
There was good reason Babe stopped pitching when it became clear he was the best hitter to ever play the game.
I don't know which he'll be if he comes to MLB, but it will be one or the other, not both.
The only caveat is it might take a bit of experimentation to decide where he'll play long term.

 

[Fountain City Blues]

Kind of interested to see how well he can defend if at all.

 

[JohnU]

NOt likely a position player would pitch on any sort of regular basis since the regimen for preparing to pitch takes too much time. Hitting is hard enough.

 

[Fountain City Blues]

NOt likely a position player would pitch on any sort of regular basis since the regimen for preparing to pitch takes too much time. Hitting is hard enough.

Yeah, but off the bench it's not out of the question to be in the field. It's certainly unlikely he is a routine fixture in a lineup.

 

[BallsOfFurry]

Yeah, but off the bench it's not out of the question to be in the field. It's certainly unlikely he is a routine fixture in a lineup.

I'd bet the farm he will be one or the other, not both. Not MY FARM of course.

 

[Fountain City Blues]

I'd bet the farm he will be one or the other, not both. Not MY FARM of course.

As in not be used off the bench at all even if capable in the field? Seems draconian to me but you may be right. I definitely think he'll be primarily be pitching in the NL.

 

[TheStarOne]

It's my understanding the new MLB CBA has a rigid salary cap for international players who are under the age of 25. It would mean that Otani wouldn't get the "BIG" money. He seems not to care. If he wanted the "BIG" money he would have to wait until he's 25. He seems to want to play here next season.

 

[Voltaire26]

He definitely should, since he's a two-way player. Although, he could theoretically play in the field on non-pitching days in either league anyway. And unless playing both is really important to him then he'll probably just go where the money takes him regardless of which league it is.

Brings up a good question: Can a player play two non conflicting positions ... ie ... pitcher and DH?

 

[Lions=TeHsUcKs]

An IRL Steve Nebraska.


Such a beast. Edit: Bats Left handed I assume.

 

[broncosmitty]

Dodgers or Giants would be my guess.

Big market NL team where he can bat. Just assume west coast.

(I could see a starting pitcher being used as a pinch hitter somewhat regularly in the big leagues. I don't see a position player bein a starting pitcher. OR even a regular use reliever.)

 

[broncosmitty]

This dude missed the WBC and is out until midmay atleast with a seperate injury.

No idea if he's an injury concern or not.

 

[BallsOfFurry]

As in not be used off the bench at all even if capable in the field? Seems draconian to me but you may be right. I definitely think he'll be primarily be pitching in the NL.

Well ''Draconian'' is a bit harsh, if you get my play on the word.
Honestly I don't get your use of Draconian at all.
How would it be harsh or cruel to use him at just one position ?
He won't be a starting pitcher and play any other position, other than maybe relief pitcher and an occasional pinch hitter. He sure won't play a regular position and pitch, so what's left.

 

[Fountain City Blues]

Well ''Draconian'' is a bit harsh, if you get the play on words.
Honestly I don't get your use of Draconian at all.
How would it be harsh or cruel to use him at just one position ?
He won't be a starting pitcher and play any other position, other than maybe relief pitcher and an occasional pinch hitter. He sure won't play a regular position and pitch, so what's left.

Thinking more along the lines of what Joe Maddon let Travis Wood do, except there would theoretically be a bit of hitting behind it. Nothing too regular but enough that it is visible. All contingent on there being some value defensively, but it's just something that crosses the mind. If he has value at multiple positions I am all for playing him in the OF every once in a while in NL games.

 

[BallsOfFurry]

Dodgers or Giants would be my guess.

Big market NL team where he can bat. Just assume west coast.

(I could see a starting pitcher being used as a pinch hitter somewhat regularly in the big leagues. I don't see a position player bein a starting pitcher. OR even a regular use reliever.)

The Yankees and red Sox have landed top Japanese players as well.
Of course The Mariners had the all time great Japanese player in IChero.

 

[broncosmitty]

The Yankees and red Sox have landed top Japanese players as well.
Of course The Mariners had the all time great Japanese player in IChero.

How many Alts have they landed?

 

[BallsOfFurry]

Thinking more along the lines of what Joe Maddon let Travis Wood do, except there would theoretically be a bit of hitting behind it. Nothing too regular but enough that it is visible. All contingent on there being some value defensively, but it's just something that crosses the mind. If he has value at multiple positions I am all for playing him in the OF every once in a while in NL games.

Starting pitchers, especially great power pitchers are protected by organizations and it'd be foolish to risk injury for an at bat or 2. Too many have been ruined by injuries. Full time hitters never pitch, so there isn't much left.