Adios Riot?

[calsnowskier]

The Giants are apparently about to sign Kensuke Tanaka from the JPPL. He is a 32 year old mid-infielder.

He apparently will sign a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. I have no idea if he is intended to be org filler or if he has a legit shot at the util job.

Anyone know anything?

Giants near deal with Japanese infielder Kensuke Tanaka | HardballTalk

 

[tzill]

The Giants are apparently about to sign Kensuke Tanaka from the JPPL. He is a 32 year old mid-infielder.

He apparently will sign a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. I have no idea if he is intended to be org filler or if he has a legit shot at the util job.

Anyone know anything?

Giants near deal with Japanese infielder Kensuke Tanaka | HardballTalk

I doubt he's org filler...not at 32 coming over from Japan:

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[Mays-Fan]

I doubt he's org filler...not at 32 coming over from Japan:

"The 31-year-old batted .300/.350/.363 with three home runs, 14 doubles, three triples and 32 RBI in 505 plate appearances last season for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Japan’s Pacific League."

Giants strike deal with Japanese infielder Kensuke Tanaka | HardballTalk

I can't see him being much more than org filler. But all else being equal, I'd like to see us develop a Japanese pipeline. Seems a natural fit with us.

 

[calsnowskier]

Kensuke Tanaka Minor League Statistics & History - Baseball-Reference.com

He doesn't look that bad, but my understanding is that the JPPL is best described as comparable to AA ball here in the states.

Has anyone heard any $$ figures for his contract? The first report I saw had him signing a mint league deal. With no other info, I would guess that he just wants to play in the states as a life experience. This is purely based on absolutely nothing, though.

 

[SFGRTB]

I heard the Riot was a long shot anyway. Minor league deal with invitation to Arizona. Looks like the competition is going to come from the minor league guys for the last utility spot, and Tanaka.

 

[Mays-Fan]

Longshot, but is Freddy Sanchez done? If he can play, what if we offer him a low base with major incentives?

 

[sfsportsfan]

Scutaro's versatility makes Sanchez interesting for a looooow price.. if Pablo or Crawford get hurt, Scutaro moves to 3b/SS and Freddy plays 2nd.

 

[ColinCoby]

"The 31-year-old batted .300/.350/.363 with three home runs, 14 doubles, three triples and 32 RBI in 505 plate appearances last season for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Japan’s Pacific League."

Giants strike deal with Japanese infielder Kensuke Tanaka | HardballTalk

I can't see him being much more than org filler. But all else being equal, I'd like to see us develop a Japanese pipeline. Seems a natural fit with us.

13 stolen bases (in 22 attempts). He must run decently well. Hopefully he's a stud with the glove. Any news out there about his defense?

 

[ColinCoby]

San Francisco Giants: Breaking Down Signing of Japanese Infielder Kensuke Tanaka | Bleacher Report


5 gold gloves in Japan and decent speed every year. Some injuries as well.

 

[Stokes1931]

San Francisco Giants: Breaking Down Signing of Japanese Infielder Kensuke Tanaka | Bleacher Report


5 gold gloves in Japan and decent speed every year. Some injuries as well.

Didn't we just get done paying Freddy Fragile-chez 2 years at $6M per?