M's resign Kuma

[SeattleCoug]

That was fast

 

[Msfann]

Awesome!

 

[DunceKaep]

Anybody have a problem with this?

I think we actually have a chance. Right now, I'm hopeful.
Might buy a 20 game plan.

 

[NWinAZ]

Anybody have a problem with this?

I think we actually have a chance. Right now, I'm hopeful.
Might buy a 20 game plan.

I don't have a problem with it at all, but I also take it with a grain of salt. He did flunk a physical and M's did sign him to a contract that protects them from injuries so it isn't a slam dunk he makes it even through year 1 of his new deal. But, the reward is worth it on this kind of deal.

 

[SeattleCoug]

Anybody have a problem with this?

With that contract absolutely not. I mean Im not expecting 2013 Kuma but only a 1 year commitment so I'm on board. Assume that the vesting options are based on innings or starts.

In an ideal world Kuma and Paxton can hopefully coordinate their DL stints to be at different times.

 

[Sharkonabicycle]

Eh even if he can get healthy for the 2nd half it's upside. I think it's a great signing. If he stays injured/inactive, whatever. If he can rebound, he's a great #2 SP. Gives us some flex in the SP rotation.

 

[PolarVortex]

That was fast

I see this as a no-lose signing. It's money that they otherwise probably would not have added to the payroll. And now we have six starters. Granted a couple are injury prone, but it is still six starters. Rotation depth can never be over-stated. Last year our rotation was supposed to be: Felix, Kuma, Paxton, Happ, and Walker. But they needed a whopping 50 starts from other pitchers.

Quality starts:
Planned rotation: 66/112 (59%)
Fill in starters 23/50 (46%)

And if you remove Elias, who was a starter in 2014 and the first guy at the top of the depth chart after the originally planned starters last year, those quality start numbers are reduced to 12/30, or 40%.

 

[seahawksfan234]

Extremely pleasant surprise. I honestly didn't expect the Mariners to spend the money on Kuma, and this type of deal completely protects the Mariners if the problem detected by the Dodgers pops up.

The only thing that kind of bugs me is that I have a feeling that Dipoto wouldn't have been able to spent the money on Kuma if not for the Japanese connection.

 

[cezero]

That couldn't have worked out a whole lot better.

 

[unlvmariners]

He fell into our lap... Rotation depth is huge and it just got a pretty good boost.
Also a very team friendly contract with the options.

 

[NWinAZ]

Extremely pleasant surprise. I honestly didn't expect the Mariners to spend the money on Kuma, and this type of deal completely protects the Mariners if the problem detected by the Dodgers pops up.

The Japanese factor. I told you so...lol.

 

[Msfann]

If its ok to go over budget for Japanese players lets get some more!

 

[Anointed One]

I don't have a problem with it at all, but I also take it with a grain of salt. He did flunk a physical and M's did sign him to a contract that protects them from injuries so it isn't a slam dunk he makes it even through year 1 of his new deal. But, the reward is worth it on this kind of deal.

Pretty much how I see it too... I don't have a problem, if it works out, then the risk was definitely worth it... If his injuries hinder him from playing consistently this season, then it sets us back in that rotation a bit... Have two guys (Iwa/Pax) in the starting rotation that are injury risks could be a bit dicey...

 

[NWinAZ]

Glad to have him back, but part of this makes me a little sick;

Dipoto notes it’s crucial to have more than five pitchers capable of making solid starts. He adds that, even though it had looked like the Mariners were already at their budget limit prior to the Iwakuma signing, it took “less than five minutes” to get the Mariners’ ownership to approve spending once Iwakuma’s deal with the Dodgers fell apart and it became clear he was available.

 

[wazzu31]

Glad to have him back, but part of this makes me a little sick;

Dipoto notes it’s crucial to have more than five pitchers capable of making solid starts. He adds that, even though it had looked like the Mariners were already at their budget limit prior to the Iwakuma signing, it took “less than five minutes” to get the Mariners’ ownership to approve spending once Iwakuma’s deal with the Dodgers fell apart and it became clear he was available.

Which I don't get why they'll open the checkbook on Japanese guys, I could understand for Ichiro, he brought in millions but a dude who only can attract a group of people and media once every 5 days doesn't really make sense economically as a priority.

 

[NWinAZ]

Which I don't get why they'll open the checkbook on Japanese guys, I could understand for Ichiro, he brought in millions but a dude who only can attract a group of people and media once every 5 days doesn't really make sense economically as a priority.

Pride. In Japan it is very important to say you have the best Japanese pitcher on your team as a Japanese MLB owner. And by best, I mean as one of the most successful Japanese League players.

 

[cezero]

Which I don't get why they'll open the checkbook on Japanese guys, I could understand for Ichiro, he brought in millions but a dude who only can attract a group of people and media once every 5 days doesn't really make sense economically as a priority.

I'd be willing to bet his presence generates significant revenue for the team in Japan.

I have no stats, but they're a lot more obsessed with baseball over there, and still pretty obsessed with American sports apparel.

 

[mcnabb7542]

well if he can stay healthy its a steal, put him in the back side of the rotation, boast it and see what happens...

 

[unlvmariners]

well if he can stay healthy its a steal, put him in the back side of the rotation, boast it and see what happens...

I think if he can stay healthy for a majority of the season then its a win, imo. The "length" of the rotation is much better with him. As long as the rotation doesn't take multiple injuries at one time or the same time it should be able to stay competitive.

 

[NWinAZ]

The Iwakuma Files | FanGraphs Baseball

Iwakuma article from Tony Blengino (ex-Mariner management under GMZ). Long but some interesting stuff in it including his injury issues back in Japan as well.