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01/07/2003 Archived Entry: "Japanese Baseball News: Dodgers To Move Ishii, Nomo"
Hot Shots....
The two MLB teams who are in negotiations with Yokohama Bay Stars free agent closer Takashi Saito have been revealed. They are the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers ....Hochi Sports is saying that the Dodgers, in preparation for selling the team, are seeking to trade Hideo Nomo and may also move Kazuhisa Ishii, though the ex-Yakult southpaw would have to approve the deal since he has a no trade clause....Ex- Hanshin Tiger Buddy Carlyle has been invited to spring training with Kansas City....Hideki Matsui will be going to New York on January 28th and then will be reporting to the Yankees February 18th. Hope Steinbrenner's underlings have made the necessary preparations for the swarms of Japanese press folks....Seibu Lions ace Daisuke Matsuzaka is reportedly no longer going to throw his forkball since it puts a strain on his shoulder and elbow. But don't worry, he will compensate for that by using his good sinking changeup more....The Rangers are said to no longer be interested in Tsuyoshi Shinjo, who will now concentrate on offers from the Cubs and Mets....Yakult Swallows rookie pitcher Masayoshi Izumi has been ordered to not throw for a year after it was discovered that he has a severe inflammation around the shoulder joint.... Kintetsu owner Tashiro said he expects his team to win the Pacific League pennant and hopes that it can break the two million mark in attendance....2002 batting champ Michihiro Ogasawara is expected to be named captain of the Nippon Ham Fighters in the coming days....Daiei slugger Hiroki Kokubo has flown off to Hawaii to train for next season.... Hanshin sidearmer Tetsuro Kawajiri expressed interest in playing in the Athens Olympics. "If I'm asked, I would happily go," the veteran remarked.
Quote of the Day
Found this in the St. Louis Post Dispatch:
Bill Scheft, Sports Illustrated: "The Yankees want to acclimate Japanese slugger Hideki Matsui to New York as quickly as possible. Next week he'll fly into the city and be sucker-punched in a coffee shop."
Can a Foreign Catcher Succeed in Japan?
See story at: Japan Times Article
Yoshii, Orix Reach Agreement
See story at: Associated Press Article
Replies: 1 Comment
Yankees set to introduce Matsui
By Mark Feinsand / MLB.com
NEW YORK -- Hideki Matsui will arrive at his new home in the Bronx this week, as the Yankees will introduce their new outfielder on Tuesday.
Matsui, who agreed to a three-year, $21 million contract with the Yankees on Dec. 19, will travel to New York on Thursday to complete the details of his contract. A physical will be conducted on Friday and a formal press conference will be held at a midtown Manhattan hotel on Tuesday.
Matsui, 28, is a three-time MVP of Japan's Central League, having led the league in home runs and RBIs three times each. He also won two batting titles.
In his 10-year career in Japan, Matsui hit 332 home runs, including 50 last season. His Yomiuri Giants went on to sweep Seibu in the Japan Series to win their 20th title.
Matsui, who played center field in Japan, will likely start the season as New York's left fielder, with Raul Mondesi remaining in right field. Rondell White, who played left field in 2002, will likely serve as the team's fourth outfielder or be traded. Matsui could move to right field in the event Mondesi is traded.
Posted by NYFAN @ 01/08/2003 06:36 PM EST
