An interesting note from the Japanese Yahoo baseball rumors site, via NPB Tracker:
Daily Sports has a report saying that the Braves have some interest in signing Hidetaka Kawagoe, who was release by the Orix Buffaloes at the end of the season. Kawagoe, 36, moved from the rotation to the bullpen during the 2009 season, and profiles better as a reliever regardless of which league he next plays in. The Chiba Lotte Marines have also been kicking the tires on Kawagoe, and appear to be his most likely destination if he stays in Japan.
I have no idea why we'd be interested in him. Here are his career numbers in Japan, not very impressive. He's been a middle-of-the-rotation starter most of his career until last year. Could the Braves see something in him that no one else does? Are they trying to pull off another Mike Remlinger-esque switch from the rotation to the pen? Let's see how long it takes Mark Bowman to shoot this rumor down.
0 recs | 25 comments
Well, if he’s cheap, which most of these low profile free agent Japanese guys are, it never hurts to have another possible arm for the bullpen.
cbwilk - November 14, 2009
Patrick of NPB Tracker says he's nothing mroe than organizational filler.
PWHjort - November 14, 2009
It’s the Japanese press, they tend to make things up.
Lennox - November 14, 2009
Why ?
Enough with looking at starting pitching seriously. Come on we already half to unload a starter this year hopefully D. Lowe to free up some cash. Secondly this guy is having a problem making it in the Japanese league and it is just another waste of money.
I don’t care that he is going to be a organizational filler it is still a waste of time.
Holty_Panthers_Fan - November 14, 2009
Or he is going to be a bullpen guy stuck in AAA for sure so why waste the cash or a roster spot at that level ?
Holty_Panthers_Fan - November 14, 2009
Exactly
Why do the Braves even care about this guy? The Braves have plenty of guys that can pitch. They need someone who can hit and a closer. This guy ain’t a closer.
John Holton - November 14, 2009
never hurts to have a bevy of
good relievers.
Mr. Sanchez - November 15, 2009
I think we should kick the tires on John Wetteland.
TradeAndruw - November 14, 2009
too early
Swo12bv - November 14, 2009
No thanks.
Scott Coleman - November 14, 2009
if true...
…it hints that Wren is serious about building a welcoming environment to Japanese players. That would include keeping KK. Then you have to ask, who is Wren trying to lure to Atlanta?
Hideki Matsui, anyone?
There are several negatives with Matsui, including fielding and age – though Garrett Anderson proves the front office does not place a high value on fielding. The other glaring problem is that he is represented by “super agent” Arn Tellem.
hollerin' brave - November 14, 2009
theres no way
we sign Matsui. He can’t play the field anymore. Not to mention, like you said, Hideki is represented by an agency FW said he would never work with again.
Scott Coleman - November 14, 2009
Yeah, but other than that it makes perfect sense.
Yakker - November 15, 2009
1B only...
no way Matsui would be for LF.
Mr. Sanchez - November 15, 2009
That is quite a jump there…
justincredubil02 - November 14, 2009
or it could be that a trusted Japan scouting source is advocating Hidetaka Kawagoe for reasons that we are not privy to.
fandave - November 14, 2009
quite a jump, but...
…let’s just compare his to Garrett Anderson.
In 2009, GA had a UZR of -11.8, which I know is not the best gauge of fielding of ability. In 2008, HM had a UZR of -2.3 in left field. And I know a year can make a lot of difference. Anderson had a 22 point swing from 2008 to 2009. The point is, we’re not afraid of bad LFers.
Bill James projects .282 with 23 HRs and 88 RBIs for HM next year. That doesn’t seem worth while for 13 million dollars, not to mention the fielding.
I am in no way suggesting the Braves should go down this path, but it is interesting to see who is a Japanese free agent and what sort of culture Wren may be trying to build. Anyone have any idea who else would fit that criteria?
hollerin' brave - November 15, 2009
Ichiro Suzuki.
Get. It. Done.
Yakker - November 15, 2009
hahah
yeah, lets do it!
Scott Coleman - November 15, 2009
why stop there
bring Kenji JOhjima back… trade for Iwamora….So Taguchi is available i think
Swo12bv - November 15, 2009
I think it is a jump to say that because the Braves are interested in a Japanese pitcher (for the 2nd year in a row) then, that means they must be trying to bring in Matsui. Matsui doesn’t fit anywhere near Atlanta, no matter how many fellow countrymen there are here.
Sure, the Braves signed a bad OFer last year…hopefully, that means that they learned their lesson, not that they will do it agian.
justincredubil02 - November 15, 2009
I wanted Matsui when he first come to MLB
But I dont want him on his way out >.<
Still a good hitter but not worth the price imo
Although….he might not make a bad 1B!?!
Trek - November 16, 2009
Matusi in a Braves' uniform
i think i just threw up a little bit in my mouth.
apoxonbothyourhouses - November 15, 2009
“I think we should mate.”
“What?”
“Uhh…i think we should date!”
“Ugh.”
“What’s wrong”
“Oh nothing…I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.”
Scott Coleman - November 15, 2009
you know in some countries they only eat vomit
ive never been there
but i read about it
in a book
Swo12bv - November 15, 2009
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