According to David Waldstein: Mets Near a Deal With Ryota Igarashi
“The Mets are close to signing Ryota Igarashi, a Japanese pitcher, to a two-year deal” rumored to be around 1 million per.
Before you start blasting away, keep this in mind. Based on the rumors the Yankees, Redsox, Indians, M’s and others were also interested and scouts believe he could be an effective setup man on the MLB level.
So it appears that Omar has done a good job here on a low risk deal. Perhaps he chose the Mets because Omar speaks Japanese?
Update: Metsblog also has some good information: “Mets GM Omar Minaya had been in contact with Bobby Valentine, in an effort to learn more about Igarashi, according to a report in November from Hochi Sports.”
Added to by Metro:
The Mets have come to terms with 30 year old right-handed reliever Ryota Igarashi. Igarashi is known for a blazing FB and poor control. He is on record as having the fastest pitch in Japanese Baseball history. His deal is rumored to be 2 years worth between 2 and 4 million total. Igarashi comes to the Mets via recommendation by Bobby Valentine….Gotta admit knowing that Omar listens to Bobby on this makes me believe Valentine coming back is a REAL option. Mets start slow, Manuel on the ropes, Valentine out of a job, ticket sales lagging… what move gets the backpage of the paper, WFAN talking, fans talking? I’d say the inventor of a Wrap would do that best.
62 comments
Mr North Jersey
12/15/2009-3:45pm at 3:45 pm (UTC -4)
If the objective is playing it safe with low risk moves then Omar definitely deserves recognition.
trs86
12/15/2009-3:47pm at 3:47 pm (UTC -4)
Looking at what a guy like Brandon Lyon got, we did well here even if this guy can’t pitch. LOL.
Mr North Jersey
12/15/2009-3:47pm at 3:47 pm (UTC -4)
Is there any word on signing Marquis? I hear he actually wants to join the Mets.
trs86
12/15/2009-3:47pm at 3:47 pm (UTC -4)
The Mets only view him a one year guy and he currently wants more. If he gets Garlanded then I expect him to be here.
Kingman 26
12/15/2009-3:52pm at 3:52 pm (UTC -4)
I want to join the Mets too…but, like Marquis, I am not really that good at the major league level….
Mr North Jersey
12/15/2009-3:56pm at 3:56 pm (UTC -4)
when it comes to the Mets you are only good if you fit the budget.
CY Young himself at his best would be hard pressed to crack this rotation.
trs86
12/15/2009-3:57pm at 3:57 pm (UTC -4)
Just not true but anyway. Have fun with it. I guess Johan fit the budget as well as Pedro or even Glavine for that matter. Perhaps Perez too.
Mr North Jersey
12/15/2009-3:57pm at 3:57 pm (UTC -4)
ahh the good ol days
trs86
12/15/2009-4:02pm at 4:02 pm (UTC -4)
Can’t really debate this one gotta go coach some basketball.
But do you really think the Mets could not afford Lackey?
I personally don’t think they wanted to pay 6/110 or whatever it would have taken to get him to choose the Mets over the Sox. Considering he did not even give the Mets a chance to make a 2nd offer I would assume this discussion is pointless anyway.
Mr North Jersey
12/15/2009-4:20pm at 4:20 pm (UTC -4)
You should know by now my views on money and should not be surprised by my comments.
I see one thing wins and losses if pinero meche marquis garland or anyone else that omar signs turn out to be great he will get all the accolades he deserves. Till then he gets no praise. When I see what Pro scouts consider to be better pitchers out there and we don’t get them well yes I will be peeved.
You want to believe that Meche and Duke will be solid signings? Fine then sign them and if they are again all the accolades to Omar for a heads up move nominate him for GM of the year. I will be 1st to vote.
Heck maybe the best move Omar will make is no move at all and allow the farm system to step in and fill the holes.
But it’s all about results Omar has used up all his cred with me.
End of May we are not competitive or as soon as we fall 5 below it’s off with his head.
gipperpdx
12/15/2009-4:22pm at 4:22 pm (UTC -4)
Amen!
Mr North Jersey
12/15/2009-4:49pm at 4:49 pm (UTC -4)
trs86
12/15/2009-10:59pm at 10:59 pm (UTC -4)
I for one do care about bad signings because bad signings turn into Castillo’s Perez’s and Lowe’s. There is a reason that no other team was even willing to go 5 years on Lackey.
Mr North Jersey
12/15/2009-11:03pm at 11:03 pm (UTC -4)
And that is ok for you I just don’t share your opinion.
trs86
12/15/2009-11:18pm at 11:18 pm (UTC -4)
So you honestly don’t care about bad signings? Those bad signings are why we can’t get the players you want.
Mr North Jersey
12/15/2009-11:33pm at 11:33 pm (UTC -4)
I only care about a signing if it prevents the Mets from getting another player.
I think we had this discussion already remember? I said I only care about money if it prevents my team from getting a player that makes them better.
Mr North Jersey
12/15/2009-11:35pm at 11:35 pm (UTC -4)
Oh and if you are going to tell me that we are not signing Bay, Lackey or Holliday because of Castillo or Ollie then I want what your smoking.
trs86
12/16/2009-7:38am at 7:38 am (UTC -4)
But we may not have been able to sign Bay AND Lackey because of it.
Kingman 26
12/15/2009-3:59pm at 3:59 pm (UTC -4)
Silly, silly, silly.
Kingman 26
12/15/2009-3:50pm at 3:50 pm (UTC -4)
“Perhaps he chose the Mets because Omar speaks Japanese?” HAHA!
Metro, great info on Bobby V and I totally agree.
Bobby V predicted Ichiro would be the best Japanese player in MLB….
trs86
12/15/2009-3:55pm at 3:55 pm (UTC -4)
He also recommended Kaz and Shinjo but who cares?
Kingman 26
12/15/2009-4:02pm at 4:02 pm (UTC -4)
Definitely a topic we need to agree to disagree on.
No one is perfect.
Bobby V has the 3rd best record of all Met managers, and won a pennant with far, far less talent than Gil or Davey. No comparison.
Piazza, Ventura, Edgardo, Leiter, Hampton, a good pen and not too much else.
trs86
12/15/2009-4:05pm at 4:05 pm (UTC -4)
LOL, I was honestly saying who cares that he recommended those guys?
Not starting this debate again.
Kingman 26
12/15/2009-4:20pm at 4:20 pm (UTC -4)
Oh man, I am sorry!!
No more of this debate!!
LOL!
dirtysanchez
12/15/2009-3:51pm at 3:51 pm (UTC -4)
The mets should hire bobby to be a Japanese scout
manicmcreynolds
12/15/2009-3:52pm at 3:52 pm (UTC -4)
Projected April 2010 (7-man) bullpen:
RHP:
Rodriguez
Igarashi
Stokes
Green
Parnell
LHP:
Feliciano
Misch
Would like a better 2nd LHP, with Misch as a quad-A spot starter, but I’ll take it.
trs86
12/15/2009-3:56pm at 3:56 pm (UTC -4)
I expect one more of those to be gone and another guy brought in. Just don’t know who. Obviously not Krod, Igarashi, or Feliciano.
stickguy
12/15/2009-4:13pm at 4:13 pm (UTC -4)
don’t count out that Everts guy making it as the 2nd lefty.
could be some interesting competition in ST for the BP filler roles. Hopefully it ends up being a hard decision!
wannybackstra
12/15/2009-4:56pm at 4:56 pm (UTC -4)
I’ll count out Everts as the 2nd lefty.
He throws with his right hand.
stickguy
12/15/2009-5:40pm at 5:40 pm (UTC -4)
stop getting hung up on the details Wanny.
why did I think he was a lefty? Of course, I never heard of him before the post the other day when the Mets signed him.
Too much made out of this handedness stuff anyway.
trs86
12/15/2009-11:01pm at 11:01 pm (UTC -4)
Most likely read it on Metsblog. LOL.
I think someone said he was good vs LHH.
Kingman 26
12/15/2009-3:58pm at 3:58 pm (UTC -4)
Looks pretty good…nice velocity, nice movement.
If Bobby V is consulting with the Mets, that is great. I know not everyone here is equally in love with him, but how many guys have won a pennant in the US and a title in Japan?
I want the team to go about 110-52 this year, but if we get off to a slow start, Bobby V is the best choice to come on in.
Then Teufel and Backman can move up in 2011 and be coaches and be ready to take over from Bobby V after he retires with a ring.
trs86
12/15/2009-4:00pm at 4:00 pm (UTC -4)
I will actually agree that compared to Teufel and Backman Bobby V is clearly the answer. Just hope it’s not limited to those 3.
Kingman 26
12/15/2009-4:05pm at 4:05 pm (UTC -4)
Well, between Bobby and Omar, they speak English, Spanish, Japanese, Greek, Swahili, Latin, Hebrew, Sumerian, Cantonese, and Arabic, so we will be in great shape for the international draft.
trs86
12/15/2009-4:06pm at 4:06 pm (UTC -4)
Very true. I have heard Jerry speaks Latin to the players during the drills. Yes I said Latin and not Latino.
Kingman 26
12/15/2009-4:21pm at 4:21 pm (UTC -4)
Latin for infield drills, and Cantonese for the outfield (I think Francoeur loves Chinese food).
DNDJohan aka kistics
12/15/2009-4:28pm at 4:28 pm (UTC -4)
you would need to speak mandarin for Wang.
Kingman 26
12/15/2009-4:35pm at 4:35 pm (UTC -4)
Ah, good call!!
manicmcreynolds
12/15/2009-4:34pm at 4:34 pm (UTC -4)
Dan Warthen’s brushing up his Farsi, for signing Yu Darvish.
Kingman 26
12/15/2009-4:36pm at 4:36 pm (UTC -4)
LOL! I would imagine Warthen has more than enough trouble with English!
GravediggerHebner
12/15/2009-4:45pm at 4:45 pm (UTC -4)
After Peterson and Warthen, I’ll settle for a pitching coach that speaks pitching.
trs86
12/15/2009-11:02pm at 11:02 pm (UTC -4)
Now that’s funny. I would love to hear those two talk actual pitching. Imagine that conversation, Grave if you get this try and put that together. That would be an incredible post.
wannybackstra
12/15/2009-4:59pm at 4:59 pm (UTC -4)
I’m not ready to anoint this fellow as the 8th inning set up guy. I’d still like another guy like a Kiko Calero to throw into the committee.
If either this guy or Parnell can harness their overpowering stuff, then fine.
But if not, I’d like to be able to fallback on Feliciano/Calero.
I’m really disappointed in Sean Green’s performance last year and hope that he rebounds this season.
GravediggerHebner
12/15/2009-5:03pm at 5:03 pm (UTC -4)
Killjoy. Can’t I enjoy this signing for an hour or so before Mr. Facts N. Reason comes along to destroy it?
wannybackstra
12/15/2009-5:15pm at 5:15 pm (UTC -4)
The news was posted almost an hour and a half ago! Your time has run out!
Here’s his stat line from baseballcube.com. One positive note is that since his injury his walk rate has been much much better (k rate down)!
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/I/Ryota-Igarashi.shtml
There’s no stat line for 2009, though.
GravediggerHebner
12/15/2009-5:21pm at 5:21 pm (UTC -4)
5’11″, 163. I hope it’s not windy when he pitches, he’ll blow over.
wannybackstra
12/15/2009-5:28pm at 5:28 pm (UTC -4)
Maybe Igarasha will be able to retire the lefthanded hitters that lefty specialist Ken Takahashi could not. Maybe they’d make a great reverse platoon.
I’d like to remind people that Takahashi was actually coveted by a few teams last spring, with the Mets only picking him up after the Blue Jays cut him loose.
trs86
12/15/2009-11:03pm at 11:03 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed, coveted by the Mets, Jays, O’s and Braves I think. Maybe Nats too.
wannybackstra
12/15/2009-5:17pm at 5:17 pm (UTC -4)
Here’s his 2009 line (don’t have the BB stats, tho):
3W 2L 3SV 3.19ERA 56G 53.2IP 44K
K rate down some more.
manicmcreynolds
12/15/2009-5:26pm at 5:26 pm (UTC -4)
K rate will go up once he regains control of his Ultimate Galactic Dragon Gyroball Pitch Power Explosion.
Also has a plus slider.
ha.
GravediggerHebner
12/15/2009-5:33pm at 5:33 pm (UTC -4)
I asked google translate to turn the name you gave that pitch into Japanese:
究極ã®éŠ€æ²³ç³»ãƒ‰ãƒ©ã‚´ãƒ³ã‚¸ãƒ£ã‚¤ãƒãƒœãƒ¼ãƒ«ãƒ”ッãƒãƒ‘ワー爆発
GravediggerHebner
12/15/2009-5:35pm at 5:35 pm (UTC -4)
Then for fun I copied and pasted the Japanese text into the translator and asked it to translate it into English:
Ultimate galactic explosion Doragonjairoborupitchipawa
wannybackstra
12/15/2009-5:37pm at 5:37 pm (UTC -4)
Here is a link to the search results:
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4HPND_enUS316US234&q=%e7%a9%b6%e6%a5%b5%e3%81%ae%e9%8a%80%e6%b2%b3%e7%b3%bb%e3%83%89%e3%83%a9%e3%82%b4%e3%83%b3%e3%82%b8%e3%83%a3%e3%82%a4%e3%83%ad%e3%83%9c%e3%83%bc%e3%83%ab%e3%83%94%e3%83%83%e3%83%81%e3%83%91%e3%83%af%e3%83%bc%e7%88%86%e7%99%ba&safe=strict
(I wouldn’t dare open any of the sites)
GravediggerHebner
12/15/2009-5:41pm at 5:41 pm (UTC -4)
I find only two links there, and when I clicked on both they seemed to be places where you could open up web based email accounts.
One was called “hotdocs” and the other “blogari.”
manicmcreynolds
12/15/2009-5:56pm at 5:56 pm (UTC -4)
That’s excellent.
For the record, I took the term from an Onion article about Dice-K:
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/excited_red_sox_fans_eagerly_await
Hooray for nerd humor!
manicmcreynolds
12/15/2009-5:17pm at 5:17 pm (UTC -4)
OK, Calero had a great 09 and might be a nice addition, giving Parnell more time at AAA or resulting in Green or Stokes DFA’d. But these middle relief roles are so hard to predict. I still gripe that they didn’t offer 3 years to Bradford after 06.
This appears to be a nice unconventional signing of a guy who darn well better be hungry to prove himself in MLB, NYC, USA.
GravediggerHebner
12/15/2009-5:27pm at 5:27 pm (UTC -4)
Here’s a link to an article about him on NPB tracker.
http://www.npbtracker.com/2009/12/multiple-offers-for-igarashi/#content
I like that they say “he’d received an offer from a team he wants to play for” and “he’s arguably the most attractive free agent reliever still unsigned.”
GravediggerHebner
12/15/2009-5:46pm at 5:46 pm (UTC -4)
Here’s a google translation of the article linked on NPB tracker about him receiving an offer from a team he liked:
Igarashi excited! Confirmed offer from a team like.
From Yakult pitcher Igarashi Ryouta FA aims to move to declare a major (30) for 13 days ahead of departure for individual training in Arizona flight from Narita. API would look up at the same facility in the current guideline for major adjustments to the law in individual training with the Red Sox Matsuzaka.
Ahead of schedule while performing exercises with the ball than usual to respond to major global “Japan and the major camps to hear a different method of adjustment,” he said.
Yakult has to tolerate the residual FA declaration, Igarashi admitted that the team received several offers from major “has come from the place that offers hope,” and revealed. The end of this month to join family members to stay one month or longer. There is a possibility to determine the transfer destination during travel, “is excited about the exhibition. I look forward in many ways,” he said.
manicmcreynolds
12/15/2009-6:00pm at 6:00 pm (UTC -4)
As long as he can perform those exercises with the ball while tolerating the residual FA declaration AND hearing a different method of adjustment, I’m on board.
oleosmirf
12/15/2009-5:51pm at 5:51 pm (UTC -4)
great signing IMO.
japenese pitchers always seem to puzzle the opponents early on in the season and he barely costs anything. Granted once they get used to him he might not be as effective but it’s definitely worth a try.
GravediggerHebner
12/15/2009-5:52pm at 5:52 pm (UTC -4)
And here’s the google translation of the article that is linked as his having received interest from four teams:
Igarashi coming to U.S. “offer from the team’s heart”
Major challenge for the FA from the Yakult Swallows pitcher Igarashi Ryouta declared (30) May 13, revealed that it was in talks with the team hope. On this day, for travel from Narita Airport in Arizona, individual training. There are certain teams interested in offers from several teams, suggesting a successful negotiation. That he hopes for a new start as a guardian of the year, “Igarashi major leaguers,” will likely have been born.
Igarashi is surrounded by reporters and a few fans left in the lobby, said the firm determination of happy expectations. “When able to go to the majors to be active, will form a big strong body. Are very excited.” Dreams for the success of the stage and pledged leap.
November 9 announced a major challenge to the Sun. “There is no feeling that any team,” but said, “I also hope that somehow (the offer) is coming,” said the team revealed that the first wish. The team is “not really,” and, Niowaseta that have been narrowed down to the transfer destination.
And his agent, Arn Teremu in touch almost daily, and check the pace. Pirates past, Baltimore, the local media have shown interest and that the Giants, “is chosen from the other story,” and stated that there are at least four or more offers from the team. Season’s salary is estimated at 8400 million yen and undervalued, in large measure the demand for relief pitchers. The Japanese rescue team Okajima, Kobayashi, Yabuta agreed also tend to 11 months and a relatively early decision.
Yakult has primarily served as a set of upper, in the hope that a major role as a guardian. Is lower than the Cubs and Tigers have been fixed, go for the first position as a guardian. Has already been in contact with the team in mind, “We want to win as soon as possible” and look bright.
Arizona is expected to stay about a month. This day’s daughter Saaya (6) was the curator of the presentation. “I have to go to the United States not seem well understood. Artisan that I have to say that Chu cheek” and also showed a wry smile. The FA, which show a stagnant U.S. market, which is likely to agree to stay. Yuki YUMOTO []
manicmcreynolds
12/15/2009-6:03pm at 6:03 pm (UTC -4)
Well, we could use a set of upper!
K-Rod is pretty defensive, however, about his role as guardian.
Too much fun.