Re: AMAZIN'S SIGN JAPANESE RIGHTY


Craig L wrote:
> AMAZIN'S SIGN JAPANESE RIGHTY
>
> By MARK HALE
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> January 18, 2006 -- The Mets have agreed in principle to a deal
> with pitcher Yusaku Iriki, according to a source familiar with the
> situation.
> Iriki, a 32-year-old righty who spent last year with the Nippon
> Ham Fighters in Japan, will get a one-year deal which also includes a team
> option, the source said. The deal, which is pending a physical today, is
> worth slightly less than $1 million and also includes approximately $500,000
> in potential incentives, according to the source.
>
> Iriki is likely to be used as an arm that can start a game or
> come out of the bullpen, which would provide insurance...

This appears to be a worthless signing. Based on the comment below
from the Japan Baseball Daily site I can't believe we are paying him 1
million. My concern is that he will be taking a rooster spot from one
our young prospects like Bannister or Scobie.

I found some stats and a brief comment on the following sites:

http://www.japaneseballplayers.com/en/player.php?id=yiriki

http://www.japanbaseballdaily.com/pacificleague1-17-2006.html

"Pitcher Yusaku Iriki should be in the U.S. right now talking with an
MLB team bout its offer. That team is rumored to be the Mets and they
are said to have offered Iriki a major league contract rather than a
minor league deal or spring training invite. Not really sure how the
journeyman righthander is going to help the Metroplitans. His 2005
left/right splits weren't good at .287/.235 with a below average WHIP
of 1.41. If you project that to MLB, you are looking at better than
..310/.260 or so. Not exactly a shutdown type hurler."

Ed D

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: AMAZINS SIGN JAPANESE RIGHTY
    ... >> with pitcher Yusaku Iriki, according to a source familiar with the ... > from the Japan Baseball Daily site I can't believe we are paying him 1 ... > MLB team bout its offer. ...
    (alt.sports.baseball.ny-mets)
  • Re: AMAZINS SIGN JAPANESE RIGHTY
    ... >> with pitcher Yusaku Iriki, according to a source familiar with the ... > MLB team bout its offer. ... Ed's point about a roster spot seems spot on. ...
    (alt.sports.baseball.ny-mets)