Yet Another Minor Leaguer to Attempt a Move to MLB
Former SoftBank Hawks pitcher Michinao Yamamura is the latest released NPB minor leaguer to announce he’s taking a shot at signing on with an American organization. He’ll be flying to Arizona on the 25th to spend 4 days playing winter league games and trying out. “My agent is talking to a number of teams about a minor league contract. Ever since I threw in international games in college, going overseas has been a dream,” said the righthander. Yamamura, 30, has made 25 appearances at the top level in Japan, going 2-2 with a 3.58 era in 27 2/3 innings.
I can’t remember ever hearing about this many released  minor leaguers attempting to move to MLB organizations in a single offseason. Perhaps I’m paying more attention this year.
So far, I’ve come across:
- Shigeki Noguchi
- Ken Kadokura
- Kazuhiro Takeoka
- Katsuhiko Maekawa
- Takateru Iyono
- Tatsuya Ozeki
- Ryohei Tanaka
- Michinao Yamamura
All of these players have been released by their NPB organizations. With the exception of Kadokura, Noguchi, and Maekawa, none of them spent that much time at the top level in Japan. Even if they are signed, most of these guys are more likely to be organizational players rather than actual MLB prospects, but it’s still an interesting trend.
11/01/2009 at 1:22 pm Permalink
Even if they are signed, most of these guys are more likely to be organizational players rather than actual MLB prospects, but it’s still an interesting trend.
Yeah, I agree though Kadokura, Noguchi, and Maekawa could at least muster spring training invites. If Kuwata spent time with the Pirates, I’m sure there’s at least 1 team maybe the Pirates that will give a cup of coffee to either Kadokura or Noguchi. Though, I agree that these players are all organizational depth at best, but it is a interesting trend that so many released NPB players are seeking opportunities in the MLB minors.