More Kikuchi News: Back Ache and Mets Interest
Hanamaki Higashi has advanced to the semi-finals at Koshien, but not without a little scare — ace pitcher and current MLB scout darling Yusei Kikuchi left the mound in the fifth inning with back pain. Third baseman Takuro Sarukawa took to the hill and finished the game as Hanamaki won in extra innings.
Kikuchi did not appear to be seriously hurt as he watched the game from the top step of the dugout and even joined the team for a conference on the mound. He had his back x-rayed, but no irregularities were found. Said Kikuchi,”there was pain, so just in case, I had it checked. Tomorrow I’m going to take care of my body and not throw. I will consult with my manager about the semi-final game.” I’d be surprised if he doesn’t play.
Meanwhile, Mets GM Omar Minaya has commented on having some interest in the lefty.Gossipy publication ZakZak quotes Minaya as saying, “I haven’t seen him throw myself, but I’ve heard his name. He wants to come to the majors? If so we’ll continue watching him”. Mets Pacific Rim Scout Isao Ojimi commented “I don’t thoughtlessly tell high school students ‘come to the majors’. However he [Kikuchi] is different. If his hope it is to take the challenge, it would be a waste not to.”
I’m going to shelve this topic until the end of Koshien, and just enjoy the rest of the tournament. We’ll see what happens after that.
22/08/2009 at 6:35 pm Permalink
if he decided to go to the majors and sign when would it take place? im guessing over the winter? thanks…
22/08/2009 at 11:33 pm Permalink
Came in down 3-0 with bases loaded and 2 outs…
3-RBI hit then groundout. Started next inning giving an HR and got sent back
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23/08/2009 at 12:39 am Permalink
Yeah, I saw that rbi double and then got pulled away. It was 6-0 at that point and didn’t look like it would be much of a game… and it wasn’t.
nm, he’d have to decide before the NPB draft in October and then akaik be allowed to sign whenever he wanted.