Kikuchi Meetings, MLB Round 1
Now, it’s getting interesting. Yusei Kikuchi has completed his first round of meetings with MLB clubs. The media reports lack the level of detail that the reports on the NPB meetings had. I think this is reflective of the Japanese teams wanting to use the media to lure, Kikuchi, while MLB teams are being tighter-lipped. Here’s a rundown.
Rangers:Â sent Jim Colborn and lefty Derek Holland; espoused the team’s development system and let Kikuchi ask questions.
Dodgers:Â sent Logan White, who was quoted in Nikkan Sports: “we didn’t tell him not to go to Japanese team” and the Yomiuri: “he’s among the top class of amateurs from any country. He certainly has the ability to play in the majors.”
SF Giants: pointed out that the Giants have a Japanese trainer for their 3A team; explained the team’s methods of practicing and training.
Red Sox: did not to the the media; it’s unknown what was discussed.
So if any financial details have been discussed so far, no one’s saying. Meetings conclude tomorrow with the Mariners, Mets, Yankees and Indians.
For more on Kikuchi, check out the posts on day one and day two of his meetings with NPB clubs, and our profile of the young lefty.
19/10/2009 at 9:51 am Permalink
Sounds like he’s leaning towards NPB. What do you think? By the way, looks like Johjima will return to Japan.
19/10/2009 at 10:11 am Permalink
Hard to say at this point. Most of what we’re getting at this point is coming from the teams, and the Japanese are talking way more.
I mentioned Johjima’s situation last week here: http://www.npbtracker.com/2009/10/hanshins-shopping-list/#content
I’m actually mildly surprised that he did it.
19/10/2009 at 11:53 am Permalink
I guess Joh has so much money now that satisfying his competitive instincts is more important than making $5-10m more.
19/10/2009 at 2:46 pm Permalink
Well, it’s not like he’s going on the dole in Japan…