Kei Igawa is the Answer....NOT!
This little bit comes from Keith Law's "Top 40 Free agents". Igawa comes only at 31st, behind the likes of Borowski (sigh). I like his "mini-scouting" on the players, especially the pitchers, of the list. Not quite sure he would be the solution, and certainly not as our #3 starter.
Share your thoughts:
"One of the best left-handed starters in Japan, Igawa wasn't expected to come over this winter as a free agent, but his current employer, the Hanshin Tigers, has apparently made an about-face and will post him this week. Igawa is primarily a two-pitch pitcher, with a below-average fastball in the 84-88 mph range with a little run, and a plus 74-79 mph curveball with a late two-plane break. He has a slight stabbing motion at the start of his delivery, but stays on top of the ball well, giving the curve its good depth and creating some downhill plane to his otherwise flat fastball. He also has average command and plus control.
The downside to Igawa is that his fastball may be a little short for MLB hitters, in which case, he'll end up a reliever, and probably a good one with that plus curve as a lefty-killing weapon. (He does throw an occasional changeup, but prefers to use his curve to get righties out as well.) The upside would be if his quick delivery makes the ball hard enough for hitters to pick up that his fastball plays up to average, in which case he could certainly pitch in the back end of an NL rotation. He's also an ideal candidate to learn a splitter, although that's a common pitch in Asia and it would be a surprise if he hadn't already tried one."
I mean, two pitches? And one of them below average?
Shiza Minelli I hope I'm not breaking any laws here...
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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23 comments
Comments
he's interesting...
Guess he's a poor mans matsuzaka :P
by Patblue on Nov 13, 2006 5:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
He's a poor man's Borowski...
by Chitown Mojo on Nov 13, 2006 6:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
If his fastball..
He's been a winner in Japan, and will come way cheaper than Matsuzaka. Depending on the price, I'd say he's worth a flyer.
by Al on Nov 13, 2006 6:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Law
Igawa hits 88-91 mph on his fastball. He's easily a better prospect than Joe Borowski. The guys I hear him compared to are Doug Davis or Jarrod Washburn.
He is, however, not a sure thing. Many have questioned his makeup and ability to make the transition to MLB.
by Josh77 on Nov 13, 2006 6:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Radar gun is so overrated
To be a successful pitcher, Maddux says you need:
- Location
- Movement
- Velocity
It's not all about the speed.
* Unless you play the majority of your games against the Cubs, who are genetically incapable of taking a pitch or drawing a walk.
by Tom on Nov 13, 2006 7:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yup Al...
by Chitown Mojo on Nov 13, 2006 6:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
by BlueMike on Nov 13, 2006 6:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ted Lilly, Gil Meche
by BlueMike on Nov 13, 2006 6:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Lilly might want to sign with a west coast team...
by PriorandAramisfan23 on Nov 13, 2006 11:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You're probably right Josh...
by Chitown Mojo on Nov 13, 2006 6:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Chitown...
It's like you just went through the same humor class that Borat did.
by theprognosticator on Nov 13, 2006 7:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
My wife
by cubbiejulie on Nov 14, 2006 8:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
There ya go...
by Chitown Mojo on Nov 13, 2006 8:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I suspect the diary title to be...
by Chitown Mojo on Nov 13, 2006 8:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Meche or Randy Wolf, Please
Kei Igawa is NOT the Answer!
Kei Igawa is the Answernot
Kei Igawa is the Answer pause not!
Kei Igawa is the Answer.................
...............................
..........................NOT!
by Goat Whisperer on Nov 13, 2006 8:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
why oh why
he has done nothing with his career- if you sign an innings eater 4th starter make sure he can actually eat innings (Meche cannot) and keep a decent whip (cant do that either)
by ksucubbie on Nov 13, 2006 8:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Kei Igawa is the Answer....NOT!
by cubsluver22 on Nov 13, 2006 9:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
He'd only need..
by Macy on Nov 13, 2006 10:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

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