Here are two quick international items to chew on before the game.
- Apparently, the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, a Japanese team (Pacific League), are interested in signing Eric Hinske this offseason. They like Hinske for his left-handed power against righties (enjoy New York while you still can, Eric) and reportedly tried to sign him a year go.
- In addition, NPB Tracker notes that Yusei Kikuchi, the young lefty who is torn as to whether or not he should pursue a career in Japan or the MLB, has scheduled a press conference for tomorrow. The conference will likely serve as the forum for his decision, which, to this point, is still unclear.
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2 Responses to International Bits: Hinske, Kikuchi
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TIQ IQ
Wouldn’t it be smarter for Yusei Kikuchi to sign as an international free agent in the MLB? Assuming he becomes a successful major leaguer, this move would allow him to bypass the Japanese draft (and its team control requirements), maximizing his earning potential. He can always move back to Japan in the latter years of his career.
I think that’s why he’s considering it. One would believe that it’s the best option for him, at least financially. It’s considered very taboo for him, though, to skip out on the draft and sign with the MLB. If he were to change his mind, for example, after joining an MLB club, he would be banned for a certain amount of time—3 years, I believe—before being allowed to return to Japanese baseball.