BASEBALL

Pitcher Igarashi looks to major leagues

Tuesday 10th November, 07:18 AM JST

TOKYO —

Yakult Swallows pitcher Ryota Igarashi filed for free agency on Monday, saying he wants to play in the U.S. major leagues.

A total of 87 players in Japan’s professional leagues became eligible for free agency on Monday. Japanese players must wait nine seasons before becoming free agents to test the overseas market or eight seasons to change teams within Japan.

Igarashi, a 30-year-old right-hander used primarily as a relief pitcher, went 3-2 with three saves and a 3.19 ERA in 56 games this season. His best season was 2004 when he had 37 saves and 86 strikeouts in 66 games.

Igarashi said he decided to try to sign with a major league team after attending the American League Championship Series between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels.

“It was a great atmosphere,” Igarashi told a media conference. “I pictured myself on the mound and after consulting with my family decided I wanted to give it a shot.”

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7 Comments

sfjp330 at 10:34 AM JST - 10th November

At 98.75 mph, Igarashi holds the record for the fastest pitch thrown by a Japanese pitcher in a NPB game. Correct me on not trusting mph readings coming from NPB. Tazawa was supposed to hit 97mph and sit at 93-94, yet he rarely hits 94mph, Matsuzaka was supposed to hit 97mph, yet he rarely ever touches 94 and sits around 90-91mph. Time will tell.
chuckers at 10:57 AM JST - 10th November

Igarashi hit his prime about 4-5 years ago. I think he is on the downward slope now. He sat out all of 2007 due to injury and 2008 had a W-L-S-H record of 3-2-3-12 in 44 games and this year 3-2-3-29 in 56 games.

A few years ago, he was something to fear. Now, I am not so sure.
pathat at 11:40 AM JST - 10th November

Igarashi will probably run into a couple of big problems in the U.S. First, his velocity is nothing special for MLB. And, more importantly, he has a throwing motion where he "cocks" his arm and the batter gets a very good view of the ball before it ever leaves his hand. I'd be surprised if he doesn't have a gopher ball problem if he goes to the U.S.

I wonder if he'll do well in the U.S. If I were a GM in MLB, I'd also remember the case of Shinji Mori before doling out too much money to Igarashi.
some14some at 02:30 PM JST - 10th November

If at all he joins MLB, the DL (disabled list) count will go up by one, will seldom see his play live on NHK-BS.
Sapporo77 at 03:58 PM JST - 10th November

Washed up. They need to change this 9 year rule. Guys like Darvish etc will never go over.
jojo_in_japan at 10:28 PM JST - 10th November

Guys like Darvish etc will never go over.

Darvish already said he'll NEVER go to the US
DaDude at 12:24 AM JST - 13th November

Come over to the Angels, we can use an extra stopper in the bullpen as Darren Oliver is probably a goner.