OT: Yu Darvish Plans To Play In MLB In 2012

[Raps in 4]

I don't know how many people know or care about his personality, but does anyone have any insight on what kind of a person he is? The only interviews I saw of him were during the WBC, and I only know of a few tidbits about some troubles early on in his career and his cult status in Japan.

BC, is that you?

[NeverGoingToWin]

http://bis.npb.or.jp/eng/2011/games/s2011102901794.html

His team lost game 1 today. Gave up 1 run in 7 innings.

4 hits and a BF of 24. I have no idea what BF stands for but his was higher than the other pitchers.

I think they are out if they lose game 2 so I will be cheering for the other team.

[5DOM]

BF = Batters faced

[-MetA4-]

You can watch his start here:

http://www.justin.tv/asdfg585/b/298631204?

[NeverGoingToWin]

Darvish's team lost again so they are out of the playoffs.

[hyper316]

nice, let the rumours continue! darvish is the best FA pitcher out there. CJ Wilson just lost himself millions of dollars by his horrible performance the playofs

[S.W.A.N]

Well CC off the market. I still think Yu is best option out there. Go get it done AA

[Wo1verine]

I'd rather spend money on Fielder than Darvish, but either way it would be nice to see Rogers actually spend big $$ on a top free agent.

[baulderdash77]

I'd rather spend money on a starting pitcher and a closer than Fielder since those are our 2 largest needs by far.

I haven't seen Darvish throw but his numbers are so dominant that you have to take a run at him. I'd still like to see CJ Wilson too despite his playoff problems this year.

[NeverGoingToWin]

Has anybody heard anything this week about when we should know if he will be posted or not?

[NeverGoingToWin]

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseb ... e-1.972701

Of course, Darvish will have to prove he can overcome the challenges that face any Japanese pitcher who plays in the majors. In addition to living in an unfamiliar culture where few in the organization speak your native language, Japanese pitchers must contend with technical differences in the game.

The two places play with different baseballs — the seams are higher on Japanese balls, making it easier to attain the tight spin that makes breaking balls effective. The strike zones are different. The mounds are slightly higher and less firm in Japan than they are in the majors, a second executive familiar with the Japanese game says.

How many people knew they use a different baseball?

[Skin Blues]

I remember reading about the different balls a few years ago... maybe with a Colby Lewis story or something.

[j127]

What strike zone rules did they use in the World Baseball Classic? Darvish pitched effectively there.

[NeverGoingToWin]

Dice K pitched well in that too. I do not think they are necessarily taking shots at him or the league. I think people are honestly trying to figure out why pitchers from Japan have not had more success.

[dballislife]

darvish japan numbers destroy dice k's...even then dice k put up good numbers starting his career but injuries just hit, then he just forgot how to pitch...most japanese pitchers dont work out becus they dont put up amazing numbers in japan or have filthy stuff to offer like yu...hes worth 125 million this summer

[agkagk]

let me start by saying ive never been a big believer in too many of the japanese arms that have come over-- from irabu to daiskee, thay all looked terribly overrated, that said darvish looks very very legit to me---id love to see him in toronto, the talent, the hype, the media coverage, the energy....the reasons why this would be a good thing go on and on


.....on the otherhand, this up coming season reminds me of a few years ago, when JP Richardi signed zambrano, chen etc..... and royally pissed off the fans --- the truth of the matter was JP believed in litch, mcgowan and marcum-- and he didnt want to put undo hype on them by calling em out in the media.....

With villanueva, mcgowan, alvarez, mills, morrow and cecil already in tow, and with some kind of combination of guys like jenkins, hutch, molina, Deck expected to arrive next season, the jays should probably stay out of the FA fray and give the kids room to grow.

My solution is sign a good number 3, preferably a lefty, such as Mark Buehrle.


AA is about to enter a really really tough stag, he's got to figure out what to do with literally 30 prospects who should all be ready in the next 2 years---frankly, theres no room to develop all those assets, and as such signing FA's doesnt make sense! I expect him to do the smart thing and start trading prospects by the boadload, otherwise, the opportunity cost of having this many youngsters, will inevitably force AA to squander too many young assets

[flatjacket1]

Hes the only FA I'd consider getting, just because of the compensation pick. We don't have to pay it. Which is nice, you know, to have 3 first round picks in one year (If KJ leaves for a contender).

To me it makes sense whether we sign him or not, so whatever happens, happens.