[EmpireWF]

From The Cleveland Plain Dealer blog...

"It appears Tampa Bay has won the bidding right for Japanese third baseman Akinori Iwamura. The Devil Rays reportedly outbid the Indians, San Diego and Boston for the left-handed hitter. The Yakult Swallows, Iwamura's club, are expected to announce the winning bid Wednesday or Thursday."

Very interesting. I wonder how much they won the bidding with since they're known to be a very stingy franchise when it comes to the payroll.

[azrael492]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

From The Cleveland Plain Dealer blog...

"It appears Tampa Bay has won the bidding right for Japanese third baseman Akinori Iwamura. The Devil Rays reportedly outbid the Indians, San Diego and Boston for the left-handed hitter. The Yakult Swallows, Iwamura's club, are expected to announce the winning bid Wednesday or Thursday."

Very interesting. I wonder how much they won the bidding with since they're known to be a very stingy franchise when it comes to the payroll.

It could not have been a high bid. Not only are the Devil Rays cheap, the Indians are also a thrifty club. I am going to look up his stats to see how good he was.

[Lefty Noob]

Why would the Tribe want him? Is Aaron Boone on his way out or something?

[soriano33]

2004
Yakult Swallows.300441031602005Yakult Swallows.319301021752006Yakult Swallows.31132 77167


Here are his stats for the last 3 years (AVG, HR, RBI, H) Pretty good numbers, but does this tranlate to the MLB? we'll see

[soriano33]

2004 .300 44 103 160
2005 .319 30 102 175
2006 .311 32 77 167
sorry about previous post

[azrael492]

It may not translate to a great player, but it does mean he can handle the bat.Those kinds of numbers are good no matter what league you are in. I have seen kids called up from AA ball with numbers not that good.