TODAY: In another view of Suzuki’s market, Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe writes that “within the industry the Giants and Mariners are seen as the leading contenders” to land the outfielder.
Jan. 27: The consensus among general managers to whom Peter Gammons of The Athletic has spoken is that the Giants are perhaps the favorites to sign Suzuki (Twitter link). Again, it seems difficult to proclaim any concrete favorite when Suzuki has not yet traveled to the U.S. and is still planning multiple in-person meetings, but that bit of informed speculation is nevertheless of some note.
Elsewhere, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes that the Marlins, known to be in the market for another power bat in the outfield, “appreciate” Suzuki’s skill set and have some level of interest, though he characterizes the Fish as something of a long shot to actually push a deal across the finish line.
Jan. 26: Star Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder Seiya Suzuki is set to travel to the United States in preparation for face-to-face negotiations with Major League teams once the lockout is lifted, per a report from Japan’s Nikkan Sports. Suzuki and agent Joel Wolfe of Wasserman have already conducted virtual meetings with at least eight clubs, and they’ll continue prepping for advanced negotiations once the transaction freeze has thawed.
Nikkan’s report suggests that the Padres, Cubs, Mariners and Giants are “expected” to be among the finalists for Suzuki once negotiations resume. That’s not an exhaustive list, but it’s worth noting that all four host their Spring Training in Arizona, particularly given this report’s implication that teams with Spring Training camps in Florida may be at a disadvantage when it comes to negotiating with Suzuki. If that’s indeed the case, it’d be a welcome preference for the four “expected” finalists and the Rangers — who’ve also been tied to Suzuki thus far. The Red Sox, Yankees and Blue Jays — each of whom hosts Spring Training in Florida — have all been linked to Suzuki as well, however, and Yahoo Japan suggests the Red Sox could be an early favorite (although it seems dubious to crown any kind of front-runner after just nine days of talks and before Suzuki has had a single in-person meeting).
A 27-year-old right fielder who won his fifth NPB Gold Glove in 2021, Suzuki is regarded as the best player to jump from NPB to Major League Baseball since Shohei Ohtani. That’s not a comparison between the two, of course — far from it. Scouting reports on Suzuki peg him as a potential everyday right fielder who can hit for power and play average or better defense, however, which should generate plenty of interest around the league.
MLBTR spoke to multiple Major League evaluators prior to the point at which Suzuki was formally posted by the Hiroshima Carp, receiving generally favorable reviews and hearing at least once that Suzuki is currently the best player in Japan. Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times received a similar opinion back in August, and Sports Info Solution’s Ted Baarda took a lengthier look at Suzuki in early November.
Statistically, Suzuki checks every box. He posted a mammoth .317/.433/.636 batting line with 38 home runs, 26 doubles and nine steals in 533 plate appearances this past season in Japan, and that’s roughly in line with the type of production he’s delivered dating back to 2018. Over the past four seasons, Suzuki owns a .319/.435/.592 slash line with 121 home runs, 115 doubles and four triples in 2179 plate appearances. He’s also walked nearly as often as he’s punched out, drawing a free pass in 16.1% of his plate appearances against just a 16.4% strikeout rate since 2018.
Of course, it remains to be seen just how Suzuki will fare against more advanced pitching. Major League Baseball features, in particular, considerably higher velocity than NPB hitters face on the regular. That’s often led to some struggles from NPB hitters making the jump to North American ball — including recent examples like Yoshi Tsutsugo and Shogo Akiyama — but it should be stressed that Suzuki is younger than either was upon coming to MLB and has a much better offensive skill set.
Whenever the transaction freeze lifts, Suzuki will have 21 days remaining in his 30-day posting window. He and Wolfe are free to use the entirety of that three-week window to find a new club, although given the possibility (if not the likelihood) that the start of Spring Training will be delayed, it could behoove them to act sooner than later in order to begin the process of making the already difficult transition to Major League Baseball.
As a reminder, any team that signs Suzuki will also owe a release fee to the Carp. The current iteration of the NPB/MLB posting system stipulates that an MLB team must pay a fee equal to 20% of the contract’s first $25MM, plus 17.5% of the next $25MM, and 15% of any money spent thereafter. That’s on top of the actual value of the contract. So, for instance, a $55MM contract for Suzuki would come with a $10.125MM release fee — a total investment of $65.125MM.
Salary that can be unlocked via club/player options, performance incentives, etc. is not immediately factored in but does fall under the purview of the release fee once Suzuki reaches those thresholds. For example, in that same $55MM hypothetical, if Suzuki’s new team were to exercise a $10MM club option for an additional season, they’d owe the Carp an additional $1.5MM in release fees. Were Suzuki to unlock a $1MM bonus based on total plate appearances, another $150K of release fees would go to the Carp.
Irishblade
Come on mariners. We need another Suzuki!
48-team MLB
Atlanta/Seattle World Series?
Fever Pitch Guy
Sorry but most Red Sox fans know Pete Abe’s commentary is not something they would put any weight into (no pun intended). He doesn’t have the connections that guys like Gammons and Cafardo (RIP) had, despite working for the same paper. There are better sources on which to base speculation about Suzuki’s preference.
ceol.mor
Red Sox fans should know that Suzuki isn’t going anywhere near Fenway except during interleague play — with the GIANTS.
RickEO
If and i say if the Redsox want him the Redsox get him
Fever Pitch Guy
Yup, they certainly had stiff competition for Dice-K and still they found a way to sign him.
Jordan09
Rangers will sign him. Texas has one of the biggest Japanese market and the owners already said money is not a problem
Javia135
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Americans
These numbers look pretty definitive.
TMQ
No they don’t lol. How did you come up with the nonsense?
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
Seattle may not even make the postseason. Let’s get there first.
Stevil
He makes more sense for Seattle than any other currently available free agent. The most recent scouting reports praise his speed and defense, and the knock against using him in center is that it would be a waste of his powerful arm.
Really, his arm is too good for CF. That’s the gripe.
Seattle ranked dead-last in CF defense. They were 28th in LF defense and 26th in RF defense (FanGraphs). It’s not just offense they need.
Most Mariner fans think 3B is the greatest area of need, but I would disagree. It’s a need, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world if they gave Toro a few months and reassessed near the deadline.
That said, if they got Suzuki, one of Story/Bryant/Chapman, and another starting pitcher…
AlienBob
@Stevil
I totally agree. Landing Seiya Suzuki for no prospect cost really opens up a lot of trade possibilities. Trevor Story would blow the doors off. Suddenly the M’s would be sitting on a lot of trade capital that they need to move but only because kids like Fraley, Trammel and others have no where to play. That would be a nice place to be given the strength of their farm system.
houkenflouken
“Sitting on a lot of trade capital that they need to move” That is the opposite of a problem. Not a problem at all considering most of the “trade capitol” has minor league options
JoeBrady
Really, his arm is too good for CF. That’s the gripe.
=================================
How do you know that the gripe is not simply the fact that he’s never played CF? He started at age 19. In 9 years, his prime years, he’s played in CF in exactly one game.
I’d be hesitant to switch a player to a more challenging position. That was the error made in the RS Gonzo trade. It forced them to switch a good-fielding 1B over to 3B. It didn’t work with Suarez in Cincy or Torres in NY, although those were different positions. But how often does that work?
Stevil
prospectslive.com/prospects-live/2021/10/22/seiya-…
Scouting reports, Joe. It’s no different than recognizing tools and skill-sets with younger prospects. And it’s not a foreign concept with major-leaguers.
Apart from the better (and more recent) reports, I liked what I saw when the Carp played the Swallows. I made an effort to watch Yamada Tetsuto play and got a bonus. His athleticism is evident immediately.
Further, I’ve had the same feedback from local-area journalists and bloggers and the sentiment is the same.
If he lands in Seattle, don’t be surprised if he plays a lot of center.
Fever Pitch Guy
stev – Japanese players have a hard enough time adapting and adjusting their first year in MLB, it wouldn’t be wise to expect them to change positions too … at least not for a couple years.
Suzuki has a better chance of playing center for the Seattle Kraken than he does the Seattle Mariners.
Stevil
I’ve seen him in the field, I’ve read the reports, and Seattle’s needs are clear.
I wouldn’t bet against him playing center if he ends up in the PNW.
Cosmo2
He’s a big boy. He can handle moving and then playing a position that is virtually identical to the one he already plays. He doesn’t need to learn center, it’s a physical, athletic challenge, not a question of knowledge. Let’s stop babying these players, eh?
JoeBrady
Suzuki has a better chance of playing center for the Seattle Kraken than he does the Seattle Mariners.
=================================
My guess is that Suzuki won’t even consider a team that doesn’t have an opening in RF. It’s not just a risk for the team, it is a risk for him. Just imo, but if I were coming from Japan to play in the US, the last thing I’d want is to have to learn a new position, in addition to learning 100 new pitchers, and adjust to increased velocity.
Stevil
pssst…
In case you didn’t notice, the four teams cited all have right fielders. Some aren’t under contract much longer, or could feasibly move (or be moved), but he is clearly in fact at least considering teams with right fielders.
But by all means, keep assuming he’s restricting his market based on right field availability..
Chester Copperpot
He has a better chance playing a totally different sport than he does moving over 100ft of so to continue playing outfield? Holy hyperbole.
GarryHarris
Who is RS Gonzo?
BOS acquired OAK RF Tony Armas to play CF for the 1983 season. Armas was a decent CF. PIT acquired SFG 4th OF (mostly LF) Matty Alou to play CF for the 1966 season. Alou wasn’t a very good CF. That’s all I can think of off the top of my head.
compassrose
Why do you believe they can’t play Suzuki in RF? Haniger should have a lot of trade value now. They might need to move him when Rodriguez is ready could be right out of ST or a month or two into the season.
If Rodriguez has a great ST they could move Haniger for a SP or someone to play 3rd. Seattle has questions that need to be answered but adding another good-great player only makes the questions better.
RobM
@JoeBrady, reports indicate he’s a solid RFer whose strength comes from his arm. I’m sure he could fake CF for a bit, but unlikely he’s someone a contending team would put out in CF full time. I agree. I don’t see a RFer from Japan becoming a CFer in MLB.
Stevil
He wouldn’t be the first Suzuki to play RF and CF for Seattle.
Seriously, have any of you actually at least watched highlights of him in the field?
Have you seen who Seattle had in CF while Lewis was injured?
This isn’t a stretch.
Fever Pitch Guy
Chet – Did you really take my Kraken comment that literally?
slund24
Mariners would still need a CF as they currently do not have anyone that should be playing there everyday.
Bradleyd222
Prospects for Harrison Bader?
spudchukar
No. Bader seems to be coming into his own. (As weird ad that expression is). If the Cards can get a rebound out of his buddy DeJong the Red Birds are set. Another lefty reliever and a defense first lefty hitting catcher and bring on the season.
seamaholic 2
No, Literally no one thinks of him as a CF. He’s just not. I don’t see the Mariners fit myself. Not with all those young OF on the way. I would think they’d save their dollars for a 3B, unless the master plan is to trade one of those young guys for a corner IF.
Stevil
prospectslive.com/prospects-live/2021/10/22/seiya-…
See my comment about regarding local-area journalists and bloggers.
You may not see it, but I would bet you don’t follow Seattle as closely as I, or a number of other fans, do.
Feel free to suggest a better internal option.
Stevil
*See my comment ABOVE….
Damn auto-incorrect.
Dorothy_Mantooth
Rumor has is that Suzuki is a huge fan of Maine lobster so Boston sounds like the perfect destination for him!
48-team MLB
@Dorothy_Mantooth
The Halifax Demon Ducks sound like a better destination.
3Rivers
Ooooh put a sock in it Dorthy
Cosmo2
Plenty of write ups have described him as capable of playing CF.
The Natural
Unless i missed it, the article avoids the obvious. The proximity of Seattle and SF to Japan and the fact that two of the three cities in the US with the highest Japanese demographic are SF and Seattle.
SF could use another good OF–Seattle? Not so sure.
But all of Suzuki’s family and friends are a much easier flight to the West coast than say Chicago or Boston. It’s not unusual for players to have contract provisions written in that have x number first class airline flights included as well.
RobM
I can understand a Japanese player (or a North American player) selecting the West Coast over other parts of the country for a variety of reasons. I can certainly understand if a Japanese player selected San Francisco or Seattle because of an existing Japanese community. The one aspect I don’t accept is a player picking the West Coast for a shorter flight home and back. I travel for business (or did before Covid!) and Japan, Hong Kong and Australia were all destinations. They are long-a**ed flights, so shaving an extra four or five hours off the flights would be meaningless when you’re doing it a couple times a year, basically arriving for Spring Training and the season, and flying home once the season is done. It’s of zero consideration. The other stuff is a different story.
The Natural
It’s not zero consideration if you’re flying parents and other loved ones.
thefallensoldier
Cubs outfield situation is bleak, they need to get Suzuki.
anthonyd4412
Suzuki, Brennan Davis would be vast improvements
thefallensoldier
Definitely. I don’t think Davis makes the team opening day but he’s going to be called up sometime during the year.
Suzuki + Davis + no Heyward = good outfield.
deweybelongsinthehall
Red Sox have RF open. Perhaps their plan in trading Renfroe was not any of the U.S. free agents. Of course the extra time traveling could be important to him. Time will tell
ChiSox_Fan
Cubs have zero chance.
Suzuki going to west coast team.
Cubs just spent rest of their money on Dermody.
Rhyde1990
So you’re going to completely ignore the Yahoo! Sports Japan article about Seiya Suzuki expected to sign with the Red Sox? Here’s the article. news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/475b084b66afce566018a7c2…
Please, Hammer. Don't hurt 'em.
The article is written in Japanese, man. Find one in English so maybe they can verify it. If it’s such a concrete fact why can’t you even find one article that says that written in English? And how can they be “expected to sign him” when they can’t even negotiate with him? At best they can be expected to make an offer and he is interested.
Rhyde1990
You can translate it to English.
RunDMC
Google Translate works.
Steve Adams
So you’re just going to get confrontational and assume I deliberately omitted something? 🙂 I hadn’t seen the Yahoo report, but I added a link to it in the post above. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
That said, you’re paraphrasing a translation by saying he’s “expected” to sign in Boston. Yahoo Japan suggests that the Red Sox are an early favorite, but even that seems a bit questionable given Suzuki’s lack of a single in=person meeting and the plans to meet face-to-face with multiple clubs once the lockout lifts.
elmedius
Questionable yes, but if the sources are “people close to Suzuki”, which is what the article states they are; it’s possible that they know he just has a preference. . All things the same as far as offers go he just likes the Sox? Maybe he was a Dice-K fan? Or liked the success of Tazawa, Uehara, and Okajima? Who knows?
If I remember correctly; Ohtani met with several clubs he had had little intention of signing with. (Like the Cubs) He gave teams a chance to blow him out of the water, but had a preference to sign on the west coast. Sometimes we forget that the international guys aren’t drafted and can sign with anyone they want to. (As long as an offer is there)
deweybelongsinthehall
As I just posted, it could explain the Renfroe trade.
Cosmo2
I don’t see what it has to do with Renfroe. They can sign Suzuki with or without Renfroe. Teams don’t generally trade away players of need in order to then replace them with a free agent. That’s working backwards.
dsett75
Especially when they got JBJ back for Renfroe! So, it’s not like Boston was opening up a roster spot or trying to save money.
Fever Pitch Guy
Cosmo – I have to agree with Dewey on this one. I have been saying since last summer that either Dugie or Hunter would be traded to open up a spot for a big bat, either Suzuki or Schwarber. Not many believed me at the time. I think the JBJ trade was primarily for the prospects, but also improving the team defense which they can do by moving Hernandez to 2B.
To your point about Hunter being traded first, if the Sox had first signed an OF’er then they would have lost their negotiating leverage attempting to trade Hunter. Because when other teams know that you HAVE to trade a guy, they will take advantage of your situation. And I think Bloom realized both Suzuki and Schwarber wouldn’t sign before the lockout, so the last thing he wanted was to head into ST still trying to trade Hunter.
JoeBrady
I think Bloom realized both Suzuki and Schwarber wouldn’t sign before the lockout,
================================
I agree, and keep in mind that, if we don’t land Suzuki,we could change direction and sign Story for 2nd, put Kiki in CF and JBJ in RF. Not my favorite alignment, but I think Story could be a good signing.
Cosmo2
There is no reason to trade Renfroe in order to acquire Susuki. No need to open up a spot. It just doesn’t work like that. If you wanna upgrade you just bench the guy you upgrade from, no need to trade them, whatsoever, much less trade them before you even know the next step in the plan is even happening.
Fever Pitch Guy
Joe – Absolutely, Hernandez would do well either at 2B or in CF.
Speaking of … any thoughts on whether the Sox will attempt to extend him, or pursue him in free agency? I know a lot will depend on how the remainder of the offseason plays out.
JoeBrady
any thoughts on whether the Sox will attempt to extend him,
====================================
I would, but not everyone agrees with me ($7M per for a utilityman?)
That said, while I hate signing/extending someone off of a career year, he is such a great fit.
The problem is that Kiki was a steal by Bloom. That type of steal has maybe gone away with the signing of Taylor. Taylor just got $60M/4 for being essentially the same player as Kiki (better offense/worse defense). I’d give him the $14M/2 again, but I don’t think he’d take it.
Rhyde1990
Not getting confrontational, but it’s pretty out there at this point as most major sports news outlets have cited the Yahoo article. As for the article itself, it’s not just suggesting they’re an early favorite, but it’s also saying that “multiple major players” are saying he is a Red Sox. Both articles are very conflicting. In the end, I’m not buying anything until its been announced, but I feel that all boxes should be checked before posting news for people.
SalaryCapMyth
@Rhyde. Get lost. Every article doesn’t quote every other article about a given subject. You don’t think this free service is good enough for the $0.00 you pay to read it than you won’t be missed when you leave. Complaining about a free baseball news site is just so Karen of you.
Rhyde1990
Lmfao you’re the one acting like a Karen here you dork. It’s journalism. If you’re going to report news, report it accurately.
Fever Pitch Guy
Rhyde – I think you’re missing the fact the writers here post mostly opinion pieces. They are not reporters, they are columnists. They have the right to speculate, and if they are wrong or fail to include every angle and every bit of news that’s not something they should be criticized for. I think most of us here want their opinions, if you read the chats you’ll see that. So if they predict Correa will sign with the Phillies, and he signs with the Cubs, they shouldn’t be accused of bad reporting.
Last summer and fall they were saying there would be very few free agent signings prior to the lockout. They also said JD Martinez would definitely opt out. They turned out to be wrong on both, but they still had just as much right to make those predictions as you and I. So if they think Suzuki won’t be heading to Boston, that’s cool. They are entitled to that opinion. And that’s what it is, an opinion. They are not “reporting” it as fact.
Rhyde1990
This article isn’t an opinion piece. At all.
Dusty Baker's tooth pick.
Oh damn, there’s my boy robbie Hyde. A+ content
JeffreyChungus
Literally just the other day you guys omitted the end of Kevin Gausman’s tweet where he clarified that he was responding to incorrect reporting, leading to a lot of people who didn’t click on the twitter link to comment that he was salty, ungrateful, etc. Don’t know if that was deliberate but it sure as heck misconstrued the intentions of the tweet for a lot of people on this site.
He’s going to Boston, Steve, and there’ s nothing you can do about it. Just ask Koji Uehara
claude raymond
Steve, thanks for your post. As a Giants fan, I’d like to remind others of the following. When Bryce Harper signed with Philly, there was a story from a Philadelphia radio personality. This guy said essentially that Harper was going to Giants. He claimed “done deal”. So I think of that when posters claim what they claim, as if THEY know the facts. You even have a poster saying “there’s nothing you can do about it”, Steve. I didn’t know Steve Adams was involved in the negotiations. Keep up the hard work, Steve. No matter how thorough your articles are, expect these “witch hunts”.
seamaholic 2
Random Philly radio personality does not equal “multiple sources close to Suzuki”. I’m sorry for all of you pining for this guyt o be on your teams, but either one of two things is correct: A) the yahoo sports story is just made up; or B) he’s going to sign with the Red Sox as soon as the lockout is lifted. And yes, I do appreciate what the writers on this site do. They’re amazing. But that report should absolutely have been front and center in this one.
I’m not a Sox fan btw. Dislike them is closer to the truth.
claude raymond
Random? Apparently you don’t remember how the “random” radio guys claim was nationwide news. He wasn’t random. And you like to assume stuff often. I don’t care if Giants get Suzuki. I didnt want Harper. My post was intended for Mr Adams. Its intent was to hope he ignores your types. Stop assuming using bass-ackwords logic.
Ducky Buckin Fent
“Dislike them is closer to the truth.”
Atta boy. Feel the burn…
JoeBrady
seamaholic 2
Random Philly radio personality does not equal “multiple sources close to Suzuki”.
===============================
I object to the “multiple source” comments. I doubt any of these people ever talked to Suzuki, let alone multiple people close to Suzuki.
1-If Suzuki has already decided on Boston or the WC, do you know how many people know? Probably his wife and his agent, and I doubt they are talking.
2-Despite what people would like to believe, people in Japan don’t really speak English. The chances of someone in the US actually finding a person close enough to Suzuki to know his preferences, and being able to hold a conversation with him, are pretty slim.
PNWRainiers
@joebrady. “2-Despite what people would like to believe, people in Japan don’t really speak English”
I get that you post on here constantly, but keep your hunches to your pals.
#1 to your #2: Approximately 10 MILLION/8% Japanese speak English. 25 MILLION/20% can hold simple conversations. And, there are approximately 1.5 MILLION Japanese speaking Americans, of which the majority live in CA, WA & HI.
#2 Despite what Keyboard warriors want to believe, facts are facts. The chances of convincing a typical knee jerk, American opinion “influencer” (God help us) otherwise, are pretty slim!
JoeBrady
I get that you post on here constantly, but keep your hunches to your pals.
=====================================
What makes you assume it is a hunch? I worked for the Japanese for a long time and have been to Japan. And I looked at the numbers to make sure that my experiences were accurate. I also know that my company had a big problem trying to hire people that were fluent in English. I also know that, when accounting changes in Japan required my position to be repatriated, that my one year separation contract dragged out for five years. That was due to their inability to find fluent English speakers with my skills.
That said, why did you post the number of Japanese speakers in America? It had nothing to do with my post.
sox4ever
Just want to point out this report is not from Yahoo Japan. It’s from a site called Daily. Yahoo Japan isn’t a source it’s an aggregator.
With that being said – Neither article has the name of a reporter attached to it. I don’t know if either one is worth believing over the other. I don’t know if either one is worth putting much stock into at all.
KD17
Steve – Sources close to Suzuki don’t matter, facts matter.
1 – The Red Sox have no money for him
2 – The ownership gave up Mookie to not go over the cap
3 – The GM has followed the ownership rules about the cap
4 – The GM has never contracted a player for over $12M per year
5 – The GM is branding the team his own so pillars from 2018 keep falling
Opinions that will end up being fact
6 – The Renfroe move was a total bonehead mistake not a first step
7 – The GM is building a TB look alike roster with all middle class players
8 – The GM deeply believes with less talent comes more sustained greatness
9 – In 2023 the last stars will opt out or not be resigned by the GM
10 = Fans are witnessing the next great drought in Red Sox baseball
If the new CBA has the universal DH then Bloom could move JD and have the money to sign Suzuki but his price is higher than Bloom has ever done.
Bottom line, if Bloom does anything but let the expensive stars fall off the books or opt for the door I will be shocked. They don’t fit Bloom’s (TB’s) vision of a roster based on egalitarianism. Check the TB roster and count the guys making double digit salaries. Picture the owners lining their pockets with money not spent! How great is that while sitting in 4th or 5h in the division!!
These last two years with Bloom is like watching a car wreck in slow motion!
acell10
Yea because winning 92 games and making it to the ACLS sure is a real car wreck!
what you should have said is opinions that are pure speculation with little to no basis in reality…
Fonzo2
Scarily, I’m with you here, I think Henry is cashing in his chips with ownership in multiple other interests, and looking to Bloom to keep them competitive efficiently economically. Ugh.
KD17
acell10 = Last time I dress you down for your stupidity I told you not to comment on my writing until you learn something about baseball.
I think your response was premature!!! hahaha
Get lost troll!!
KD17
Fonzo2 – Why else did a group of competitive baseball people suddenly look in the mirror and see TB?
They hired Bloom to convert Macy’s to KMART.
Challenge should be complete by 2023!!
I’m sure ticket prices will fall with the talent level!!
The Red Sox are now the cash cow for their other adventures and the hell with the fans!!
Rhyde1990
Not sure why you spent so much time on this post because so much of it is wrong
acell10
My goodness so triggered again! hahaha, I’ve forgotten more about baseball than you’ll ever know old man. I know you have trouble juggling the multiple accounts you have on this site and your memory is probably getting a little fuzzy but as usually you add nothing constructive to any conversation and just resort to bashing the CBO players or members on this site your don’t like with your nonsensical takes.
Maybe get a clue and stop being a hypocrite before posting again….
Mi Casas es tu Casas
Henry’s focus is not on the Red Sox winning, that’s for sure.
JoeBrady
KD lost it when he predicted 65 wins, and we wound up being 2 games away from the WS. One of the biggest misses I have ever seen in my life.
JoeBrady
Henry’s focus is not on the Red Sox winning, that’s for sure.
=============================
I agree. I cannot believe that we only have four World Series trophies in the past 17 years. With a better owner, we’d have won 20.
KD17
JB – Accidentally viewed your comment about my prediction.
One of the biggest misses I have ever seen in my life.
Odd, you used the same phrase your parents do every time they see you!!
Cheap shots when you are muted by someone? Does it get any lower?
Yep you aren’t the bottom of the barrel clearly acell10 is!!! hahaha
You are lucky Acell10 that I muted you because otherwise I would have banned you for your highly offensive comment. Sure takes guts to bad mouth someone anonymously! If I see another I will take you off mute and go after your privilege to use this site.
JoeBrady
Odd, you used the same phrase your parents do every time they see you!!
========================================
If that’s your idea of being clever or humorous, you need to work on it, a lot.
IRT to you missing by so much, if you don’t like people making note of it, then don’t post. And, if you do post, then stand by it. I’m willing to stand by and explain every statement I ever made. I have no expectation of being correct on all my predictions.
O course, I also have no expectation to predict 65 wins for a team that was 2 games away from the WS either.
Just for fun, since you predicted 65 wins last year, and You have hated every move Bloom has made since, what is your prediction for this year?
Fever Pitch Guy
Joe – He was probably talking about Henry recently. The desire to stay under the LT threshold the past two years, and his spending a lot less time with the Red Sox, would lead one to believe things have changed. How could they not when Henry’s FSG now owns a soccer team across the pond, a Nascar racing team, and an NHL team.
If you ever have 3 or 4 kids, you’ll know what I’m talking about. With the firstborn, you give it all your attention and spend quite a bit of money on them. But after your second born, third born, you simply don’t have as much time or money to continue spending on just the first born.
JoeBrady
But Henry is the owner. I doubt he has any BB input, past the budget. I don’t think anyone expects Henry to weigh in on personnel decisions. IRT to spending, our entire history is that we spend to the cap, and maybe over if we are competitive.
And we are already almost at the cap. Henry is in about the same position as our last 4 WSCs.
acell10
you try to bully, bad mouth, and insult people all the time because they don’t agree with your point and then then whine when they clap back at you. That’s what makes you a hypocrite. And banned me from what? your nonsensical ramblings? I can’t believe you’re deluded enough to think you can get someone to stop posting on this site
.
acell10
Joe Brady: KD couldn’t predict 6 o’clock at 5:30.
JoeBrady
He failed so epically last year that I thought he deserved another chance.
Besides, it can be more interesting. One one side, you have people that take the scientific approach. Add up all the OPS’ for the hitters, and the OPSa by the pitchers, apply the Pythagorean Theory, and come up with 85.5 wins. On the other side, you have the old “I hate the GM, so I am guessing 65” approach. And just to make it more interesting, tries to guess the RS record against 19 different teams. Because, you know, baseball is such an easy sport to predict on a game-by-game basis.
trog
Are you going to ignored the part in the article where they referenced that report? It’s at the end of the second paragraph.
elmedius
That was added after/in thanks to the comment.
Stevil
lookoutlanding.com/2022/1/26/22902845/mariners-sti…
There was a translation gaffe. This will help you make sense of things.
Javia135
washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/11/02/qanon-jfk-jr-…
Here is an article stating that JFK jr., a lifelong Democrat who died 23 years ago, was going to return to Dealey Plaza and be Trumps VP. Just because it was printed doesn’t make it real.
elmedius
Interesting. Yesterday CBS Boston and Yahoo Japan had articles on the yahoo sports app stating the Red Sox were expected to sign him. I thought it made sense based on the Hunter Renfroe trade. They could definitely use the bat to balance the lineup.
Pardon my ignorance; Why are teams that have spring training in Florida at a disadvantage?
Rhyde1990
That confused me a lot. I have no idea.
bigjonliljon
Possibly due to the longer flight from Japan for his family during spring training or off season training?
Polymath
If that’s the case, if a team wants him, move their Spring Training to Hawaii.
justinkm19
That would make the domestic flight for the rest of the team longer.
seamaholic 2
From Japan? It’s not that much longer if we’re honest. I think that’s overthinking the thing by a good long ways!
Please, Hammer. Don't hurt 'em.
It’s just a distance thing. Teams with Spring Training in Florida play on the Eastern half of the US. The teams with Spring Training in Arizona are on the Western half of the US. If he were to play for a team with Arizona Cactus League Spring training (like California or Seattle) he would just have to fly across the Pacific Ocean to get back and forth from Japan. If he were to play for a team with Florida Grapefruit League Spring training (like Boston) he would have to fly across the Pacific Ocean and the entire continental United States to get back and forth from Japan. There have been a lot of Asian players (Ohtani, Ichiro, Nomo, etc.) who wanted to play in the West so they didn’t have to travel so far to get back to their home country. It’s more common they prefer the West but not always a demand or anything. Dice-K went to the Red Sox and Matsui went to the Yankees. I think that might have been because those teams offered the most money though. If both the money and opportunity to win are equal I think it would be more common to see Asian born players sign in the West. Money can change everything, though. He could end up going to Boston but I doubt he chooses them if the Dodgers, Giants or Mariners offer him more money than the Red Sox.
marinersblue96
Dice-K and Matsui didn’t have the option to sign with a west coast team. under the previous system the highest bidder(post fee) would win the right to negotiate. Now the player didn’t have to sign with the team but they would be at risk of their Japanese team not wanting to post them again and have to wait however much longer to obtain true FA to come over.
NoSaint
Excellent point. Have thumbs up.
Please, Hammer. Don't hurt 'em.
Good point Marinersblue. I knew the posting system was different back then but I forgot how it worked. I was thinking it was the highest offer to the player and the Japanese team got a percentage but that isn’t right. The posting fee went first though and that total was determined before the contract was even negotiated. Didn’t the Red Sox agree to pay over $50 million to Dice-K’s former team before they even started negotiating with him?
muskie73
Speculation: Spring Training in Florida requires far more road travel than Spring Training in Arizona, where all 10 stadiums are less than one hour apart.
The March weather is far better in Arizona than in Florida where spring storms wreak havoc with the schedules.
Perhaps Seiya Suzuki prefers COVID restrictions that more closely resemble those in Japan.
Or not.
hoof hearted
A Suzuki can be an average CF, there you go Mariners..
AlienBob
Yes. He can play all of the outfield positions. I continue to believe his relationship with Ichiro will result in him coming to Seattle. The Japanese believe in tradition and close relationships.
JoeBrady
AlienBob
Yes. He can play all of the outfield positions.
=======================================
Never assume that a player that has never played a given position, can play that position. Suzuki came up as an infielder, but I would assume he can play the infield.
AlienBob
@Joe
Baseball Reference shows he played two seasons on the dirt at SS and 3B but his fielding percentage was terrible. I don’t see anyone wasting him on the infield. His greatest skill sets, his arm and speed, make him an outfielder. According to Prospects Live, “He normally plays in RF due to the arm, but realistically can man CF in the bigs thanks to his speed.”
JoeBrady
IMO, if he could play a good CF, then he would be playing CF. The fact that none of his Japanese teams put him in CF makes me think that he is not a CF. And I’ve read some reviews which suggest that he is a good, but not great RF.
Stevil
First, he came up as a utility player because of his athleticism and because the bat wasn’t immediately established when he came up.
Second, believe it or not, they have other solid defensive outfielders. None of them have an arm like his.
You seem bent on shooting down the possibility that he could end up playing CF regularly, or semi-regularly, but there is a shortage of available center fielders, if you haven’t noticed, and virtually every respectable report notes his athleticism.
He may end up in RF with Boston, or some other team in need of a right fielder. But the possibility of a team using him in center shouldn’t be so improbably to you.
Have a nice night.
AlienBob
@Joe
We don’t know how much he played each of the three outfield positions. After 2014 the NPB stats only report outfielders position as OF not CF, RF or LF. We do know his first two years of professional baseball they had him try all three OF positions as well as, 1B, SS and 3B.
Pete'sView
With the large Japanese population in San Francisco, I hope he chooses the Giants, although I don’t see him playing CF. Probably means moving Yaz to center.
brucenewton
He’ll travel from Japan to Arizona but Florida is too far?
hyraxwithaflamethrower
Yeah, that was curious to me as well. Maybe he just doesn’t like mosquitoes.
Fever Pitch Guy
Why do people continue to claim Japanese players will only consider West Coast teams?
Did the Yankees, Red Sox and Orioles move to the west coast when they signed Matsui, Matsuzaka and Uehara?
justinkm19
It’s about a 2-4 hour difference from AR and FL
JoeBrady
I never quite understood that. It’s not like these guys are going home every two weeks. And the article lists the Cubs as an interested team. The difference between Chicago and Boston, on a flight you might take a few times a years, is negligible.
AlienBob
Air flights from Tokyo are 9 hours to Seattle, 9 1/2 to San Francisco and about 17 hours to Miami. Consider the number of family members who may be coming and it makes a difference.
JoeBrady
It probably depends on how often the family is planning on flying in. And the RS make a 10-day road trip to the west coast. I assume it makes some sort of difference, but if it were me, the difference would be minor.
AlienBob
I would expect a lot of family and friends will come to see him. The article mentions his top four clubs as Padres, Cubs, Mariners and Giants. All but the Padres have direct flights to Tokyo. San Diego is not too hard to get to with a plane change in Seattle or San Francisco. I think it matters to him. He is not the only one coming.
HalosHeavenJJ
Also, consider direct flights from the West Coast and a lot more frequent.
If you are having family fly in, better to have them get on one plane and exit in your home city. Maybe in SD you have a driver pick them up at LAX.
PutPeteinthehall
Chicago just posing. See him going to Giants, Mariners, or Padres. Favor Giants to land him.
TalkSomeSense
San Fran > Tokyo 11 hr 20m
Toronto> Tokyo 13 hr
1 hr 40, difference. Big deal
skyline619
San Diego does have direct flights to Japan. They updated their airport to accommodate international flights.
seamaholic 2
It takes 5 hours to fly from San Fran to Miami, so these numbers seem rather suspect. And he’s not playing for the Marlins so what’s the point anyway?
AlienBob
You forgot to include the 3 hour layover from Japan.
Stevil
I can tell you that Seattle provided first-class tickets for Iwakuma’s family to visit him in-season.
The extras that Seattle has been willing to provide could help explain why they’ve been more successful than any other team at louring Japanese players.
*Cue the nasty responses without basic research.
TalkSomeSense
Actually the fastest flight time from Seattle is 10.5 hours . From Toronto it is 13 hours . 2.5 hour difference. Flights from Toronto, Boston etc go up over part of the Arctic and down across the northern Pacific.
Goose
Did I miss something in the article. Why does it matter where a team’s spring training facility is? Did they mean to say Suzuki prefers a West Coast team because his family is staying in Japan or easier to travel there?
Buzz Saw
Be curious to find out how many of his HR’s in Japan would have been HR’s in the US. I wonder if teams look at those metrics
hyraxwithaflamethrower
Probably not those exact metrics, but things like average exit velocity, launch angle, spray chart, etc., sure. They also watch plenty of tape to see if he has a hitch in his swing that NPB pitchers just haven’t managed to fully exploit or some other hole in his game.
JoeBrady
I wish I had saved it, but someone (maybe from Philly) had a pretty good article on him. I didn’t see spray data, but it definitely had EV, max EV, LA, and maybe median EV, which is a little different.
I don’t think you’ll see anything near what he did in Japan, but I’d make a decent-sized wager his WAR/$$$ is higher than Schwarber or Castellanos.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
That wouldn’t surprise me. The defense alone gives him a decent floor.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
I know it’s a huge longshot, but I”m hoping one of the teams he meets with is the White Sox. If Abreu hangs ’em up after next year, Sox will have 1B available for Vaughn, then could slide Eloy into DH, move Sheets or Engel over to LF, and put Suzuki in RF. Colas and Cespedes don’t impress me as prospects, strong throwing arms notwithstanding. Sox are as high as they’ve ever been budget-wise, but this move shouldn’t break the bank.
And the Sox also train in AZ, so easy commute to see them, lol.
The Rooster
I thought the Sox were in the running for him.
agrorolm
White Sox are the next Mets-Yankees in MLB, where every single good to great free agent is expected to sign with them, only to be used as a bait to see other teams raise their offer, and that’s ALWAYS. And no need to troll my comment here. I only read MLBTR for a couple of minutes before going to work. I have a real job, you see. Man, I hate those White Sucks! If the Mariners are on, expect him to sign in there. They NEED another Ichiro, not neccesarily because of his talent, but more about popularity and marketing. I visited Seattle in 2011, and all the hype there was with Ichiro, no matter his bests seasons were behind him. He was idolized there, more than any other player in Mariners’ history. Teams as Red Sox, White Sucks and Cubs really have to blow him out with an “offer he won’t refuse” to get him.
Joe S
It is hard to understand why Philly isn’t more aggressive here. He would be a perfect fit the lineup. Whether he player CF or LF, it does not matter. They need high avg hitter with above average OBP.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
Thing is, pretty much *every* would-be contender could use a guy like him. Philly should be aggressive, but he’s a fit on about half the teams in baseball, especially if the playoffs get expanded.
JoeBrady
It’s generally not good business to sign a RF to play LF. It’s akin to signing a good fielding SS to play 2nd or 3rd. You simply lose value.
AshamedMethGoat
Question: Per the current, albeit expired CBA, do release fees count as salary with regard to the Competitive Balance tax?
hyraxwithaflamethrower
From a brief internet search, no, they don’t appear to.
AshamedMethGoat
Thank you…I guess I could’ve Googled it myself, but I thought someone might know off-hand.
muskie73
The Google translation of the headline to the Yahoo Japan report about Seiya Suzuki’s destination:
“Seiya Suzuki, a leading player in the Red Sox transfer, is the trump card for the world’s best recapture for the first time in four years.”
news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/475b084b66afce566018a7c2…
google.com/search?q=japanese+english&rlz=1C1G…
NoSaint
Ya, now I understand. Makes sense if you think about it.
DarkSide830
Looks like no Phillies, but this bidding could get wild so maybe I’m okay with that.
GoGreen
Totally feels like the bidding will be intense.
User 2079935927
A Harley Davidson would be a better choice. Don’t you agree?
DarkSide830
When is Tetsuto Yamahada going to be posted?
Stevil
Tetsuto Yamada signed a long-term extension with the Swallows.
brucenewton
Not if reliability is a concern.
Whiskey and leather balls
Not that Cleveland has a shot but they need him more than anybody
ceol.mor
I don’t even know why this is a debate. Suzuki is signing with the Giants.
DiehardFriarsFan
I see you made a typo, CEOL.MOR…..Padres, (Not Giants) will end up signing him…
Rick Pernell
I heard Pittsburgh was hiring.
……hiring, not paying.
DiehardFriarsFan
Please come to the Friars Suzuki. Kthanxbye.
stymeedone
Right now it’s just hopes and dreams. I hope he can handle the transition, and I dream of him playing for my team, unless he can’t handle it.
DiehardFriarsFan
Who is your team, Stymeedone?
stymeedone
Detroit Tigers. But also a fan of how other teams operate, and follow the Tribe, Rays, A’s, Chisox, Boston, among others.
Thronson5
Really can’t wait to see where he goes. I think he’s going to be very good in the MLB. Can’t wait for this stupid lockout to end as well, driving me crazy. Football is almost over and I need Baseball back asap lol
DiehardFriarsFan
No risk no reward. (Suzuki).
Polish Hammer
Makes too much sense for Cleveland to go after him, instead they’ll continue to throw a bunch of 4th OFer types out there and see who stands out.
DiehardFriarsFan
Is Josh Naylor not cutting it for the Tribe, Polish Hammer?
Polish Hammer
Did you not see the nasty injury he sustained last season? And he’s probably more a 1B for Cleveland than OF.
Pickles McGee
Josh has a career wRC+ of 87, ops of under 700. The big boy needs to go back to the drawing board on that swing and approach at the plate. Too eager, too many grounders. Doesn’t matter how hot they are, they’re still grounders out of a slow 260 pound man.
Polish Hammer
I’m guessing they only went after him in that package because his younger brother is one of their top prospects.
LordD99
Perhaps yet another positive sign that there’s belief the CBA negotiations are headed in the right direction.
Bob333
Don’t be surprised if he signs with the Phillies they were in on him before the lockout.Just saying anything is possible.
D*ckin the dog
Angels new shortstop!
Rsox
As an interesting aside; Japanese players have accumulated for Championship rings with Bos/NYY than the entire west coast combined
Rsox
That should say “more”, not “for”
foppert
If a Japanese players Mum wants to watch her son play live on TV most days, West Coast is a bit better. Midday night games. Breakfast day games.
Not a clever name
He’s going to be great in a Pirates uniform.
foppert
Love to see him in a Giants uniform. Japanese folk are generally very easy to like. Great work ethic, very respectful, well mannered, all the good human being type stuff.
However I’d love to see Aaron Judge buying into one next year as well, for similar reasons. Plus he has proven he can hit what’s being thrown at the MLB level. If the Giants do go there with Suzuki, I hope success doesn’t rule out a big play at the Judge.
JoeBrady
foppert
Love to see him in a Giants uniform. Japanese folk are generally very easy to like. Great work ethic, very respectful, well mannered, all the good human being type stuff.
=====================================
I worked for them for a long time. Just wonderful people. I was walking to the Osaka, and along the way, they have all these historic markers saying ‘this is where the XYZ factory was, until it was destroyed in the American bombing raid of xx/xx/xxxx”. So I was was feeling just a little uncomfortable when I arrived at the castle. Some old guy on a bicycle is chasing after me asking if I was an American.
I tell him ‘yes’, and he tells me his life story. How McArthur’s troops taught in English, how he’s been to America 3x and to Disneyland twice, and how his last remaining wish in life was to go back to America & Disneyland one last time. It was a wonderful conversation and wonderful people.
foppert
Same. 13 years with a traditional Japanese company. Plenty of trips over there. Great culture, great people, freaky work ethic, awesome food. A couple of pretty cool business culture experiences under the belt. Loved it.
JoeBrady
My only problem with them is that they deferred to authority too much, and wouldn’t disagree with each other, My Japanese boss spent some time in the US at another company, and had gotten use to fighting, When he joined us, he’d be arguing with the owner at board meetings, and everyone else in the meeting would be staring at their shoes, even though they privately agreed with him.
Man, I loved some of those people. I’m going back on the subway, and my counterpart keeps asking me if I like beer. After the third time, I was wondering if I was misunderstanding him. Finally he gets it and asks if I would like to go for a beer. The dude could drink for a little guy.
Mikel Grady
Cubs? But but they have no money they won’t spend . Ricketts are cheap . Oh wait they signed Miley and stroman . Corerra next ?
lumber and lighting
Ohtani is recruiting.Kikuchi and Suzuki are coming to Anaheim on back loaded contracts.Upton is gonzo next yr and his salary will fill most of the Suzuki/Kikuchi free agent pick ups.Neither player has other players or draft picks as compensation.Angels don’t want to lose Ohtani so they’ll make him a little bit more comfortable plus by him helping Suzuki to transition in America is a win win.These guys want to win together and playing on the west coast where all of Japan can wake up or drive to work watching or listening to the LA Angels!Angels are a world wide phenomenon, believe that friends.And it’s about to get bigger.
The-Two-Germanys
Just as a matter of aesthetics, I hate looking at the Angels logo(s), the Angels uniforms and, good God, was there anything worse than Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim?
For all of these transgressions and more (sending Bill Bavasi to sabotage division rivals in Seattle)), I hope they continue to famously strike out in free agency.
rocky7
Keep dreaming…it obviously makes you feel better.
slund24
Why on earth would someone signing there first FA contract in MLB which might be the biggest contract they ever sign, sign a back loaded contract? Move your family from another country to play in a new league and not make the majority of their money until the last years of the contract? Probably a better chance Suzuki would sign a front loaded contract rather than back loaded.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
You might sign a backloaded contract if it meant more overall money. Between $60M over four years backloaded or $55M evenly over four years, he might choose the former. Plus, it takes a team willing to put up a frontloaded contract for him to get one. Not a lot of teams do that.
Cosmo2
Because backloaded or not, he’ll still be earning tons of money in the first few years, that’s why.
muskie73
Seiya Suzuki could help the Los Angeles Angels snap MLB’s longest current streak of consecutive losing seasons.
Or not,
lumber and lighting
Every west coast team is in play for Suzuki.SD potential is a dynasty.SF,no one has more money to spend and have showed in past yrs that they can complete money wise with anyone.LAD,Pollock is on his last ride as a Dodger and Suzuki would be an immediate fan favorite.LAA Ohtani Project.SEA has money to spend and they can spin that they are real close to being a contender with a loaded minor league system that should transfer longevity with this group on sustainability.Take your pick,he fits everywhere.
mookiesboy
A RF fit for the Mets on so many levels
pasha2k
The Angels need pitching, and never think the Evil Empire is outta anything for a player.
butch779988
Bottom line- Nobody knows except MAYBE Suzuki and his agent.
JoeBrady
I said about the identical thing up top. IMO, US writers would like to think they have all these sources. I doubt that they have any.sources at all.
I think maybe a guy like Pete Abraham in Boston talks to a lot of people, so maybe he lands a lot of interviews with people willing to talk about prospects and development, etc.
But if Bloom, or any other GM, is five minutes away from signing Suzuki, or any other player, they aren’t going to say a single word to Pete. Maybe if Pete gives them some good coverage, then maybe Pete will be the first to know, AFTER he is signed, but that’s it.
So like you said, there might be 2-3 people in the world that know Suzuki’s plans, so the idea that an American writer knows is pretty farfetched.
portlandrays
California team in west coast will surely get Seiya. For Asian, nothing better than living in west coast; not only for weather and being closer to home but Asian network/town are just significantly better in California than other states. If for instance Dodgers/Giants place a bid for 13mil a year, it will probably require 18+mil a year for teams in central/east. For instance, Oh felt homesick as soon as being traded to Rockies since there is ZERO Asian presence in Denver. Moment him being traded he openly talked about wanting to go back to his home country and had zero desire to play for Rockies anymore.
TalkSomeSense
Your take is from someone who likely hasn’t travelled much.
1- You do know it snows in Japan right?
2- You don’t think cities like Toronto and NY have large Asian populations?
portlandrays
I am Asian myself working with a lot of Japanese so I would say I know what I am talking about.. Toronto and NY do have Asian community but much less so compared to California. It’s not even comparable at all. When Ohtani bidding war started everyone in Japan already knew it would be either Angels or Dodgers. No chance at all for NY.
TalkSomeSense
According to the 2016 Census, the racial composition of Toronto was: White: 50.2% East Asian: 12.7% (10.8% Chinese, 1.4% Korean, 0.5% Japanese) South Asian: 12.3%
I would say 12.7% is a significant number.
You being Asian has nothing to do with your having travelled to cities like Toronto to know the diversity.
JoeBrady
I would say 12.7% is a significant number.
===============================
But I think the more important number is the 0.7% that are Japanese. I don’t know that the Japanese and the Chinese have anything more in common than Americans and Germans. We or they might look a little bit more alike, but unless we spoke the same language, all we could do is to drink beer together and nod.
seamaholic 2
There’s a large Asian community in Colorado.
mister guy
I have family in colorado and I will tell you as someone who is Asian that in all of my visits the only Asian people I have seen are those that work in Asian owned businesses –
I live in the bay area and tbh there are very few places in the US that I can walk into a room and not have everyone look at you funny – the bay area is one of those places where you can just be a normal person without having to think about it.
seamaholic 2
You don’t go to the right places. Either that or you’re defining “Asian” very narrowly. There are huge Indian and Nepalese communiities, and south Asian in general, all over the Front Range.
AlienBob
@portlandrays
You are correct. The west coast is where he and his family will be most comfortable. For example, the University of Washington in Seattle has student enrollment that is 21% Asian. The Japanese and Chinese send a lot of kids to Seattle for school. They become US citizens and stay. Mt Rainier sticks up on the skyline just like Mt. Fuji. The year round weather in Seattle is much like Tokyo, also.
giantsphan12
@Alienbob, first, lumping all Asians in together is very racially insensitive. I have no idea why you think Suzuki cares how many Chinese students or community members there are in a WC city. He only cares about the Japanese culture and depth. Two, what does Mt. Rainier have to do with baseball?? If he cared about how he feels looking at Mt. Fuji, he wouldn’t be coming to the States. Wow…
seamaholic 2
Looks like it’s between Red Sox and Giants, as many observers assumed before the lockout. I doubt any other teams need apply.
VonPurpleHayes
Absolute perfect fit for the Phillies, but it doesn’t seem like it’s in the cards.
Redwolves3
Heard “Giants favorite” rumor too many times. Until Suzuki signs on the dotted line it’s only a rumor.
User 2079935927
Once he meets Trout and Ohtani he will play for The Angels for free.
Lord Have Mercy Brothers and Sisters
AlienBob
@Randy
You could be right. The money should be the same where ever he goes. Ultimately, it is going to come down to how he feels about his teammates and coaches. All of the west coast cities have large Asian populations and a history with Asian ballplayers. They will all create opportunities for him on and off the field. Geographically the WC teams have a decided advantage over the rest of MLB.
User 2079935927
Alien- Spot on brother. Ohtani was only interested in teams on the WC. Not only as you said the Asian Communites. But a shorter flight back home
Just spreading the gospel.. btw anyone seen my jeri curl?
Astrobabg93
I wonder if the Astros would open up their pocketbook and sign this guy. We have a hole in the outfield bad right now. I don’t believe in Meyers, Siri, or McCormick much. They could become good but idk. I feel like we need a piece to win now. Now some hopefuls. McCormick probably has the highest upside of all those guys in my opinion. But yea I believe in this Suzuki guy, I’ve watched a ton of video on this guy and his stats are pretty incredible. I know those are skewed because he plays in Japan but I really believe this guy could hit .280/25-30/90 rbi plus immediately in the majors
Astrobabg93
Get this lockout done for Christ’s sake. We want baseball
MarlinsFanBase
Marlins need to be looking at real CFs and a closer…not another corner OF that might be able to play CF. I’d rather stick with Bryan de la Cruz and perhaps bring Sierra back on a MiLB deal.
RickEO
Redsox. Ez one
padresfan111323
Love to see Padres as favorites
lapadsfan
I’m good with my Padres letting this one go. Suzuki is too old, IMO, there will be a couple years of adjustment to the big leagues, and by that time he’ll be past his prime.
Selah Rick 2
He is 27. On a 4 or 5 year deal, he will be 29 in 2 years. Will still be in the middle of his prime the last 2 or 3 years.
Cmurphy
@lapadsfan At 27, he’s the same age as Ichiro was when he stormed on the scene.
Personally, I want the M’s to get him and pair that signing with Bryant., giving them chance at breaking the curse this year.
Chemo850
Marlins can’t even get Cuban players to sign with them. This seems like a pipe dream in my opinion.
csalko
These players always go to a west coast team. So booooooorrrring!!!
Kapler's Coconut Oil
Not if you’re a fan of a West Coast team 😉
One Bite Hotdog
He’ll be playing in Japan this year. The lockout is gonna mess this one up.
Kapler's Coconut Oil
He seems dedicated to seeing it through and he and his agent are already coordinating trips to the US. Unless he changes course by the end of next week, then he’s already gonna miss Japan spring training
stevep-4
Why wouldn’t the White Sox be on this list? He plays the position they need.
mookiesboy
I’d hope a team like the Mets would only be out because they were already told that he wasn’t interested
JoeBrady
The Mets should not be in on him. They need pitching more than they need an upgrade from Nimmo.
voteposey4hof
Giants have a Japanese/American coach on the team who would act not just as an interpreter but as a true teammate/coach. A baseball connection with someone who truly understands the game and the Giants. Being a playoff caliber team on the West Coast with money to spend who needs a right handed hitting outfielder is hopefully enough of an advantage to sign him. The Giants have a history of signing Japanese players including the first one ever to be in the MLB.
AlienBob
@vote
The Mariners have a Special Assistant to the Chairman by the name of Ichiro who speaks Japanese, knows how to play Centerfield and is idolized by the kid. Not long ago Ichiro was earning $7M per year just off his endorsement deals. I am sure if he comes to Seattle he will be coached well, paid well and wearing Ichiro’s No. 51.
ceol.mor
@AlienBob
Ichiro lives in Japan. He’s not part of the Mariners coaching staff. Seiya is not related to Ichiro, but is a big admirer and once wore #51 in his honor. Seiya wears #1 now and is going to make his own mark — in SAN FRANCISCO. He’s not going to live in the shadow of other Japanese stars that moved to MLB. Mark my words.
AlienBob
You are right he is not part of the coaching staff. He works in the front office. He may well have a house in Japan, too but his house in Seattle is here:
virtualglobetrotting.com/map/ichiro-suzukis-house-…
Zoom in on the larger map.
Balk
Get it done Giants
RoastGobot
How interesting. Those are both awful places to live but so are LA and Oakland and Chicago and New York. If the marlins were any good that’s where id go.
mrpadre19
Roastgobot ….have you ever been to San Diego?
Much better place to live than Miami….and to play baseball.
mrpadre19
Suzuki will be a Giant or a Padre.
mattwild1
as a Giants fan, don’t give me this false hope man. I am already prepared to be let down like with Shohei, Harper, etc
crazywarrior
lol let down? We won 107 games WITHOUT Shohei or Hoppa
we may just land him my friend!
lumber and lighting
If he’s still in Japan,then who are the flock of Japanese reporters running around after in Newport and Laguna Beach blocking up traffic there’s so many?I say BS,owner of a team or the players agent to pay a writer to throw out disinformation to stir the commissioner’s office in the wrong direction while Seaya hammers out a handshake.
JoeBrady
That’s my best guess at the moment. I’m guessing Bloom has already agreed with him about the numbers. Of course, that could be my rose-colored glasses doing the guessing.
Javia135
If I decided to take a job in Japan for several years I’m pretty sure that I wouldn’t choose Okinawa just because it has the highest % of Americans. I would go wherever they paid me the most.
stats-japan.com/t/kiji/11634
MafiaBass
news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/475b084b66afce566018a7c2…
Yahoo Japan says the Red Sox are expected to sign him
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
So if the cubs manage to sign him. Wouldn’t he be blocking Brennen Davis?
duhawk83
Is it just me or do the Giants always get identified as the leading for sutor for any Free Agent?
Reimagined Mariners
Link doesn’t bring up the right article.