Brewers are scouting Kikuchi

[brewmann04]

you might be right there

[SRB]

Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports reports that the Dodgers, Padres, Giants and Mariners are among the teams interested in Japanese left-hander Yusei Kikuchi.

 

It would appear that Kikuchi might prefer to play on the West Coast. Kikuchi's current club, the Seibu Lions, are expected to officially post the lefty next week and the pitcher will then have 30 days to sign with a major league team. He held a 3.08 ERA and 153/45 K/BB ratio over 163 2/3 innings in the Pacific League in 2018.

 

Source: Jon Heyman on TwitterNov 30 - 10:36 AM

 

 

 

 

 

OH CRAP!

 

Correction: the West Coast of Lake Michigan

[JosephC]

it seems like this is what happens with these players they prefer to play closer to home and that will be the west coast always happens.

 

Never understood how the West Coast of the US is "closer to home" for Asian players. It's a 12 hour flight from LA or 14 hour flight from NYC. Neither of those is in any way "close" to home. Maybe that's just the politically correct way of saying they want to play somewhere with a large Asian population.

 

It has to do with home game start times. If a team is playing a 7 PM game on the west coast, that is noon in Toyko and it's easier for people in Japan to watch the game.

[jerichoholicninja]

it seems like this is what happens with these players they prefer to play closer to home and that will be the west coast always happens.

 

Never understood how the West Coast of the US is "closer to home" for Asian players. It's a 12 hour flight from LA or 14 hour flight from NYC. Neither of those is in any way "close" to home. Maybe that's just the politically correct way of saying they want to play somewhere with a large Asian population.

 

It has to do with home game start times. If a team is playing a 7 PM game on the west coast, that is noon in Toyko and it's easier for people in Japan to watch the game.

 

That makes zero sense. Maybe even less.

 

And a 7 PM East Coast start would 8 AM in Tokyo. Either way the game's played in the middle of the work day.

[SRB]

Seems like a silly debate. Closer to home means there are significant Japanese communities on the West Coast, and in my experience MLB fans in Japan often root for West Coast teams. There is nothing "politically incorrect" about saying that.

[TURBO]

Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle hears that the Giants might be Yusei Kikuchi's "first choice" as a potential landing spot.

 

Kikuchi has been connected to West Coast teams already, including the Padres, Dodgers, and Mariners. He's said to "really like" San Francisco, but it's unclear if the club intends to make a substantial bid. Kikuchi was posted by the Saitama Seibu Lions last week and will be available through January 2 at 5 p.m. ET. The 27-year-old southpaw posted a 3.08 ERA and 153/45 K/BB ratio over 163 2/3 innings this past season. He's being represented by Scott Boras.

 

Source: Henry Schulman on TwitterDec 10 - 9:31 AM

[TooLiveBrew]

Likes the West Coast, Boras client... nothing to see here for the Brewers. Best no one gets his/her hopes up on this one.

[bill hAll Star]

it seems like this is what happens with these players they prefer to play closer to home and that will be the west coast always happens.

 

Never understood how the West Coast of the US is "closer to home" for Asian players. It's a 12 hour flight from LA or 14 hour flight from NYC. Neither of those is in any way "close" to home. Maybe that's just the politically correct way of saying they want to play somewhere with a large Asian population.

 

Tokyo? Splitting hairs here but it's 9.5 vs. 14.5 I think.

[Madhawk23]

Yeah, let's face it. We have little to no shot landing this kid. Would love to get in on him, but these premier Asian players just are not going to look at a small market team in the middle part of the country like the Brewers. Just isn't going to happen. Add Boras to the mix, and it really, really isn't going to happen.

[Madhawk23]

Yeah, let's face it. We have little to no shot landing this kid. Would love to get in on him, but these premier Asian players just are not going to look at a small market team in the middle part of the country like the Brewers. Just isn't going to happen. Add Boras to the mix, and it really, really isn't going to happen.

[Madhawk23]

Yeah, let's face it. We have little to no shot landing this kid. Would love to get in on him, but these premier Asian players just are not going to look at a small market team in the middle part of the country like the Brewers. Just isn't going to happen. Add Boras to the mix, and it really, really isn't going to happen.

[bill hAll Star]

You can say that again!

[Eye Black]

While I agree that Kikuchi is very unlikely to sign with the Brewers, I wouldn’t say the chances are down to 0% just yet (insert Dumb & Dumber GIF).

 

Two things of notes:

 

1) Some reports have indicated that Kikuchi is willing to play for any MLB team regardless of their geographical location. Sure, maybe that’s just a leverage play.

 

2) Stearns said the Brewers have an extensive history scouting Kikuchi.

 

Again, I would still bet on him signing elsewhere, and the West coast teams are probably the actual favorites, but yes... I’m saying there is still a chance.

[BlazingGunz]

Bumping to the top for discussion....he has until January 2nd to sign, otherwise goes back to Japan. Have to think he is holding of the starting pitching market up somewhat as teams wait his decision. I really like him as a fit for the Brewers, left handed, age, cost...makes a lot sense. As long he isn't stuck on a West Coast team, would be a good fit.

[NievesNoNO]

He's only stuck on the west coast if the pay is similar. Make the best offer and you can land him. I get the west coast thing, closer to home, bigger Asian population, etc. If another team makes a significantly better offer I don't see how he doesn't go there. It's not like there are no diverse populations anywhere else around the US. Ease of travel and social media probably ease the distance some. I feel like overall it's an exaggerated point. I do think he ends up as a Dodger or Padre. The Dodgers just cleared some payroll and always have extra $$$ and the Padres are seemingly wanting to make a splash acquisition. I'd handicap the Brewers as equal to the remaining west coast teams.

[jerichoholicninja]

He has 4 days to sign and I've heard only slightly more than zero chatter about him. Usually just a throw in "so and so team scouted him last year". That seems weird. I don't know what it means but it sure seems weird.

[NievesNoNO]

Yes it's kind of weird. I'd have expected to hear a list of teams in the final stages or something.

[TURBO]

By now we should have heard the Yankees and Red Sox want him...Those are the only 2 teams in MLB that the media seem to care about.

[jerichoholicninja]

By now we should have heard the Yankees and Red Sox want him...Those are the only 2 teams in MLB that the media seem to care about.

 

Dodgers and Cubs are that level now too.

[JosephC]

I think everyone has just assumed he's going to the Giants. Quick internet search shows that the Mariners might be in play.

[RollieTime]

Since we haven’t heard much about Kikuchi being of significant interest to the Brewers, is it fair to assume that he will sign here?

 

It’s all quiet on the Brewers front, just the way Stearns likes it until the move is official.

[Eye Black]

Sounds like Kikuchi is visiting Seattle before the deadline and they are most likely the front runner at this point.

[markedman5]

Mariners it is

 

[anglotiger]

I'm not at all disappointed, because I had no expectation of him joining the Brewers. I really thought that he'd end up with the Dodgers... but winning was secondary to other things in life - good for him...

[reillymcshane]

Kikuchi has signed with Seattle. Go to the Major League forum for discussion.

 

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