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Archived News of Frank's Field of Dreams

"The Old Reflector"
"Up & Running."
Shin-Soo Choo finished his rehab-assignment with AAA-Buffalo,
and will now platoon between DH and the outfield as he continues
batting back from Tommy John surgery, which was caused by
pitching extensively as an amateur player back in South Korea.
(5/31)
Choo back with Tribe, in lineup

"All-Star DH."
Hideki Matsui is not playing the outfield that often this year,
his name on the All-Star ballot is under the DH spot, but with
injury to David Ortiz, Matsui should be the starting DH if he keeps
his hot bat going, where he is leading the AL in batting average.
(5/31)
Matsui going about his business quietly

"DL for Dice-K."
Initially described as a shoulder fatigue, Daisuke Matsuzaka
is placed on the DL with mild strain on his right rotator cuff.
(5/31)
Dice-K goes to DL with rotator strain
Dice-K to put time on DL to good use

"One Pitch, Three Outs."
Keiichi Yabu's threw only one pitch, and that one pitch gave
San Francisco Giants their first triple play in almost a decade.
(5/30)
Giants turn triple play against Padres

"Taguchi's Touches."
So Taguchi, who averaged 300+ at-bats the last few seasons
with St. Louis Cardinals is being utilized most as pinch-runner or
defensive replacement in his first year with Philadelphia Phillies.
It took Taguchi a month finally to get another base hit, and
said that he is patiently waiting for his chance being on the
starting lineup for rest of the season, hoping he will get better.
(5/30)
Taguchi happy to see name in lineup

"Pinella's Premier Player."
Some might said that Lou Pinella's biased, but he
mentioned his own player, Kosuke Fukudome
is currently the best right fielder in the NL.
(5/29)
Fukudome the best in eyes of skipper

"West Coast Switch."
Cha Seung Baek's tenure with the Seattle Mariners is over,
the Mariners traded him to San Diego Padres for Jared Wells,
who made his MLB debut just a few days ago. The trade is a
steal for the Padres since they only gave up someone who is
only a year younger but with much less MLB experience than
Baek. On the Mariners' position, Baek was out of options so
getting something in return hoping Wells be a late bloomer
is better than losing their Korean hurler through the waiver.
(5/28)
Mariners deal Baek to Padres
Baek appreciates shot with Padres

"All-Star Studs."
Ichiro is seeking his eighth straight trip to the All-Star Game,
while Kosuke Fukudome could be the first rookie outfielder
to start in the All-Star game since none other than the before
mentioned Ichiro. There are other Japanese hitters on the
ballot, but the only one with great stats and deserve a spot
is Hideki Matsui, however he has been DH most of the season,
and everyone knows the DH spot in the AL will be David Ortiz's
to lose, so the only way Matsui might make it is in the outfield.
(5/28)
Votebook: Far East fans have their say
Ichiro looks to extend All-Star streak
Cubs players chase All-Star history

"Japanese Imports."
Kosuke Fukudome's bobblehead is now available.
Fukudome's bobblehead is a hit, but many people said it
does not look like him at all. In Fukudome's bobblehead
giveaway promotion, the Chicago Cubs takes on
Los Angeles Dodgers, setting up the match between
two NPB veterans in Fukudome and Hiroki Kuroda,
who are both in their first season in the MLB.

Daisuke Matsuzaka's shoulder limited him to only four
innings in his latest outing, the Boston Red Sox said he
has a fatigued shoulder and his next start is uncertain.
(5/28)
Fukudome, bobblehead hits with Cubs
Japanese imports prove vital for teams
Shoulder fatigue ends Dice-K start
Sox optimistic about Dice-K's shoulder

"Battle of the W's."
Chien-Ming Wang's strained calf made New York Yankees' coaches
to have him pitch a day later than his original scheduled start, now
he will go up against Jarrod Washburn and the last few years
Seattle Mariners is the team that Wang has great success against.
(5/24)
Wang's start bumped as precaution
Washburn, Wang to clash on TBS

"Boo-Ya For Yabu."
Keiichi Yabu is enjoying a fine season so far with San Fracisco Giants,
the team who had the first Japanese player in history of MLB in
Masanori Murakami. Yabu originally pitching in long relief during
blowouts, but with his success, manager Bruce Bochy will utilizes
him in more important situations. Yabu said his success are from
throwing six different pitches and learning each hitters' weakness.
(5/24)
Yabu 'huge' in Giants' bullpen

"Victory History."
Earlier this month, Los Angeles Dodgers started a Korean
pitcher, with Taiwanese and Japanese pitchers followed to
secure a win. Now, another historical event have been achieved
by the Japanese pitching tandem of the Dodgers. Hiroki Kuroda
and Takashi Saito are the first Japanese duo to record a win and
a save in the same MLB game in the team's 5 - 2 victory over
Cincinnati Reds. Chin-Lung Hu went 1-for-3 with an RBI.
(5/22)
Japanese duo make history in victory

"Straining Order."
Chien-Ming Wang have been in a slump that saw his ERA jumped
almost two points since cruising April without a problem. An MRI
revealed that Wang has a strain calf and the New York Yankees
is willing to skip him a day or a start if he needs some extra
time to heal, but Wang declined both and said he is fine and will
make the next scheduled start this weekend without a problem.
(5/22)
Wang: Mild calf strain won't keep him out

"DFA'd."
Cha Seung Baek's tenure with Seattle Mariners might
come to an end, the team designated him for assignment
and his uncertain future will be decided within ten days.
(5/21)
Baek designated for assignment

"Southpaw Stories."
Hideki Okajima will not pitch against Milwaukee Brewers,
he should return against Kansas City Royals, managed by
none other than his former manager in Japan, Trey Hillman.
(5/19)
Red Sox rest Okajima in finale
Okajima reunites with Hillman

"Suzuki Style."
Other than being a big threat in the batter's box and having a
Gold Glove in the outfield. Ichiro's uncanny instinct and speed
also make him one of the best base runner in all of baseball.
Ichiro is now Seattle Mariners' franchise leader in stolen bases with
291, and have been successful in 20 out of 21 attempts in 2008.
(5/18)
Ichiro sets Mariners' stolen-base mark

"Other Interleague Games."
Going against a team in their backyard who has their
numbers in the past and a pitcher who is undefeated for the
season, Los Angeles Dodgers used their Asian pitchers to
pulled out a 6 - 3 win over Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Chan Ho Park started his first game in more than a year,
pitching an effective 4 innings of 3 hit ball with 3 strikeouts
and 2 walks before handing it to Hong-Chih Kuo, who has his
own impressive 4 innings of work. Takashi Saito pitched the
9th inning while Chin-Lung Hu went 0-for-3 with a run scored.

Daisuke Matsuzaka improved to 7 - 0 for the season, he hurled
6 2/3 innings, allowed only 2 unearned runs on 7 hits and 2 walks.
Matsuzaka also recorded 6 strikeouts in Boston Red Sox's 5 - 3 win.

Hideki Okajima is nursing a sore left wrist, his latest outing
is making the Boston Red Sox taking cautious measures.
(5/17)
Dodgers solve Santana, Angels
Dice-K now 7-0 as Sox take Game 1
Red Sox monitor Okajima's sore wrist

"Iguchi/Iwamura's Interleague Games."
Tadahito Iguchi went against Ichiro and Kenji Johjima
at Safeco Field. Iguchi, who struggled early this season
has bounced back and is now hitting a respectable .263
for the season. Iguchi went 3-for-5 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs
scored in San Diego Padres' 6 - 4 win over Seattle Mariners.
Ichiro was 1-for-3 with 2 walks, while Kenji Johjima went
2-for-4 with 2 RBIs and a run scored in their losing efforts.

Akinori Iwamura is visiting Gateway City for the moment,
one of the reason why his team is doing so well this season
is from the chemistry of the new and young core players.
So far Iwamura have no error in his transition to 2nd base.
Speaking of zero error, Tadahito Iguchi is also flawless this year
for San Diego Padres after signing with them as free agent.
(5/17)
Giles, Iguchi lead Padres past Mariners
Bartlett, Iwamura chemistry sparks Rays

"Charity Case."
A week after signing an extension with the Seattle Mariners,
Kenji Johjima started a program called "Assists for Kids."
From now on, each runner he catches stealing, plus any
other assists, Johjima will donate $250 to Ronald McDonald
House Charities of Western Washington and Alaska.
(5/16)
Johjima starts 'Assists for Kids' program

"Deja Vu."
Instead of having Kei Igawa pitching out of relief in the
Major League, New York Yankees optioned him down to
AAA-Scranton so he can be a starter for future needs.

Masahide Kobayashi continued to impress for Cleveland Indians,
he converted his second save and proved to be the closer while
Joe Borowski is on the DL. Kobayashi pitched as a closer in Japan.

15 more signed photos from various celebrities/coaches
have been added/scanned under Celebrities TTM.
(5/15)
Yanks send Igawa back to Triple-A
Kobayashi comes to the rescue

"Mid-May Report."
The season is more than 1 1/2 months old in the Major League,
here are some quick recaps on how each Asian players fared so far,
going from Korean/Japanese/Taiwanese and in alphabetical order.

Cha Seung Baek - After a rocky start and barely pitched after
a few bad outings, is now given the ball in long relief situation.

Shin-Soo Choo - Rehab assignment with AAA-Buffalo.

Chan Ho Park - Surprised many with his stats, not a
power pitcher anymore but manages to get outs.

Jae Kuk Ryu - Pitched one game and now with AAA-Durham.

Kosuke Fukudome - Hot bat but slowed down in May, however
he is still hitting well over .300 and maintain OBP over .400.

Kazuo Fukumori - Statistically worst pitcher on his team,
lost his spot on 40-man roster and now with AAA-Oklahoma.

Ichiro - While not hitting like he could and should, he
has stolen 16 bases and only got caught once.

Kei Igawa - After a month in AAA-Scranton, Igawa made a
bad start in Major before optioned down to Minor again.

Tadahito Iguchi - Slow start, but his bat has picked up, to his defense,
Petco Park (his home stadium) is extremely pitching friendly.

Akinori Iwamura - Like Iguchi, but without the Petco Park excuse.

Kenji Johjima - Look totally lost in the batter's box, but has hit
well the last few games after signed a new contract extension.

Masahide Kobayashi - Putting up good numbers with great K/B ratio.

Hiroki Kuroda - Kuroda's first game was his best one so far,
can be hit hard and shaky with his control at times.

Hideki Matsui - Tearing up at home, not so much on the road.
Still, Matsui's batting average is well over .300 with some power.

Kaz Matsui - Started his season late with a DL stint,
now taking over the leadoff role with great OBP.

Daisuke Matsuzaka - Undefeated, but walk too many
batters to be consider the ace of the team/league.

Hideo Nomo - Released after few bad outings, no team (US/Japan)
showed interest, career might be and should be over.

Tomo Ohka - Pitching horrible (0-6, 5.82 ERA) in AAA-Charlotte,
so his chance pitching in the Major League in 2008 is unlikely.

Hideki Okajima - Having another great season,
chance in the All-Star game again is very good.

Takashi Saito - Also having a great season, but is being
sidelined the last few days with flu symptoms.

So Taguchi - Weak bat in his reserve role.

Keiichi Yabu - Japanese version of Chan Ho Park.

Yasuhiko Yabuta - Like Taguchi, but on the mound.

Chin-Lung Hu - Sat on the bench to begin the season with more
AB after injuries to other players, hitting miserably like Taguchi.

Hong-Chih Kuo - Pitched exceptionally well in both
spot starts and long relief situations. Great K/BB Ratio.

Chin-Hui Tsao - With AAA-Omaha, good control (10 K, no walks)
but is getting hurt with homers (allowed 4 in 11+ innings).

Chien-Ming Wang - One of top starters in the AL along with
Fausto Carmona, Zach Greinke, Cliff Lee, Shaun Marcum etc.
(5/15)

"Familiar Faces."
Tadahito Iguchi is back in Chicago, where he saw many people that
he used to know when he was a member of Chicago White Sox.
Iguchi is now enjoying his playing career for the San Diego Padres.
(5/14)
Iguchi recalls days in Chicago

"L.A. Battle."
Chan Ho Park will be given the nod of starting against
Los Angeles of Anaheim for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
(5/14)
Park earns starting nod for Dodgers

"Sick Saito."
Takashi Saito have not pitched in almost a week,
the reason is that he battling against flu.
(5/13)
Flu keeps Saito sidelined

"One & Done."
Kei Igawa's latest stint in New York Yankees' rotation only
lasted one game. Igawa will be moved to the bullpen as a
long reliever because that is where he has put up better stats.
(5/13)
Igawa to 'pen; Kennedy to be recalled

"Heading Up."
Shin-Soo Choo is now with AAA-Buffalo to get ready for
his rehab assignment. Choo have spent all of April and early
part of May in Cleveland Indians' Extended Spring Training
facilities, he will have to be on the Indians' roster once he
end his rehab because he is out of Minor League options.

Kosuke Fukudome hit from the 5th spot most of the season, he will
hit occasionally from the 2nd spot because his ability to get on base.
(5/12)
Choo heads north to begin rehabbing
Cubs have specific role for Fukudome

"Off-Topic...Spiderman/Neil Young."
Rarely I post something totally unrelated to Baseball,
or outside of the field of Sports for the matter. But a
biologist/professor at my alma mater (East Carolina)
have discovered a new species of trapdoor spider and
decided to call it after his favorite musician, Neil Young,
naming it Myrmekiaphila neilyoungi. I wonder how Young
is feeling after learning there is a spider named after him.
(5/12)
 Neil Young gets new honor -- his own spider

"Rising Sun Struggles."
Kenji Johjima is having an absolute rough times in the batter's box
with a .184 batting average. Johjima is a career .299 hitter back
in Japan during his Fukuoka Daiei Hawk days and have hit a very
respectable .289 in his first two seasons with the Seattle Mariners.

Kei Igawa's another chance in the Major League went from
bad to worse. After giving up a run in the first inning, he was
tagged for another 5 runs when he exited the game with no
outs in the 4th inning. Igawa pitched 3 innings, allowed 6 runs
on 11 hits, and New York Yankees lost to Detroit Tigers 6 - 5.
(5/9)
Johjima sits while working on swing
Igawa no better than Kennedy in debut

"Taiwanese Toughness."
New York Yankees went 14-15 in April, however Chien-Ming Wang
went 5 - 0 and the Yankees won all 6 of his starts. After outdueled
other ace hurlers such as Roy Halladay, C.C. Sabathia etc, Wang
was named April's Pepsi Clutch winner for his ability to help his team
win close games to provide a much needed victory during any slump
over other stars such as Manny Ramirez and Brandon Webb etc.
(5/9)
Wang voted April's Pepsi Clutch winner

"Ichiro Effect."
Kaz Matsui is not that much talented like Ichiro, but he is giving
his team, the Houston Astros the spark on offense as the catalyst
like Ichiro have done for the Seattle Mariners the last few years.
(5/8)
Kaz paces Astros' new-look offense

"The Blue Crew."
Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen is about as diverse as you can
get on any Major League club. Both Chan Ho Park (South Korea)
and Hong-Chih Kuo (Taiwan) are pitching in long relief role with
closer Takashi Saito (Japan) anchoring the 7-man bullpen.
(5/8)
Under the radar, Dodgers 'pen thriving

Hiroki Kuroda's inconsistency where he could not get out the
4th inning gave Hong-Chih Kuo another chance of pitching in
long relief. Kuo struck out 8 hitters and held his opponent hitless
in his 3 2/3 innings of work where his fastball was consistently
clocked in the mid-90s. Los Angeles Dodgers beat New York Mets
5 - 4, Kuo got the victory and now 3 of his 4 career Major League
wins have come against the Mets. Chin-Lung Hu went 1-for-4 and
Takashi Saito pitched the 9th inning for his 5th save of the season.

Detroit Tigers have signed their first Asian Minor Leaguer after
having Masao Kida and Hideo Nomo pitching on their Major League
team almost ten years ago. Taiwanese outfielder Chao-Ting Tang
inked a Minor League deal with the organization this past week.
(5/7)
Kuo puts on a display
Torre expresses confidence in Kuroda
Minor League Transactions (April 26 - May 6)

"Up Again."
Kei Igawa was a disaster during his first season with the
New York Yankees, he will be given another chance to impress
the team as he filled the spot in the rotation opened up by
Ian Kennedy's demotion to AAA-Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
(5/6)
Yankees tab Igawa for Friday's start

"Walk This Way..."
Daisuke Matsuzaka issued a career high 8 walks during
his 5 innings of work but still remained undefeated after
Boston Red Sox beat Detroit Tigers 6 - 3. Hideki Okajima
recorded his 6th hold of the season, gave up only 1 hit in
1 1/3 of inning. ERA for Matsuzaka is 2.43, Okajima 0.64.
(5/6)
Homers lift Sox on Dice-K's wild night

"Mariners Musing."
Chien-Ming Wang is the first 6 games winner in the AL,
Wang almost joined Seattle Mariners eight years ago until
New York Yankees bulked up their signing bonus gave his
team another quality start and is now 7 - 0 against them
after the 4 - 1 win. Wang's first two career wins have also
came in the expense of the Mariners and Ichiro is hitting just
.217 in 23 career at-bats against Wang but did go 2-for-4
with a  run scored. Hideki Matsui went 1-for-4 with an RBI
while Kenji Johjima caught the last half inning of the game.

Another pitcher Mariners' courted was Hiroki Kuroda, who is
now with the Los Angeles Dodgers. There is a conspiracy that
former Japanese Major Leaguer Shigetoshi Hasegawa had
influenced Kuroda's decision to snubbed the Mariners in favor
of the Dodgers, which Hasegawa has denied any involvement.

Ichiro's hand-eye coordination is arguably the best among
all the Major Leaguers. Joe Girardi mentioned that he has to
change his defense plans when Ichiro goes up for his at-bats.
(5/3)
Yanks make Wang AL's first to six wins
Hasegawa denies swaying Kuroda
Girardi marvels at Ichiro's talent

"Ryno's Take."
Former Chicago Cubs' great Ryne Sandberg, who is currently
managing A-Peoria that features Korean and Taiwanese players
Dae-Eun Rhee and Hung-Wen Chen said he is very impressed
with Kosuke Fukudome, who takes care of business and being
a leader on this year's Cubs' squad despite his lack of English.
Fukudome could be the first Cubs' rookie player to make the
All-Star team in over 50 years if he is selected to participate.
(5/1)
Sandberg impressed with Fukudome

"SI Cover Boy."
Kosuke Fukudome's great start with Chicago Cubs
have featured him on this week's Sports Illustrated.
(4/29)
Fukudome featured in Sports Illustrated

"WBC Forecast."
Kenji Johjima mentioned that he would be willing to
play in next year's World Baseball Classic, but only if he
stayed with his current team, Seattle Mariners. After
signing with the team just last week, Johjima should
have no problem of playing in next year's tournament.
(4/29)
Johjima dreams of Classic

"Iguchi's Interest."
Tadahito Iguchi returned to the city of brother love for the
first time since leaving as a free agent. Iguchi spend two month
with the Philadelphia Phillies last season but decided playing his
natural position of 2nd base was more important than money.
(4/29)
Iguchi could have stayed with Phillies

"Hu's Hero."
Chin-Lung Hu grew up in Taiwan idol former Boston Red Sox's
shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, this season Hu is serving as the
utility infielder and his locker is right next to Garciaparra, who
has taught him to enjoy the game and be ready for anything.
(4/27)
Hu has found a mentor in Garciaparra

"Resty Against Lefty."
Hideki Matsui usually only have his name out of the lineup
if he sustain an injury found himself on the bench because
manager Joe Girardi wants to use as many right-handed
hitters against last year's AL Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia.

The move did not make any difference, Chien-Ming Wang stayed
undefeated and won the pitcher's duel against Sabathia by
pitching 7 scoreless innings where he allowed only 4 hits and
2 walks to go with 9 strikeouts. Masahide Kobayashi pitched a
scoreless 9th inning out of the bullpen and lowered his ERA to
only 1.59. New York Yankees shutout Cleveland Indians 1 - 0.
(4/27)
Matsui rests as Yanks counter lefty
Wang outduels Sabathia

"Rangers to RedHawks."
For the second time this season, Kazuo Fukumori
have been optioned down to AAA-Oklahoma.
(4/26)
Texas options Fukumori to Triple-A

"Fat Lady Sings."
Akinori Iwamura's first homer of the season with two outs
during bottom of the 8th inning gave the Tampa Bay Rays
a come from behind 2 - 1 victory over Boston Red Sox.
(4/26)
Iwamura picks prime time for first homer

"Birthday Bash."
Otanjou-bi Omedetou Gozaimasu to Kosuke Fukudome,
or in English, Happy Birthday. Fukudome celebrated his
31st birthday with the Japanese media contingent that
have followed his every move here so far in America.
(4/26)
Happy Birthday, Kosuke Fukudome

"Mariners Diaries."
After two months of negotiations, Seattle Mariners have signed
catcher Kenji Johjima to a three year extension for about 24 million.
8 million a year for a starting catcher is about the going rate, but
Johjima is not hitting well, albeit only the first month of the season
while with contract extension in his mind, but keeping any catchers
until they are 35 is a huge gamble and the Mariners should have
learned that with Dan Wilson back in 2005. With Johjima's signing,
this also create a tough situation for Jeff Clement, former 1st round
pick of the team who is hitting the ball very well in AAA-Tacoma.

On the field, Seattle Mariners lost to Oakland Athletics 4 - 3,
but reliever Cha Seung Baek who have not pitched in almost
two weeks gave them a very gutsy performance with starter
Miguel Batista out early in the game with injury. Baek pitched
6 innings and gave up only a hit and a run to go with 4 strikeouts
and a walk. Ichiro was 1-for-4 with a run scored while Kenji Johjima
finished the night 0-for-2 before being removed for a pinch-hitter.
(4/26)
Mariners keep Kenji through 2011
Baek sparkles in a pinch

"Lineup Shuffles."
Tadahito Iguchi is batting only .213, manager Bud Black decided
it is the best for him to get a day off to break out of a 4-for-41
slump that he is in. Iguchi is not the only Japanese hitter struggling
hitting the ball, as Akinori Iwamura, Kenji Johjima also hitting in
the Mendoza Line and only Kosuke Fukudome and Hideki Matsui
are hitting well over .300 for the first month of the 2008 season.
To Iguchi's defense, playing half of his games at Petco Park, an
extreme pitcher's park might have some effect, Kevin Kouzmanoff
is the leading hitter for the San Diego Padres while hitting just .279
(4/25)
Slumping Iguchi gets day off Friday

Daisuke Matsuzaka is fighting the flu that caused him to miss his
scheduled start, he should be back for his next scheduled start.

Kaz Matsui was out of starting lineup because the
Houston Astros had a day game and he have not gotten
a day off since coming off the DL more than a week ago.
(4/24)
Flu bug bites Dice-K
Cooper gives regulars day off

"Head on...Apply Directly by Fukudome."
Kosuke Fukudome has reached on base safely the last
seven time by either hits or walks, his OBP is currently .477,
best among the Chicago Cubs and third overall in all of MLB
behind only Albert Pujols (.495) and Rafael Furcal (.489).
(4/22)
Fukudome at center of offensive surge

"The New Order."
Tadahito Iguchi is in a hitting funk, that led to his move
from hitting second to eighth in San Diego Padres' lineup.
Manager Bud Black said he like the newer lineup and
Iguchi hitting eighth is likely going to be a permanent move.
(4/21)
Black makes changes to lineup

"Weekend Updates."
Kosuke Fukudome was out of the lineup for Chicago Cubs
because of swelling from a cyst above his right eye.

Hideo Nomo's appearance with the Kansas City Royals
only lasted three games before the team decided it
was time to go with a different direction. Nomo was hit
hard in all three outings and his ERA is currently 18.69.

Ichiro is struggling, but manager John McLaren know in
the past that April is statistically the worst month for him.

Kaz Matsui's two run single helped his new team Houston Astros
defeated his old team Colorado Rockies 6 - 4. It might still be
early but Matsui's replacement Jayson Nix is only hitting .132.

Hiroki Kuroda pitched well, but the only run support he received
was a solo homer. Los Angeles Dodgers get beat by Atlanta Braves
6 - 1. Kuroda six solid innings while Chin-Lung Hu went 1-for-4.
(4/20)
Fukudome scratched from lineup
In tough decision, Royals set Nomo free
McLaren unfazed by Ichiro's struggles
Matsui's clutch knock gives Astros win
Dodgers can't convert for Kuroda
Kuroda keeps it close despite laboring

Keiichi Yabu is back with San Francisco Giants after being
optioned down to AAA-Fresno less than a week ago.
(4/19)
Giants bring back Yabu, drop Davis

"Starting Nods."
Hong-Chih Kuo will make another start for the
Los Angeles Dodgers in place of Esteban Loaiza.

Kaz Matsui made his regular debut for Houston Astros,
his return should give the team a much needed boost
from their 6 - 11 start. Matsui will batting second in the
lineup and taking over the starting duties of 2nd basemen.
(4/18)
Kuo gets fifth starter nod for Dodgers
Matsui makes his debut for Astros

"New Additions."
Kaz Matsui could be playing his first regular season game
for Houston Astros this weekend, he is currently with
AAA-Round Rock on a rehab assignment until tomorrow.

I have taken out Picture of the Month and Quote of the Month
on the left side of this main page and replaced them with
more informative stuffs like updated Scores and Standings.
(4/16)

"Sunday Night Baseball."
Daisuke Matsuzaka was obviously not on top of his game,
but he received plenty of run support. Boston Red Sox
jumped out in front and never trailed during their 8 - 5 win in
the rubber match of the series against rival New York Yankees.

In some Minor League transactions, Boston Red Sox signed catcher
Hayato Doue and placed him in the restricted list. Texas Rangers
also signed former NPB veteran pitcher Yukinaga Maeda.
Neither one is likely to contribute with the Major League clubs.
(4/14)
Dice-K taking simple approach
Offense gets away with subpar Dice-K
Minor League Transactions (April 5 - April 11)

"Emergency Start."
Cha Seung Baek made a spot start but was rusty for
having not pitched in nine days. Seattle Mariners fall to
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim by the score of 10 - 5.
(4/13)
Baek suffers loss in Bedard's place

"Kazuo Times Two."
Kazuo Fukumori has been optioned down to AAA-Oklahoma,
despite a great Spring Training, Fukumori struggled in
during his first three appearance of the regular season.

Kazuo Matsui's regular season will be delayed for a few
more days, Matsui's back was stiff during his rehab
assignment with AA-Corpus Christi and will sit out for
a few games before re-continue his rehab assignment.
(4/13)
Rangers send down reliever Fukumori
Wigginton to DL; Kazuo scratched
Matsui's Astros debut delayed

"Taiwanese Tandem."
Chien-Ming Wang was masterful against the team that had
his numbers in the past. Wang allowed only two hits, one on
a playable fly ball and another on a bunt single. Wang is still
undefeated for the season and his gem gave New York Yankees a
4 - 1 win over rival Boston Red Sox in their first 2008 meeting.

Hong-Chih Kuo will temporary be the 5th starter for
Los Angeles Dodgers until Clayton Kershaw is ready for
the Major League, Chan Ho Park might get an occasional
start but the spot is reserved to Kuo at the moment.
(4/12)
Red Sox stymied by Wang's Yanks
Wang overpowers Sox with two-hitter
Missed fly part of missed no-hitter
Kuo replaces Loaiza in rotation

"Moving Around."
Kosuke Fukudome played centerfield and hit from the #2
spot for the first time. Fukudome said there will be no change
in his approach both on the outfield and inside the batter's box.
(4/11)
Fukudome shifts to center, bats second

"The Right Man."
Hideki Matsui played right field for the first time in almost
three years. Matsui only played four games there during his
New York Yankees career, but had plenty of experience in
the right field when he was a member of the Yomiuri Giants.
(4/10)
Lineup changes include Matsui in right

"Winning Against Winless."
Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched Boston Red Sox's 2008 home
opener. Matsuzaka pitched 6 2/3 innings of shutout ball
and Hideki Okajima pitched a hitless 9th inning to help
preserve a 5 - 0 shutout against the winless Detroit Tigers.
(4/8)
Sox ring up a strong Dice-K

"Rock Chalk, Jayhawk."
Congratulations to Coach Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks
winning the 2008 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship.
Coach Self led Kansas to their best season (most win) ever,
and here is the 8 x 10 he signed for me around February.
(4/8)

"Japanese Notes."
Ichiro now have 1,600 Major League hits, only
1,400 more to go to join the 3,000 hits club.

Kaz Matsui will be with AA-Corpus Christi for his rehab assignment.
If all goes planned, Matsui will be activated within a week.

Kosuke Fukudome is making the transition to Major League
looking easy. Fukudome hit .458 in his first week in the MLB.
(4/7)
Ichiro reaches 1,600 Major League hits
Matsui to begin rehab in Minors
Fukudome enjoys strong week

"Asian Connections."
In the east coast, New York Yankees' Asian tandem
Hideki Matsui and Chien-Ming Wang both contributed
in the team's 2 - 0 shutout against Tampa Bay Rays. Wang
pitched 6 innings of shutout ball while Matsui went 3-for-4
with a 2 run homer. Akinori Iwamura went hitless in 4 at-bats.

At the west coast, Chin-Lung Hu started at 2nd base and
he hit the game-winning single in the 9th inning to give
Los Angeles Dodgers a 3 - 2 win over San Diego Padres.
Takashi Saito saved his first game of the season while
Tadahito Iguchi went 2-for-4 and scored both run for his team.
(4/6)
Wang, Chamberlain dominate Rays
Hu's timely hit gives Dodgers the win

"Out of Service."
Keiichi Yabu is experiencing blurry vision problems,
the San Francisco Giants listed him day-to-day and
he should recover within a day or two at the latest.
(4/6)
Winn, Yabu sidelined with injuries

"Think Blue."
Chan Ho Park made his way back to the Major League after
pitching most of last season in the Minor League, his former
Los Angeles Dodgers' teammate Hideo Nomo also made his
way back, but in Kansas City Royals Blue instead. Nomo will
pitch in long relief like Park and his comeback is more least
expected because he has not pitched in the Major League
since 2005. Nomo's professionalism and toughness mentality
will benefit the young pitchers of Kansas City and they are
off to a great start by having swept the Detroit Tigers.

Hiroki Kuroda made his regular season debut in a fashion,
Kuroda proved he was worth the huge contract that he signed,
and he went 7 innings with his only mistake by giving up a
solo homer to Brian Giles. Tadahito Iguchi went hitless
in 4 ABs but his average is standing at .300 after 5 games.
Kuroda's excellent performance gave Los Angeles Dodgers a
7 - 1 win over divisional opponent San Diego Padres. Chin-Lung Hu
pinch-run and scored a run with a walk later in the same game.

Kosuke Fukudome continued his hot start, Fukudome belted a
go ahead 2 run double and helped the Chicago Cubs sealed
a come from behind 9 - 7 victory over the Houston Astros.
(4/5)
Nomo could join Royals on Saturday
Nomo hasn't yet written final chapter
Iguchi reaches out to Dodgers' Kuroda
All business for Kuroda in terrific debut
My Kuroda: Rookie shines in debut
Fukudome delivers in the clutch

"Celebrities TTM, Pt. 3."
I have scanned the third and the latest batch of autograph
photos I received from celebrities/sports related personnel.
Check out Celebrities TTM and see if your favorite celebrity
signs through the mail. I wrote to Chien-Ming Wang during
Spring Training and his autographs have changed a lot
from four years ago when I met him during an AAA game.

June 2004 Autograph, obtained in-person.

March 2008 Autograph, obtained through the mail.
(4/5)

"Taiwanese Kung-Fu Fighting..."
Normally I don't report what is going on in Asia's pro baseball
league, but this is something no one in America should miss.

In Taiwan's most southern and warmest city of Kaohsiung,
Chih-Sheng Lin of the La New Bears lost his temper and probably
some respect status of Taiwanese baseball. Lin, the best player
on his team after former Los Angeles Dodgers' Chin-Feng Chen
has always been a well-liked person, being on the Taiwanese
National Team numerous times and earned the nickname of
"Da Shi Hsiung", literally translated to "Big Brother". During a
tie game against the Brother Elephants on the bottom of the 9th
inning, Lin was called out, which resulted from a line drive ball hit
by Chin-Feng Chen. The next hitter, Chih-Wei Shih was called out on
another nice play by Elephants' rookie shortstop Sheng-Wei Wang.
Within the next few seconds, Lin sprinted out from his dugout
and took out his frustration on the previous two close calls he
felt it was purposely against his team on the poor 1st base umpire
and the rest is history. Like the commentator mentioned, Lin's
out of control action is understandable, but not excusable.
One of the top paid baseball player in Taiwan, Lin's action will
likely resulting in one of the biggest fine/suspension of the CPBL.
The last player I can remember did something crazy at the umpire
was Delmon Young, and he was suspended 50 games for throwing
his bat at the umpire two years ago during a minor league game.

Enjoy the YouTube clip below for all the action you might have missed.

 
(4/4)

"Time is Now."
The Fukudome-Mania has begun in windy city and likely
have good chance of ending it with a World Series trophy.

Hiroki Kuroda will make his regular season debut tonight,
Kuroda's tough warrior like demeanor will remind a lot
of fans of another former Japanese Dodger, Hideo Nomo.

Kazuo Matsui will began a Minor League rehab assignment at
AA-Corpus Christi then be activated on either 4/13 or 4/15.
(4/4)
Enthusiasm surrounds Fukudome early
Fukudome just keeps on hitting
Kuroda's tenacity on display in SoCal
Rehab clearance nears for Matsui

"Start Over."
Chan Ho Park made it back to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Park had a brilliant Spring Training got the first call-up from
AAA-Las Vegas after the Dodgers needed a 12th pitcher.
(4/3)
Dodgers add Park to depleted 'pen
Dodgers purchase Park from Triple-A

"Cold Kobayashi."
Masahide Kobayashi will have to get used to the cold
April weather in Cleveland. Kobayashi made his debut in
freezing temperature and some scouts who attended the
game said his slider, supposedly his best pitch lacked life.
(4/3)
Cold weather new to Kobayashi

"Daisuke & Kosuke."
Daisuke Matsuzaka was in control the whole game, Matsuzaka
recorded nine strikeouts while giving up only one run on two hits
with no walks gave Boston Red Sox a decisive 2 - 1 victory over
Oakland Athletics. Hideki Okajima also pitched a scoreless inning.

Kosuke Fukudome is no ordinary rookie, Fukudome might
be the marquee franchise player that the Chicago Cubs
is looking for after Sammy Sosa left the town years ago.
(4/2)
Dice-K, timely hitting pace Sox over A's
Fukudome soon to be household name

"Two More Weeks."
Kaz Matsui took batting practice for the first time since having
surgery and said he has been making good progress. Matsui
will be out for another two weeks before returning to the lineup.
(4/2)
Matsui takes first BP since surgery
Matsui ready for rehab assignment

"Cubs' Cut."
Chih-Hsiang Wen who played only 20 games for the AZL Cubs
after being signed as a free agent is released by Chicago Cubs
according to Baseball America's latest weekly transaction.
Wen hit only .176 while being struck out in half of his at-bats,
joined his former AZL Cubs' teammate Simon Lee as the only
Asian Minor Leaguers being released after this Spring Training.
(4/1)
Minor League Transactions (March 22 - March 28)