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Archived News of Frank's Field of Dreams

"The Old Reflector"
"Chan Ho Celebrates."
Chan Ho Park sealed the deal of becoming the 5th starter
in Philadelphia Phillies' starting rotation. Park signed with
Phillies, mainly because they were the only team willing to
give the Korean veteran hurler a chance to make it as a
starter again, and he skipped representing South Korea in
World Baseball Classic in order to compete for the spot.
(3/31)
Park overjoyed to be Phils' No. 5 starter

"Japanese Faceoff."
Daisuke Matsuzaka started against Kenshin Kawakami and
both pitchers pitched well, Taiwanese outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin
also started in right field and collected a hit off of Kawakami.
(3/30)
Dice-K finds rhythm in first start
Kawakami holds his own vs. Dice-K

"Injury Bug."
Cha Seung Baek will need about a week or two to heal after
straining his right forearm in his latest Spring Training start.
(3/30)
Baek suffers 'mild' forearm strain
Baek likely to miss start of season

"Cubs' Cut."
So Taguchi is being sending down to the Minor League
camp, which means there are no 25-man roster spot
for him on the opening day roster with Chicago Cubs.
(3/29)
Taguchi among cuts from Cubs camp

"Sophomore Stud?"
Masahide Kobayashi barely pitched since last August due
to fatigue, after being rusty to began Spring Training, he
settled down, while physically and mentally ready for 2009.
(3/28)
Tribe hopeful of Kobayashi rebound

"Sons of Rising Sun."
When Kenshin Kawakami's Atlanta Braves and
Daisuke Matsuzaka's Boston Red Sox oppose each
other, they will undoubtedly be surrounded by
the large contingent of Japanese media members.
(3/28)
Kawakami to face Dice-K on Monday

"Double Champions?"
Akinori Iwamura is not satisfied with only the WBC Crown,
he is looking forward of getting better and better to
helping Tampa Bay Rays winning the 2009 World Series.
(3/28)
Iwamura after another championship

"Back to Work, Cont."
Like other members of Team Japan who play in the MLB,
Kosuke Fukudome is back with his club, preparing to play
the last few Spring Training games and get ready for 2009.
(3/27)
Fukudome back with Cubs
Fukudome begins playing catch-up

"Indians' Additions."
Cleveland Indians claimed Jae Kuk Ryu through the waivers
and optioned him to AAA-Columbus, and Shin-Soo Choo is
back from playing for South Korea in World Baseball Classic.
(3/26)
Indians claim Ryu, cut Cannizaro
Choo recovering from grueling Classic

"Back to Work."
Daisuke Matsuzaka will fly to Florida to join his Boston Red Sox
teammates for Spring Training with World Baseball Classic
being over. Matsuzaka will throw a side session first before
making his long waited first start of the 2009 Spring Training.

Kenshin Kawakami pitched well since he missed his previous
scheduled start, he had his best Spring Training outing so far.
(3/26)
Dice-K to join Red Sox Wednesday
Kawakami displays top form vs. Nats

"Extra Extra!"
The 5th meeting between the two Asian powerhouses was
as good as it had been advertised, Japan and South Korea
had to go an extra inning to determine who is the best in
the world, and in the end, Ichiro perhaps ended his career
on the Japanese National Team by going 4-for-6 with 2 RBIs,
which came in the 10th inning after Chang-Yong Lim, Korea's
sidearm closer kept going after him with strikes. Like in 2006,
Daisuke Matsuzaka won the MVP of the World Baseball Classic
once again, however overall Hisashi Iwakuma performed better.

(3/25)
Dice-K repeats as Classic MVP
Ichiro lifts Japan to Classic glory

"Road Trip."
Chien-Ming Wang rode in the car for few hours before he
found a place to pitch, due to the bad weather in Florida.
(3/23)
Posada, Wang finally locate dry land

"New Start."
Chien-Ming Wang is in line to start the very first exhibition
game at the new Yankee Stadium, he is scheduled to pitch
against Chicago Cubs on April 3rd, announced by Joe Girardi.
(3/23)
Wang to start exhibition at new Stadium

"Classic Choo."
Being the only current Major Leaguer on South Korea's roster,
Shin-Soo Choo's experience in the big league gave his team a
lot of help when they faced Venezuela with Carlos Silva on the
mound. Guess when was the last time Choo put on a South Korean
uniform? Back in 2001, when he represented the Koreans at the
World Junior Baseball Championship as a left-handed pitcher!
(3/23)
Choo translates experience into wins

"Igawa Interest?"
Kei Igawa is no longer in New York Yankees' plan, however he
still have chance to pitch in the Major League, as long any of
the other 29 teams willing to take a chance on him this season.
(3/23)
Igawa auditioning for return to Majors
Igawa impressive, but sent to Minors

"Experience Wanted."
Junichi Tazawa impressed so far, jumping from Japan's
industrial league to Major League Spring Training.
Tazawa's assignment to the Minor League have two main
goals, one is to get him more experience, two is working
more on his delivery by pitching out from the windup.
(3/22)
Tazawa sent down, but Sox high on him

"Spring Training Cut."
Yasuhiko Yabuta's road back to the MLB is looking tougher
now, he appeared in seven games, but gave up eight runs
(six earned) and 12 hits, two of them homers. His ERA for
6 1/3 innings was 8.53 and opponents hit .375 against him.
(3/22)
Yabuta re-assigned to Minors camp

"Auction Time."
Remember the tiny South Korean flag that southpaw starter
Jung Bong and outfielder Jin Young Lee planted on the mound
after their 2nd victory over Japan in the World Baseball Classic?

Well, currently it is being auction through the WBC website.

Could Jung Bong's stellar WBC get him another shot in the
MLB? Who knows... If Sidney Ponson, Ivan Rodriguez, or
even Leon Boyd impressed the scouts, why not Jung Bong?
(3/22)

"Scratched Start."
Kenshin Kawakami experienced some shoulder fatigue on
his right shoulder, so he missed his scheduled start.
(3/19)
Kawakami scratched with tired shoulder

"Asian Yankees."
Hideki Matsui and Chien-Ming Wang are both starting 2009
fresh and new after injuries derailed their 2008 season.
(3/18)
Strictly a DH, Matsui feeling fresh
Wang learns quickly from poor outing

"Opening Day Starter."
Hiroki Kuroda is given the nod of starting on Opening Day for
Los Angeles Dodgers. Kuroda is entering only his 2nd season.
(3/18)
Kuroda selected to start Opening Day

"Promising Park."
Chan Ho Park signed with Philadelphia Phillies during the
winter, after they were the only team willing to give him a
shot as a starter. After three Spring Training outings, Park
currently have the spot locked down with an ERA of 1.54.
(3/15)
Park making strong bid to join rotation

"Cleveland's Cut?"
Masahide Kobayashi is struggling in Spring Training, so far
he gave up seven runs on nine hits and five walks in just
four innings over four appearances, carrying ERA of 15.75.

Fellow Japanese pitcher Tomo Ohka, who went to camp as
a non-roster invitee is also struggling, and been sent to the
minor league camp after giving away 14 hits and 10 runs,
six of them earned, in 3 2/3 innings over three appearances.
(3/14)
Tribe not worried about Kobayashi yet

"The Wang Turn."
Chien-Ming Wang had a miserable outing, due to an error
that kept the inning longer, most of his runs allowed were
unearned. In 2008, Wang also had a rough Spring Training.
(3/13)
Off night doesn't unnerve Wang

"Kuo Versus Korea."
Hong-Chih Kuo decided to participate Los Angeles Dodgers'
Spring Training instead of playing World Baseball Classic for
Taiwan, however that did not prevent him from facing the
South Koreans, which won Pool A earlier this week in Japan.
(3/12)
Kuo takes important step vs. Korea

"Familiar Faces."
Kosuke Fukudome played for Team Japan against his MLB club,
Chicago Cubs in preparation of Japan's World Baseball Classic
2nd round games, which are going to be held in San Diego.
(3/12)
Fukudome has faith of teammates

"Korean Duos."
With South Korea's WBC team now have arrived in the San Diego
area, they are playing friendly games against the local MLB team,
San Diego Padres, which Koreans Cha Seung Baek and Jae Kuk Ryu
currently representing the friars but both are not scheduled to pitch.
(3/11)
Playing Korea hits home for Baek, Ryu

"More Choo to Come."
After being evaluated by the Cleveland Indians' medical staff,
Shin-Soo Choo is found to be 100% healthy and will go ahead
and participate the 2nd round of the World Baseball Classic,
however his availability of playing on the field is still uncertain,
and he had been limited to only being a DH for the Korean squad.
(3/11)
Tribe brushes off concern over Choo

"#2 Pencils."
Kosuke Fukudome is going to be hitting 2nd this upcoming
season, according to his manager Lou Pinella's plan.
(3/10)
Piniella pencils in Fukudome at No. 2

"Start Strained."
Koji Uehara is very likely going to skip his next start after
straining his left hamstring against New York Mets.
(3/9)
Hamstring strain to cost Uehara start

"B Game, A Effort."
After Hong-Chih Kuo pitched his first Spring Training game,
it is for certain that he will pitch no more than one inning
per outing this season, announced by his manager Joe Torre.
(3/9)
Kuo makes spring debut in 'B' game

"Wang's WBC View."
"I really want to pitch for Chinese Taipei, but it's really
hard for me. I still need to do some work for [the] Yankees.
It would be a pleasure to play for Chinese Taipei, but I still
need to do my work here." So, basically, Chien-Ming Wang meant
as long he is with the New York Yankees or MLB, his chance of
ever wearing the Taiwanese National Team's uniform is zero.
(3/7)
Wang passes first test on right foot

"Same Situations."
Both Cha Seung Baek and Hideki Matsui are trying to get
ready for the 2009 MLB season, that is the main reason why
they declined to be on their country's World Baseball Classic
team and currently in Spring Training in Arizona, and Florida.
(3/5)
San Diego's Baek sees mixed results
Matsui pleased following spring debut

"Choo Cleared."
Despite reports of sore left triceps, Shin-Soo Choo will still
suit up and play in the World Baseball Classic. However,
Choo is limited only to handle DH duties in the 1st round.
(3/5)
Choo's injury complicated for Indians
Tribe's Choo cleared to play for Korea

"Uehara's WBC."
Not being able to pitch for Team Japan, Koji Uehara got the
nod starting for the Baltimore Orioles in an exhibition game
against Team Dominican Republic that featured an All-Star
hitting lineup. However, Uehara was on his 2006 WBC form,
and he pitched three shutout innings against the Dominicans.
(3/4)
Uehara dazzling Orioles with control

"Pool A Preview, Cont."
Japan and South Korea are favored to win Pool A, while Taiwan
will struggle because of the inability to invite their best players
to participate while China still are steps behind the competition.
(3/3)
Japan, Korea favored in Pool A

"Samurai's Honor."
Team Japan only got one goal in mind; that is to repeat their
status as the World Baseball Classic champion once again.
(3/3)
Japan set to defend as Classic champs

"Star Slump."
Team Japan's best pure hitter Ichiro is having a tough time
with his bat in the warm up games he played in; however,
the team is confident that he will turn it around eventually.
(3/2)
Japan not concerned by Ichiro's slump

"Park's Spot?"
Chan Ho Park's first appearance in Spring Training is
solid, and it might gave him the upper hand of locking up
the 5th starter spot in the Philadelphia Phillies' rotation.
(3/1)
Park sees first game action of spring

"So Says."
So Taguchi's English ability is somewhat fluently
enough, which he can do interviews without an interpreter.
(2/27)
Taguchi hopes to learn Cubs' language

"Double Debuts."
Kenshin Kawakami and Koji Uehara both started and did a great job
during their two innings for their perspective teams; however,
Kawakami received the run support while Uehara did not.
(2/27)
Kawakami's debut sets victorious tone
Kawakami kicks off US tenure in style
Uehara's strong debut not enough
Uehara makes debut look simple

"Surprising Saito."
Takashi Saito took the mound, pitching in a game situation
for the first time since being hammered in Game 2 of
NLDS with a really nice result. Saito pitched an inning and
had two strikeouts on his way back from the elbow injury.
(2/26)
Saito a pleasant Sox surprise

"Spring Stories."
Daisuke Matsuzaka and Fu-Te Ni will both play in the
World Baseball Classic; however, Matsuzaka is training in
Japan with the National Team while Ni is in Florida on just
his second trip to the United States. During Ni's debut, he
retired the opposition quickly and efficiently with five pitches.
(2/25)
Red Sox monitoring Dice-K from afar
Ni strong in American debut for Tigers

"Pool A Preview."
Pool A of the World Baseball Classic's finish is likely going to
be like a repeat of what happened back in 2006. Japan and
South Korea should advance while Taiwan and China struggle.
(2/25)
Japan paces Classic's Pool A pack

"Long Overdue."
The 2009 Spring Training has already started and the season
is upon us after the World Baseball Classic; the graphic on
top had changed with three new players representing Japan,
South Korea, and Taiwan. Gone is the old school look of
Chien-Ming Wang, Hideo Nomo, and Chan Ho Park. Replacing
them are Shin Soo Choo, Daisuke Matsuzaka, and Hong-Chih Kuo.
All three had a breakout season in 2008 and look to duplicate
the success this year. Old School layout was centered at
Wrigley Field because of its long history. Now behind the
three players is Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the first MLB
stadium where I attended a game (back on Labor Day 2004),
and home of my favorite player in the 1990s, Cal Ripken, Jr.

A new poll is up, and the old poll from last October is archived below.
 

Which division will win the 2008 World Series?		Votes
AL East	38%	8
AL Central	0%	0
AL West	5%	1
NL East	38%	8
NL Central	19%	4
NL West	0%	0
21 votes total

(2/25)

"Teammates' Perspectives."
Koji Uehara is not the only one on the Baltimore Orioles
that have faced cultural transitions; both Craig Brazell
and Scott Chiasson played in the NPB and now are trying
to crack the roster as non-roster invitees share their
experience of playing and living in a foreign country.
(2/22)
Uehara's lifestyle may need adjusting

"Choo Choo Collison."
Shin-Soo Choo had collided with his teammate
Grady Sizemore during a popup drill, and the result
is a bruised knee. Choo walked fine afterwards.
(2/22)
Choo bruises knee during drills

"In Session, Cont."
Koji Uehara and Kenshin Kawakami both threw to hitters
for the first time since reporting to Spring Training.
(2/21)
Uehara gets first taste in BP session
Kawakami faces live hitters for first time

"Taiwanese Tandems."
Taiwan domestic league, CPBL's best pitcher Fu-Te Ni is
currently in Lakeland, Florida with the hopes of being the
first player to make it to the MLB from CPBL. Taiwan's best
pitcher, Chien-Ming Wang is back on the mound facing
hitters for the first time since injured his foot last June.
(2/20)
Ni looking to bridge many gaps
Wang back on mound facing hitters

"Designated Bomber."
With Jason Giambi gone and his own knee not as healthy it
once used to be, Hideki Matsui will be a full-time DH this year.
(2/18)
Matsui to be perched as Yanks' DH

"In Session."
Kenshin Kawakami and Koji Uehara both got their feet wet by
pitching their first bullpen sessions, and of course, they were
both surrounded by large numbers of Japanese media members.

Back in Japan in the city of Miyazaki, Team Japan, led by Ichiro
and Daisuke Matsuzaka, are looking forward of helping their
country to repeat as the World Baseball Classic Champions.
(2/16)
Kawakami creates buzz at Braves camp
Orioles get first glimpse at Uehara
Team Japan holds first workout

"Health Check."
Hideki Matsui and Chien-Ming Wang's 2008 season were both
bothered by injuries that they suffered. As both reported to
Spring Training, all eyes are on them to see whether they can
bounce back from the previous season to their All-Star forms.
(2/16)
Matsui's health a key issue for Yanks
Yanks optimistic on Wang's health

"Play Ball?"
Hiroki Kuroda could be the one starting on opening day for
the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have confidence in him from
his outstanding performances during the 2008 playoffs.
(2/15)
Kuroda may get Opening Day call

"English Lessons."
Koji Uehara only played for one organization during his entire
run in his NPB career.  Now more than a decade later, he has
switched to a new team across the pacific, where he will have to
face the cultural and language barrier for the first year or two.
(2/14)
Communication important to Uehara

"Rebounding Year?"
Kenji Johjima and Kosuke Fukudome had a disappointing 2008.
Neither will participate the Spring Training much because
of their World Baseball Classic commitments, but they will
be coming into 2009 in great shape and conditioning.

Also, the Toronto Blue Jays signed another Japanese southpaw
Shigeki Noguchi to a Minor League contract. Noguchi was an
elite pitcher ten years ago, winning the Sawamura Award;
however, he is way past his prime and more likely is going to
be pitching in AAA-Las Vegas or be cut once the season starts.
(2/11)
Johjima hops Pacific to meet skipper
Fukudome shapes up in offseason

"No to Ichiro."
Ichiro worked out as a pitcher recently for Team Japan as
they prepare for the World Baseball Classic next month.
After the news and photo of him pitching off the mound
broke out, the Seattle Mariners said they will not would
not under any circumstances allow Ichiro to actually do it.
(2/11)
Mariners: Ichiro won't be pitching

"Saito's Sox."
Takashi Saito is getting ready for the new season with his
new team, the Boston Red Sox down in Fort Myers, Florida.
Saito mentioned that his age was a big factor in why he did
not go for surgery on his elbow and that he is feeling great.
(2/10)
Saito feeling good, likes fit with Red Sox

"Takahashi's Chance, Cont."
Toronto Blue Jays said Ken Takahashi is coming in to
compete for a starting job, but the move is more a promotional
strategy to get the organization some news in Japan.
(2/6)
Takahashi, Jays finalize deal

"Area 51."
Ichiro will once again patrolling the right field grass for
Seattle Mariners, this time for new manager Ken Wakamatsu.
(2/4)
New faces join Ichiro in Seattle outfield

"Takahashi's Chance."
Japanese free agent pitcher Ken Takahashi is going to
turn 40 in two months, however Toronto Blue Jays
still gave him a chance to compete in the Major League
by signing him to a Minor League contract and he will be
a non-roster invitee to the Major League Spring Training.

Takahashi, along with Ken Kadokura, Katsuhiko Maekawa,
and Junichi Tazawa are not guaranteed to appear in the
MLB, therefore I will not have a profile page for each of
them until they actually debut in the Major League.

In another signing related news, Hyang-Nam Kim, who
pitched for Cleveland Indians' AAA-Buffalo in 2006 signed
with St. Louis Cardinals, he is also looking for one last shot
at playing in the Major League after getting snubbed in 2006.
(2/2)
Takahashi lands Minor League deal

"The Four Horsemen."
Chicago Cubs invested heavily in South Korea, getting the
country's top amateur pitcher, infielder, and outfielder where
there will be four players playing in their farm system in 2009.
(2/2)
Cubs mining Korean baseball riches

"Asian Reports."
Kenji Johjima will head into Seattle Mariners Spring Training
as their starting catcher, but the job is not guaranteed.

Shin-Soo Choo is likely going to hit in the middle of the order
for Cleveland Indians after tearing up last season in the
batter's box after coming back from surgery and rehabs.

Che-Hsuan Lin and Chih-Hsien Chiang are two of a couple
Boston Red Sox minor leaguers who could be playing in the
World Baseball Classic. Lin was 2008 Futures Game MVP.
(1/29)
Johjima anchors deep catching corps
Choo looks to build on breakout season
Red Sox ranging Far East for prospects

"WBC Notes."
Kenji Johjima will be in Arizona before the pitcher/catcher
reporting date so he can meet Seattle Mariners' new coaching
staff since he will miss most of the Spring Training with his
catching duties for Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

Che-Hsuan Lin is named one of dozen future stars to
watch that might be playing in the World Baseball Classic.
(1/21)
Johjima to report before Spring Training
Classic set to showcase future stars

"Q & A Session."
Shin-Soo Choo talked about topics ranging from learning
English to buying a new home and his status to play in the
2009 World Baseball Classic for his native South Korea.
(1/20)
Tribe Q&A: Shin-Soo Choo

"Caddy Kadokura."
Last year's Chicago Cubs had Shingo Takatsu in for
Spring Training before cutting him loose to give their
rookie Kosuke Fukudome some Japanese atmosphere
in the clubhouse. This year, they invited Ken Kadokura,
who owns a career losing record of 76 - 82 in Japan.
(1/20)
Cubs invite Japanese righty to camp

"Back...Back...Gone!"
Like what most players do if they can't get a better deal in the
MLB, they head to Japan, but in Tadahito Iguchi's case, he is
also heading home after playing 4 season of his career in the
MLB. Iguchi will play for Bobby Valentine's Chiba Lotte Marines.
(1/19)
Iguchi planning to return to Japan

"Ni How Ma?"
Fu-Te Ni's signing with Detroit Tigers is just the beginning
of the team's interest in the Far East, Tigers will be keeping
their eyes on players who do not require a posting fee.
(1/16)
Far East foothold gained by Ni signing

"Double Switch."
Nothing major, but both Jae Kuk Ryu and So Taguchi are moving
on with a new team. Ryu was claimed by San Diego Padres
through waiver, and Taguchi inked a Minor League deal with
Chicago Cubs. Ryu is on 40-man roster while Taguchi is not.
(1/16)
Padres grab Rays pitcher off waivers
Cubs ink Taguchi to Minor League deal

"Deals Sealed."
Koji Uehara's press conference in Baltimore garnered about
25 Japanese media members and with him now being in the
AL East, he should be able to face his former teammate
Hideki Matsui plenty of times this upcoming 2009 season.
(1/14)
Uehara deal marks historic day for O's
Uehara will expand O's brand overseas

Japanese starting duos Kenshin Kawakami and Koji Uehara
both officially joined their new teams in Atlanta and Baltimore.
(1/13)
Braves introduce Kawakami to Atlanta
O's make Uehara deal official

"DFA'd."
Jae Kuk Ryu lost his 40-man roster spot with Tampa Bay Rays,
he is currently recovering from surgery he had 6 months ago.
(1/13)
Rays designate Ryu for assignment

"MLB Over WBC."
Chan Ho Park will not be pitching for the Korean national team
in the World Baseball Classic, as he is trying to seal up the
5th starter spot with his new team, Philadelphia Phillies.
(1/13)
Park to skip World Baseball Classic

"Fu-Te Being First, Cont."
Fu-Te Ni had his press conference of joining Detroit Tigers
today, he will get an invite to the Major League Spring Training,
and the Tigers is willing to let Ni to participate in the WBC.

(1/13)
Tigers ink sidearmer Ni to Minors deal

"Tapping Takahashi?"
Chicago Cubs is reported to have signed Ken Takahashi,
a Japanese southpaw who pitched for Hiroshima Carp in
2008. However, the Cubs would not confirm about this deal.
(1/11)
Report: Cubs close to inking Takahashi
Cubs deny rumored Takahashi deal

"Signings."
Kenshin Kawakami and Takashi Saito both officially have a
new team for 2009. Kawakami reached an agreement to join
the Atlanta Braves and will ink his deal after passing his
physical while Saito seem to be the final piece of puzzle in
Boston Red Sox's 'pen, he signed for one year with option in 2010.

Kawakami's final start in NPB for Chunichi Dragons,
he pitched 6 scoreless innings, allowing only 4 hits
to go with a strikeout against Yokohama BayStars.

On this Kawakami's highlight clip, he faced Hideki Matsui at 0:23.

(1/10)
Braves, Kawakami reach agreement
Busy Red Sox add reliever Saito

"Born in The USA."
Remember Daisuke Matsuzaka almost missed the 2008
season opener in his native Japan when his wife Tomoyo
gave birth to their second child? Well, news out of Taiwan
is that Chien-Ming Wang's wife Chia-Ling is 4 months
pregnant and their baby is due sometime in June 2009.
More than likely that New York or New Jersey...Wang's
residence will be the place their first baby gets delivered.
(1/10)

"Hotlanta Hurler, Pt. 4."
Kenshin Kawakami will be in the United States this weekend to
take his physical, there are strong indications Atlanta Braves
will be the team to be having his service this upcoming season.
(1/9)
Braves taking aim at Lowe, Kawakami

"Classic Choo."
Shin-Soo Choo received a green light from Cleveland Indians
of participating the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Choo is
expected to be the Indians' starting right fielder in 2009.
(1/9)
Indians give Choo OK to play in Classic

"Fu-Te Being First."
Players from the NPB and KBO have made jumps to America,
but Taiwan's CPBL (Chinese Professional Baseball League)
finally have a player switching leagues in Fu-Te Ni, a southpaw
sidearmer, who was the strikeouts leader in the CPBL this past
season. The 26-year-old Ni signed a Minor League contract
with Detroit Tigers, and will begin his career with AAA-Toledo.

Ni is shown below facing Canada in the 2008 Olympic Qualifer
held in Taiwan back in March, 2008. At 1:35 Ni faced former
Braves/Red Sox prospect Adam Stern and struck him out.

(1/9)

"Hotlanta Hurler, Pt. 3."
A day after Koji Uehara is no longer on the market,
Kenshin Kawakami is likely the last NPB player switching
to the MLB who can have some impact in the 2009.
Kawakami might be best suited for Atlanta Braves,
who never got the Jake Peavy deal completed and is
hungry for starting pitching, or he could also wind up
joining Uehara as part of Baltimore Orioles' rotation.
Other teams interested are Minnesota Twins, and
St. Louis Cardinals, but I feel he will sign with Orioles.
(1/7)
Braves keeping tabs on Kawakami

"Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em."
After rebounding his career with Los Angeles Dodgers,
Chan Ho Park wanted to be a starter again so he signed
with the only team that offered him this opportunity. Park
will vie for the 5th starter in Philadelphia Phillies' rotation.
(1/6)
Phils make it official with Park signing

"Ultra Uehara."
Baltimore Orioles finally have a Japanese Major Leaguer of
their own, where they have reached an agreement with former
Yomiuri Giants' hurler Koji Uehara. Obviously at this stage
of Uehara's career, he is not as dominate as he once was, but
having him in the rotation for two years will give the team the
time needed to develop their top pitching prospects in Brian Matsuz,
Jake Arrieta, Chris Tillman, Brandon Erbe, and Troy Patton, etc.

Below is a highlight clip of Uehara via YouTube, at 2:00 and
3:35 of the clip showed him facing against MLB hitters.

(1/6)
Orioles, Uehara agree to terms

"Taiwan Territory."
New York Yankees will have five members of their player
development staff heading to Taiwan to conduct a baseball
clinic with the Taiwanese high school pitchers/catchers/coaches.
(1/2)
Yankees to conduct clinic in Taiwan