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Archived News of Frank's Field of Dreams

"The Old Reflector"
"WBC Forecasts."
The past month MLB.com have gave each 16 teams that
will participate in the World Baseball Classic a preview,
here are the links to all 16 teams heading to the 2009 WBC.
(12/28)
Australia
Canada
China
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Italy
Japan
Mexico
Netherlands
Panama
Puerto Rico
South Africa
South Korea
Taiwan
United States
Venezuela

"Bronx Bargain."
Compare to his future teammates who recently signed fat
contracts (Burnett/Sabathia), Chien-Ming Wang inked an
one year deal with New York Yankees for only 5 million.
I think any agent could have got Wang a one year deal
worth of 5 million, who won 46 games the last 3 seasons.
(12/22)
Yankees sign Wang to one-year deal

"Season's Greetings."

Me as "Bad Santa"

Happy Holidays! Wishing you and your loved ones peace,
health, happiness, and prosperity in the coming New Year.
(12/20)

"Tendinitis Troubles."
Like back in 2006, Hiroki Kuroda will once again miss out the
chance of representing Japan in the World Baseball Classic.
Kuroda will not be 100% recovered in March from the shoulder
tendinitis which forced him onto the DL this past season.
(12/20)
Kuroda to miss World Baseball Classic

"WTF?"
Appearantly St. Louis Cardinals' saw something special in
Katsuhiko Maekawa, who signed a Minor League deal for 2009.
(12/19)
Maekawa signs Minors deal with Cards

"Awesome Award."
Fighting through adversity, Hong-Chih Kuo's marvelous season
won him the 2008 TYIB Setup Man Award, where he edged out
other fine relievers such as Grant Balfour, Carlos Marmol, etc.
(12/18)
Kuo collects TYIB Setup Man Award

"Hotlanta's Hurler? Cont."
Kenshin Kawakami's agent revealed that there will be some
competitions to land his client. I personally would not take a
gamble on Kawakami, since his stats came from pitching at a
pitcher's park in Japan while he had one of the best defense
behind him in both the infield and outfield out of the 12 NPB teams.
(12/15)
Kawakami courted by numerous suitors

"Park to Phillies."
World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies have signed
Chan Ho Park, who was unwilling to settle for a bullpen role
with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Park will battle a few other
younger pitchers for the 5th spot in the Phillies rotation.
(12/15)
Park agrees to one-year deal with Phils

"Best of Both."
Unlike China, South Korea, and Taiwan...Team Japan features
the best hitter and pitcher from their country representing
the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Ichiro and Daisuke Matsuzaka
along with five other Japanese MLB players headline Japan's
preliminary 34-man roster along with Japan's next star, Yu Darvish.
(12/15)
Big leaguers highlight Japan's roster
Iwamura makes Japan's Classic roster

"Hotlanta's Hurler?"
While there have been reported that Boston Red Sox offered
Kenshin Kawakami 3 year deal worth around 21 million, he is
still unsigned and Atlanta Braves is interested in him since
they did not get the A.J. Burnett and Jake Peavy deals done.
(12/13)
Braves could target Japanese hurler

"Saito Sacked."
Neither Takashi Saito or Los Angeles Dodgers would
budge on their difference of salary for 2009, therefore the
Japanese reliever is non-tendered and is now a free agent.
(12/12)
Tendering Saito a 'tough call' for LA
Dodgers make Saito a free agent

"Taiwan and China's WBC Outlook."
I missed Taiwan and China last month when there was report
for Japan and South Korea, but once again Taiwan and China is
likely to finish 3rd and 4th again in Pool A held in Tokyo, Japan.
(12/9)
Taipei looks to turn potential into wins
Baseball tradition cultivated in China

"Angels' Asian Move."
Unlike Boston Red Sox piling up their roster with Japanese players,
Los Angeles Angels recruits heavily in South Korea and signed
pitcher Pil Joon Jang who recently finished his military duty.
(12/5)
Angels agree to terms with pitcher Jang

"Ohkarbage."
Cleveland Indians signed Tomo Ohka a Minor League contract
where he is unlikely to be on the 25-man roster out of Spring Training.
(12/5)
Tribe inks Ohka to Minor League deal

"Statistics 101."
The stats on individual players who played in 2008 and the
all-time statistics page have been updated through this season.
(12/5)

"Sox Signing."
Junichi Tazawa is officially a member of Boston Red Sox after
having his press conference announcing his 3 year, 3.3 million
Major League deal. The move put Tazawa on the 40-man roster
but as previously mentioned, he will began 2009 in AA-Portland.
(12/4)
Tazawa set to join Red Sox
Tazawa officially in fold for Red Sox

Junichi Tazawa's Major League deal with Boston Red Sox is
set and done pending on a physical, the signing should be
official by end of this week. Tazawa is likely pitching most
if not the entire 2009 season down in the Minor League.
(12/2)
Tazawa to sign with Red Sox

The Junichi Tazawa saga is almost over, he contacted all the
teams who were interested in him other than the Boston Red Sox
that he has rejected their offer and will sign with the Red Sox.
(11/29)
Tazawa rejects all offers but Boston's

"Domo Arigato, Japan."
After almost 5 years of transition where stars from Japan
have come (and go) to MLB, the market in Japan will be less
attractive the next year or two. Yu Darvish have announced his
desire to stay in Japan until he reach 200 wins in the NPB and
this year's cream of the crop is led by amateur Junichi Tazawa,
along with veterans like Kenshin Kawakami and Koji Uehara.
(11/28)
Far East free agents at a premium

"Out & About."
Less than two days after offering Junichi Tazawa the best deal
to join an MLB organization, Texas Rangers is also expecting
the Japanese hurler to sign with Boston Red Sox instead.
(11/26)
Rangers out of running for Tazawa

"Tazawanted."
After Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, and Seattle Mariners,
the Texas Rangers also have made an offer to Junichi Tazawa,
a 4 year deal worth of 7 million. However from the press in
Japan, Tazawa looked like already made up his mind and
will sign with the Red Sox sometime around December 1st,
Red Sox's plan is to have him start in AA-Portland, where he
will be kept as a starter with a full-time interpreter around.
(11/25)
Rangers enter Tazawa sweepstakes
Tazawa set to choose Red Sox

"Three's Company."
With a huge success from signing Daisuke Matsuzaka and
Hideki Okajima, Boston Red Sox have made amateur free agent
Junichi Tazawa as their next major signing out of Japan with
an offer of 6 million. Craig Shipley, the Red Sox's vice president
of international scouting met with Tazawa for two hours in Japan.
(11/24)
Red Sox make offer to righty Tazawa

"Matsui's Mess."
Although Daisuke Matsuzaka and Ichiro both have announced
their intention to play in the 2009 World Baseball Classic,
Hideki Matsui will once again not representing Japan on the
event, this time from the arthroscopic surgery to repair
ligament damage injury that he sustained this past season.
(11/23)
Rehab will keep Matsui out of Classic

"Korean Kings."
After swept through the 2008 Olympics which got themselves
an Olympic Gold Medal, South Korea will look forward to repeat
their success at the 2009 World Baseball Classic, back in 2006, the
team reached the final four before being eliminated by Japan.
(11/22)
Korea hopes to build on success

"Lock & Load."
Daisuke Matsuzaka acted like the NPB is going to ask someone
let's say Tomo Ohka? to pitch in the 2009 World Baseball Classic
instead of him. When being interviewed by the AP in Tokyo,
Matsuzaka said "I'll accept the offer if I'm asked to play."
(11/21)
Dice-K prepared to pitch in Classic

"The One & Only."
Ichiro received a tenth place vote in the AL MVP ballot,
it was the only vote received by him and that made him
tied with five others for the 20th place overall finish.
(11/18)
Ichiro, Ibanez garner MVP consideration

"Future NPBer?"
Check in at only 5'5"/114 lbs, Eri Yoshida will become the
first female professional baseball in Japan. Yoshida was
drafted by Kobe 9 Cruise a pro team in a new independent
Japanese League set to begin its inaugural season next April.
(11/17)
Japan league drafts 16-year-old girl

"Lions' Den, Pt. 3."
Seibu versus Uni-President 7-Eleven redux indeed proved
to be another great game. The home team Lions (Seibu/NPB)
defeated the away team Lions (Uni-President 7-Eleven/CPBL)
once again by only one run with the score 1 - 0, this time with
a sayonara single from outfielder Tomoaki Satoh with 2 outs on
bottom of the 9th inning. Congratulations to Saitama Seibu Lions,
their victory made sure that the champion from Japan have won
every Asia Series, following the steps of Chiba Lotte Marines (2005),
Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters (2006), and Chunichi Dragons (2007).
(11/16)
2008 Asia Series
2008 Asia Series (Wikipedia)

"K.K. to K.C.?"
Although having a lousy first season with their investment on
Yasuhiko Yabuta, the Kansas City Royals is currently pursuing
Kenshin Kawakami, who could be the team's #3 starter in 2009.
(11/16)
KC's interest in Kawakami is uncertain

"Lions' Den, Pt. 2."
Seibu Lions based in Saitama, Japan will take on Tainan, Taiwan's
Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions in the Championship game of the
2008 Asia Series. Seibu beat Uni-President 7-Eleven in a close game
of 2 - 1 in their previous match therefore I expect another good one.
SK Wyverns also won two games while losing one, but will have to
settle for 3rd place since tie-breaker was not in their favor. China's
Tianjin Lions lost a close game in their first match on the bottom of
the 9th, but got absolutely pulverized during their next two games.
(11/15)
2008 Asia Series
2008 Asia Series (Wikipedia)

"AL Cy Young Report."
Daisuke Matsuzaka picked a wrong year to be so successful, after
going 18 - 3 with ERA of only 2.90, he finished 4th in the AL Cy Young
voting after Francisco Rodriguez, Roy Halladay, and the winner
Cliff Lee, who all also had a career year themselves as well.
(11/13)
Dice-K fourth in AL Cy Young race

"Lions' Den."
Shame on the Samsung Lions, had they been able to win
the KBO Championship, then the 2008 Asia Series would
have feature all four teams with mascots as Lions. Instead,
Tianjin Lions (China), Seibu Lions (Japan), SK Wyverns
(South Korea) , and Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions (Taiwan)
will face one another from November 13-16 at Tokyo Dome.
The only website that I can find of this event is in Japanese.
(11/9)
2008 Asia Series

"Target Tazawa, Cont."
Junichi Tazawa is trying to be the 3rd Japanese player to play
in the MLB before a NPB career after Mac Suzuki and Kaz Tadano,
so far only the Atlanta Braves offered him a formal contract.
(11/8)
Tazawa unlikely to alter Asian market

"Ichiroish Halloween."
Last weekend I decided to go with my Ichiro's 2001 All-Star Game
jersey with a Seattle Mariners hat, Rawlings' OMLB, mizuno wristbands,
and Akadema glove that I had as my Halloween costume, since I was
required to participate at my work's Halloween costume competition.

This is the original picture

After some photoshop, I created an album which contained
40 more pictures range from appearing in NYC, newspaper,
museum, $100 bill, even political protest, and vogue magazine.

Out of all my co-workers' costume, here are some of the notables.

The Best/Mummy                                 Most Creative/TV
                           

The Dynamic Duos

Princess Jasmine/Aladdin                                     Tiffany/Chucky
(11/7)

"Getting Lo."
Chia-Jen Lo passed his physical and is now officially a member
of Houston Astros. Lo will likely need around two to three
years to polishing his skills in the Minor League before making
contributions at the Major League level, he signed for $250,000.
(11/7)
Astros sign Taiwanese closer Lo

"Ichiro's Glove."
Once again, Ichiro has landed another AL Gold Glove, his 8th
straight since coming to MLB and now is only two shy of the
franchise-record set by Ken Griffey Jr. from 1990 to 1999.
(11/6)
Ichiro snags eighth straight Gold Glove

"Leaving Versus Coming."
So Taguchi's option was not picked up by Philadelphia Phillies, an
expected move since he only batted .220 in 91 at-bats over 88
games this past season. While Taguchi is likely heading back to
play in the NPB, service of Junichi Tazawa has just began to heat up.
(11/5)
Phillies part ways with Taguchi
Japanese hurler interests Mariners

"Classic Team Japan."
Ichiro is playing the 2009 World Baseball Classic while Hideki Matsui
will not, rest of the Japanese Major Leaguers will get at least an
invitation to be on the team in Japan's quest of another WBC title.
(11/5)
Japan seeking repeat in Classic

"Target Tazawa."
While there are about half dozen teams that is interested in
Junichi Tazawa, Atlanta Braves is the first team to step up the
plate and offered the Japanese hurler a contract. Terms of the
offer are unknown and Frank Wren, General Manager of the
Braves had absolutely no comment when being asked about it.
(11/4)
Braves targeting righty Tazawa

"Low Five."
Po-Yu Lin recently was released by Chicago White Sox, where
he played two seasons of Minor League ball in their system.
Lin's release makes total of five Taiwanese players getting
released in 2008. The other four are Chi-Hung Cheng,
Po-Hsuan Keng, Chin-Hui Tsao, and Chih-Hsiang Wen.
(11/4)
Minor League Transactions (October 25 - October 31)

"Park's Point."
Unlikely to be in the rotation, Chan Ho Park filed for free agency
and intentioned to be a starter again next season elsewhere
after serving as a long reliever this past season in his return to
Los Angeles Dodgers. Park will also not going to participate in
2009 World Baseball Classic so he can focus on his MLB career.
(11/1)
Park files for free agency from Dodgers

"Two Timers."
Philadelphia Phillies took care of business by winning Game 5 of
the 2008 World Series, which means Tadahito Iguchi and So Taguchi
will both add another World Series ring in their achievement collection.
Congratulation to both Iguchi and Taguchi, where both players' MLB
career might have come to an end. Neither contributed much to the
Phillies this season and they both are likely heading back to the NPB.
(10/30)
Clutch catch eludes Iwamura

"Pirate's Treasure."
SI recently had my alma mater, East Carolina's senior cheerleader
Cassie Adcock as cheerleader of the week. Finally something positive
in the sports program, after the football team's top receiver was
suspended indefinitely for a violation of team policy, and the top
running back also suspended after having two incidents this month,
and total of three this year alone, which are likely making his return
representing the school on the football field down to slim to none.
NBA Hall of Famer Sir Charles Barkley also stopped by the school.
(10/25)
Cheerleader of the Week: East Carolina's Cassie Adcock
Cassie Adcock | East Carolina University

"Ichiro's Itch."
Not saying that Ichiro is not enjoying his career with the
Seattle Mariners, but with this year's team struggled to their
worst season in 25 years and only 1 winning season the last
5 years, he announced that he would like to play in the 2009
World Baseball Classic and help his native Japan win it again.
(10/20)
Ichiro to play in World Baseball Classic

"Other Way Around."
Last season as a rookie, Hideki Okajima had a fine regular
season until started being fatigued down the road in September
and the postseason. This season, Okajima was hit hard early
but ended his season as one of the most clutch reliever in the AL.
(10/19)
Okajima finding his groove

"Koshien Kid."
Back in 1998, Daisuke Matsuzaka became a national hero
and won the admiration of the Japanese people by helping
Yokohama High School winning the Koshien Tournament when
he made a relief appearance after throwing 250 pitches a day
earlier. Ten years later, Matsuzaka let Boston Red Sox know that
he can pitch out of the bullpen in Game 7 of ALCS if he is needed.
(10/18)
Dice-K available out of bullpen

"Throwing Session."
Chien-Ming Wang threw from the mound in a bullpen session
for the first time in 4 months, which he reported no problems.
(10/17)
Wang begins throwing off mound

"Matsuzaka's Mission."
Daisuke Matsuzaka will be given the nod for Game 5 of the ALCS,
which the Boston Red Sox will now have to win the last 3 games in
order to advance to the World Series for the second year in a row.
(10/15)
ALCS interview: Daisuke Matsuzaka
Dice-K looking to halt Rays' rally

"Hero Hiroki."
In Game 3 of the NLCS, Hiroki Kuroda threw a quality start
to help Los Angeles Dodgers beat Philadelphia Phillies 7 - 2.
Kuroda went 6 innings, allowed only 2 runs on 5 hits and a walk
to go with 3 strikeouts. So Taguchi went 0-for-1 as a pinch-hitter.

While...words of wisdom from this game.

"I don't fight nobody. I'm not a fighter, I'm a lover."
Manny Ramirez

Hiroki Kuroda was fined $7,500 for being involved in the
bench-clearing incident, which is only pocket change when
he is making almost 12 million a season with the Dodgers.
(10/13)
Dodgers get clutch start from their Hiro
Dodgers strike back in Game 3 win
Seven fined for bench-clearing incident

"Master Matsuzaka."
Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched 7 effective shutout innings, which
he allowed only 4 hits and 4 runs to go with 8 strikeouts during
Boston Red Sox's 2 - 0 shutout win over Tampa Bay Rays in
Game 1 of the ALCS. Hideki Okajima pitched 1/3 inning while
Akinori Iwamura went 1-for-3 with a walk in the losing cause.
(10/11)
Matsuzaka mastering art of the escape
Dice-K, bullpen answer opening bell

"Fastball Feast."
Takashi Saito threw 40-pitch, all-fastball bullpen session to
prepare for the World Series if the Los Angeles Dodgers gets
that far. Saito reported had improvement on his command.
(10/10)
Saito throws in bullpen with no pain

"Going With Kuo."
The last few days there have been speculation that Takashi Saito
will be left off the NLCS in favor of Hong-Chih Kuo, and it is official
that the Taiwanese southpaw will replace the Japanese veteran in
Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen when they face Philadelphia Phillies.
(10/9)
LA hopeful Kuo will be healthy for NLCS
Kuo throws painless simulated inning
Kuo may replace Saito on NLCS roster
Dodgers add Kuo to NLCS roster

"Dicey Situation."
Daisuke Matsuzaka is given the nod to start Game 1 of the ALCS
for Boston Red Sox against Tampa Bay Rays. Matsuzaka will
also start Game 5 as well if neither team sweep one another.
(10/8)
Francona tabs Dice-K for ALCS opener

"Fukudome's Funk."
Kosuke Fukudome ended his rookie season in the MLB hitting just
.257 with 10 HRs and 58 RBIs, and things got so bad that he was
even benched in Game 3 of the NLDS. Fukudome will now head back
to Japan working out there and prepare for 2009 Spring Training.
(10/7)
Fukudome knows he has work ahead

"Korean Kid."
Baseball America reported that Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
have once again dipped into the Korean market. Angels signed
RHP Pil-Joong Jang, listed at 6'3" 190 lbs for $550,000 according to
LA Times, and he will likely join Young-Il Jung, the other Korean
prospect in the organization in either one of the Single-A team in 2009.
Angels' top catching prospect Hank Conger also have Korean background.
(10/6)
Minor League Transaction (September 27 - October 3)

"Hiroki's Oki Doki."
With NLCS berth on the line, Hiroki Kuroda delivered by giving
Los Angeles Dodgers 6 1/3 innings of shutout ball. Kuroda gave
up only 6 hits and 2 walks during the span and struck out 4.
Kosuke Fukudome, quickly becoming Tsuyoshi Shinjo version II
instead of mixed talents of Ichiro and Hideki Matsui went 1-for-2
as a defensive replacement, overall he went 1-for-10 in the NLCS
with 4 stikeouts, ouch for someone who is getting paid 12 million
per season. Los Angeles Dodgers sweep Chicago Cubs 3 - 1.
(10/5)
Dodgers finish NLDS sweep of Cubs

"Ditto Dice-K."
Daisuke Matsuzaka's 5 innings were so-so, but it was good
enough to help Boston Red Sox win Game 2 of the ALDS against
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim by the score of 7 - 5. Matsuzaka
allowed 3 runs on 8 hits and 3 walks to go with 5 strikeouts,
Hideki Okajima pitched 1 inning, allowed a run on 2 hits.
(10/4)
Dice-K walks tightrope in Game 2

"NLCS Bound?"
Hiroki Kuroda can get the Los Angeles Dodgers into the NLCS for
the first time in 20 years. Kuroda will start Game 3 of the NLDS
versus Chicago Cubs and during Kuroda's 11 seasons in Japan
with Hiroshima Carp, the club never finished first place of the NPB.

Also, despite getting hammered in Game 2, Takashi Saito will
still remain as the closer. Hong-Chih Kuo meanwhile, will have
his mound session pushed back on his road back from injury.
(10/3)
Interview with Hiroki Kuroda
Kuroda can send Dodgers into NLCS
Dodgers stick with Saito as closer

"Boooooo....kudome."
After going 0-for-8 with 4 strikeouts in the NLDS, Chicago Cubs
will now sit Kosuke Fukudome against Los Angeles Dodgers.
Fukudome struggled to just a .217 batting average since the ASG.
(10/3)
Fukudome likely to sit for rest of NLDS

"Super Sophomore."
After an inconsistent rookie season, Daisuke Matsuzaka cruised
to an 18 - 3 record during the 2008 regular season. Matsuzaka
is looking forward of continuing his strong campaign during the
Boston Red Sox's ALDS Game 2 versus Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
(10/2)
Dice-K looks to build on '07 experience