Japanese veteran Tateyama joining Texas Rangers

[MistaNova]

ARLINGTON, Texas -Japanese free-agent pitcher Yoshinori Tateyama agreed Tuesday to a one-year contract with the AL champion Texas Rangers that includes club options for two additional seasons.

Tateyama, a sidearm thrower who turns 35 on Dec. 26, will be pitching in the United States for the first time.

General manager Jon Daniels said Tateyama, who will be on the 40-man roster, will get a split contract. That means the pitcher will be paid differently depending on if he is in the majors or minor leagues.

"We have a good feel for what he is, a quality relief pitcher who can throw the ball over the plate," Daniels said. "He will have a chance to win a spot in the bullpen and help us during the season. ... Let's not make it any more or less than that."

Daniels said there were other teams interested in Tateyama, which is why he is getting a guaranteed contract for next season.

"We felt it was worthwhile," he said.

Tateyama has spent his entire career (1999-10) with the Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan's Pacific League. Primarily a reliever, he has a 3.43 ERA in 438 appearances.

In 58 games last season, Tateyama had a career-low 1.80 ERA. He was 1-2 with four saves and held opposing hitters to a .213 average. He struck out 59 and walked 11.

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/30/AR2010113003491.html

[IRAN iz Gangsta!]

Is the japanese league better than MLB?  cuz japan always wins the world cups

[MistaNova]

Is the japanese league better than MLB?  cuz japan always wins the world cups

Judging from how japanese players have been doing in the MLB, no. But since most of the players are in their 30's it's kinda hard to tell.