After weeks of rumors, the Royals finally made it official and signed reliever Yasuhiko Yabuta away from the Chibe Lotte Marines. "Yasuhiko has been one of the best relievers in Japan the last several years," general manager Dayton Moore said. "He will be an important veteran arm that will help add stability to the back end of our bullpen."It doesn't hurt the Royals that Yabuta's new manager, Trey Hillman, has an understanding of the Japanese game and Japanese league players. Yabuta should not only fit right in, but thrive under Hillman. And now that the deal is finally done, the Royals hope to bring another pitcher from the far east to the land of good barbecue.
Yabuta, 34, is a 6-foot-2, 185-pound right-hander who spent the last 12 seasons pitching for the Chibe Lotte Marines in Japan's Pacific League. He was 4-6 last season with a 2.73 ERA and a career-high 38 holds in 58 appearances.
The Royals would prefer to solve their need for a starting pitcher by adding another Japanese veteran: Hiroki Kuroda, who is 103-89 with a 3.69 ERA over the last 11 seasons with the Hiroshima Carp of Japan's Central League. Competition will be fierce, and Kuroda, 32, has already expressed a preference for playing on the West Coast. That seems to position the Mariners and Dodgers as favorites, but the Diamondbacks, Mets and Cubs have also expressed interest. Kuroda discussed the possibilities Wednesday in a meeting with his agent, Steve Hilliard, in Hiroshima.How refreshing it must be for Royals fans to hear that from Moore. Unfortunately, if the signing the best talent available means Silva, Clement, Jennings, or Benson, then I wonder if it's Kuroda or bust for Kansas City.
"Right now, I haven't decided anything," Kuroda told a Japanese newspaper. "Teams are on a line. Steve explained a lot to me, including (the) environment I am concerned about. I'll take time to think about my future."
The bidding on Kuroda is expected to start at $40 million over four years. Other possibilities for the Royals if he signs elsewhere: Carlos Silva, Matt Clement, Jason Jennings and Kris Benson.
"What I'd say about all of that," Moore said, "is we're going to try to sign the very best talent available."
I guess if all else fails, they could always put out an ad for a starting pitcher.
