New A's SS Hiroyuki Nakajima

[SlideRule]

The A's went to plan B and signed Hiroyuki Nakajima out of Japan for 2yrs/$6.5 after Drew picked Boston. This guys sounds pretty hilarious:

"Billy Beane is extremely sexy and cool." "I want to do Bernie dance with Oakland."

http://www.sfgate.com/athletics/article/A-s-new-shortstop-shows-big-personality-4129407.php#ixzz2FWplxLAp

Joking aside, he is 30 yrs old, and in 11 seasons hit .302, 162 hrs, and 3 gold gloves. Susan Slusser noted that his stats did not drop off nearly as much as other stars when the Japanese leagues switched to a less active ball a few years back.

What to expect from him? I hope this isn't another Nishioka situation, that was sure a train wreck.

[Hornsby]

Yeah, because this Japanese infielders work out SO well...Kaz Matsui also says hi.

[rhd]

I like him. I think he'll put up production similar to Nori Aoki, which is not bad. I wish my O's had pursued him and persuaded him to play 2B.

Here's a link to a good Fangraphs article about him:

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/hiroyuki-nakajima-in-context/

[BigJonEmpire]

I like him. I think he'll put up production similar to Nori Aoki, which is not bad. I wish my O's had pursued him and persuaded him to play 2B.

Here's a link to a good Fangraphs article about him:

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index...ma-in-context/

He is pretty adamant about playing at shortstop, otherwise he would have signed with the Yankees.

[onejayhawk]

Joking aside, he is 30 yrs old, and in 11 seasons hit .302, 162 hrs, and 3 gold gloves. Susan Slusser noted that his stats did not drop off nearly as much as other stars when the Japanese leagues switched to a less active ball a few years back.

What to expect from him? I hope this isn't another Nishioka situation, that was sure a train wreck.

Isnt his defense supposed to be MUCH better than Nishioka?

J

[joncarlos]

I read somewhere (I think it was BP but I'm not sure) that Japanese infielders seem to work out the worst.

But can he run? I think that's going to determine his value. Not going to hit for much power and I doubt he hits .290+.

[revo]

John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that the Athletics are "seriously considering" starting Hiroyuki Nakajima in the minors to begin the season.
Nakajima hasn’t had a hit in eight straight Cactus League games, dropping his average down to .150. He has just one extra-base knock (a double) in his 47 plate appearances. At the very least, Nakajima is looking at a bench role to start the season, though he would probably be better off playing every day at Triple-A Sacramento as he tries to become comfortable in the states. The A's figure to go with Jed Lowrie at shortstop and Scott Sizemore at second base on Opening Day, though Adam Rosales and Eric Sogard are still in the mix at second.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle Mar 25 - 10:29 PM

[Hornsby]

John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that the Athletics are "seriously considering" starting Hiroyuki Nakajima in the minors to begin the season.
Nakajima hasn’t had a hit in eight straight Cactus League games, dropping his average down to .150. He has just one extra-base knock (a double) in his 47 plate appearances. At the very least, Nakajima is looking at a bench role to start the season, though he would probably be better off playing every day at Triple-A Sacramento as he tries to become comfortable in the states. The A's figure to go with Jed Lowrie at shortstop and Scott Sizemore at second base on Opening Day, though Adam Rosales and Eric Sogard are still in the mix at second.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle Mar 25 - 10:29 PM

Shocked, SHOCKED I am...no, really. Nishi says "hi".

[Moonlight J]

Fool me once (Nishi), shame on you. Fool me twice (drafted Nakajima in Tout) shame on me.

I'm such an idiot

[Kevin Seitzer]

The Jed Lowrie trade was a sign.

[BigJonEmpire]

The Jed Lowrie trade was a sign.

It did seem like a lot to give up for a guy they supposedly did not see starting for them.

[SlideRule]

aaaaaand now Hiro was pulled with possibly a hamstring injury today... stay tuned. That Lowrie addition is looking pretty good now.