Hey everyone--

Two parts to this one.

(pt.1) Prospect watch. AKINORI IWAMURA, 3B.
(pt.2) Yabu news.

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(pt.1) Prospect Watch. Iwamura Akinori.
3B. Yakult Swallows.

2005 Yakult - 144 G, 548 AB, 175 H, 30 HR,
83 R, 102 RBI, 6 SB,
.319 avg, .555 slg, .338 obp

2004 Yakult - 138 G, 533 AB, 160 H, 44 HR
99 R, 103 RBI, 8 SB,
.300 avg, .583 slg, .383 obp

Full stats Here.

Vitals:
3B -- Bats: Left  Throws: Right
DOB: 2/9/1979   Age: 26  Birthplace: Ehime, JP
Weight: 176 lb.        Height: 5'9

Eligibility:
Akinori Iwamura (AI) will become a free agent after the 2007 season (he will be 28). Iwamura has stated with the media and his fans many times his intentions and dreams to play in the MLB. His team, the Yakult Swallows have indicated that they will post AI after the 2006 season if he performs up to their expectations (and it only makes sense to post him, rather than just to lose him to FA).
I very much expect him to be in a MLB uniform by the start of the 2007 season.

AI has turned in some pretty impressive batting stats since age 20. He hits for power, and defensivly has won many gold gloves at 3B while with YS. The only thing concerning about AI's batting is that his KK:B isn't so hot, but if/when he comes to the MLB, I'm pretty sure he'll be a lot more protective of the batter's box than in the NPB (note: the NPB strike zone is much bigger than the MLB strike zone).

Iwamura fits nicely with an article posted the other day about the inevitable move of Chavez to first base ( Here (By BashBrothers89). His arm seems to be a growing concern, and it's hampering effect on his defense is worrying.

The A's currently don't have any noteworthy prospects at 3B in their farm system, so could Iwamura be a potential option? Personally, I don't think Chavez will move anytime soon, but the idea of Chavez moving after 2 more years at 3B to another infield position, one perhaps much easier on his arm, doesn't seem too far fetched to me.
Iwamura could be an effective replacement for Chavez at 3B (or possibly, 2B)-- and at the very least, a good platoon player.

Iwamura vs. Redman in the Japan Vs. US all star game last year.

Tell me what you think!

Sources:
Japan ball.
Roto Wire.
Japanese Baseball Player Stats.
ZakZak.

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(pt.2) Yabu signs with Rockies.

Yabu news for anyone interested.
According to Japan Ball
Keiichi Yabu signed a minor league contract with the Rockies and will attend Spring Training.
I'm very happy Yabu was able to find another team, maybe he'll get a chance to be a starting pitcher on a team where it's starting rotation isnt' so solidified.

Yabu brought something different to the A's in terms that it opens up the doors to the A's looking to other options other than American/South American born players. Yabu also for the first time represented the under-represented Asian populace in the bay area in major league baseball.

(Also should be noted, today Shiggy Hasegawa, formally of the Mariners, announced his retirement from baseball.)

sources:
Official Yabu.
Sanspo Baseball News.

Hope everyone is well. The season is just around the corner-- aren't pitchers gonna report soon?

-CO