A piece on the latest Japanese star to head to MLB, Kazuma Okamoto

[Brock Beauchamp]

I think it's unlikely the Jays will pursue Okamoto given Vladdy, but you never know. Could be a lot of money to go around after a deep postseason run.

Could This Star Slugger From Japan Be The Next Hideki Matsui? - Red Sox - Talk Sox

TALKSOX.COM

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In an intriguing free agent class, Kazuma Okamoto could stand out as the Sox look to add a power bat to their young lineup. Should they make a move for the international star slugger?

[mphenhef]

I believe Okamoto is the guy I was reading about who has struggled mightily against velocity in Japan.  And I think the number was only 94 mph, which is not that common in the NPB but is extremely common in MLB.  That's a bit concerning.  

 

[Terminator]

I am officially OUT on all Japanese players until further notice.

The Dodgers can hand select whatever Japanese players they want for 50 cents on the dollar. So if LA doesn't choose this guy then we probably don't want him anyway.

[Pendleton]

1 hour ago, mphenhef said:

I believe Okamoto is the guy I was reading about who has struggled mightily against velocity in Japan.  And I think the number was only 94 mph, which is not that common in the NPB but is extremely common in MLB.  That's a bit concerning.  

 

I recall reading the same about his numbers falling off a cliff against velocity over 94MPH (it was from the MLBTR article about his posting) but they also did mention that it's a pretty small sample, he only saw about 200 pitches above that speed all season. Perhaps he'd simply adapt with more exposure against higher velocity, it seems like a legit concern though. 

[Jonn]

I would rather they focus on Munetaka Murakami

Younger can play Third Base. But apparently has already said he would prefer to play on the West Coast or the Yankees.

[Spanky__99]

17 minutes ago, Jonn said:

I would rather they focus on Munetaka Murakami

Younger can play Third Base. But apparently has already said he would prefer to play on the West Coast or the Yankees.

Same, he's the far better asset. 

[Jonn]

7 minutes ago, Spanky__99 said:

Same, he's the far better asset. 

He has swing and miss issues but major power. Maybe Popkins helps that. I have read a bunch of scouting reports on him and video. And they don’t think he’s going to hit MLB breaking balls at a high level but they said the same thing about Ohtani lol.

[Spanky__99]

1 hour ago, Pendleton said:

I recall reading the same about his numbers falling off a cliff against velocity over 94MPH (it was from the MLBTR article about his posting) but they also did mention that it's a pretty small sample, he only saw about 200 pitches above that speed all season. Perhaps he'd simply adapt with more exposure against higher velocity, it seems like a legit concern though. 

Happy Birthday Pendy... have a drink on me 🤪

[Pendleton]

13 hours ago, Spanky__99 said:

Happy Birthday Pendy... have a drink on me 🤪

 

Thanks bud, I made it a puff instead haha. Went cold turkey on drinking during the Yankees series (I think game 2 was the last night) and haven't had a sip in however many weeks that's been