Rotoprofessor

Today’s Ask the Expert is something different then usual.  I had the opportunity to pose five questions to Wayne Graczyk, who writes for The Japan Times (you can click here for his weekly articles).  He answered questions about Koji Uehara (just remember that this interview was actually done prior to him signing with the Orioles), Kenshin Kawakami, Junichi Tazawa and more.  If you are considering drafting any of the players who may make the transition from Japan this season, this is definitely insight you want to have.

Without further adieu, let’s get to his answers:

1) Can you give us a quick scouting report on the type of pitcher Koji Uehara is?  Do you think he’d be better suited as being slotted into a team’s rotation or bullpen?

Wayne Graczyk: Uehara has a great fork ball & excellent control; hardly ever walks anybody. Better as a starter because he does not like the closer’s role so is very uncomfortable in relief.

2) What about Kenshin Kawakami?  What can you tell us about his pitching style and how does he compare to Hiroki Kuroda?

Wayne Graczyk: Kawakami is very similar to Kuroda. Same style, throws the same pitches & had a similar record in Japan. He is one of Japan’s better pitchers but I think he would be a .500 pitcher at best in the majors, as he may be past his prime.

3) There were rumors that Ken Takahashi may be jumping to the majors this season.  Have you heard anything on that and if he does, how do you think he would fair out of the bullpen?

Wayne Graczyk: I have not heard anything recently about Ken Takahashi. He is 38 years old, & I don’t see where he would have much major league value other than as a situational lefty reliever as was Takashi Kashiwada with the Mets in 1997.

4) What are your thoughts on Junichi Tazawa making the jump to the Red Sox instead of entering the Japanese draft?  Do you think he can be successful?

Wayne Graczyk: I think Tazawa is taking a big chance. He may have the talent to succeed in the majors, but it will probably take a while for him to get there.

5) Are there any other players from Japan who have either signed, or could sign, with a major league team this off-season that is worth watching?

Wayne Graczyk: Maybe Koji Mitsui, a 36-year-old lefty pitcher with a major league dream who was posted by the Seibu Lions. There were no bids from MLB clubs, so it looked as if he would go back to Seibu, but now he has been re-posted. First time I have heard of this.