Hello Japan!

On Tuesday, the Orioles signed Koji Uehara.

This is a relatively notable signing, because it is the first foray into Asia for the Baltimore Orioles.

The O’s obvious lack of presence in Asia has been noticeable for years.

Credit President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail, for addressing this last year, with the appointment of John Stockstill to Director of International Scouting.

Mr. Stockstill spent a large portion of 2008 scouting Japan, and this is the first tangible result.

Uehara is a former star in Japan, that will at least make some players in the Land of the Rising Sun, aware of Baltimore..

That is a good thing…

That said, while the terms of the deal are not horrible, it is not a deal I am overly enthusiastic about.

The fact that he is a better option (and clearly he is) than a Redding or a Byrd, does not make him a great option, at least for a 2 year deal.

If you were not going to sign the difference making talent to actually ascend in 2009, the most be gained during the upcoming year, is finding as much extensive playing time as possible to the players that can comprise your future core.

I believe Uehara is going to help the O’s in 2009, and at least be interesting to follow, but there question marks.

First, he turns 34 the first week of April… if you can not compete, does it make sense to give regular starts to a guy who will not help you going forward?

Second, while he twice won the Sawamura Award (Japan’s Cy Young) he has been a relief pitcher the last two years. Is he going to be able to handle a move to a new league, and a return to the innings of a starter?

Flip-side is you could argue his arm is more rested after a light-load the last couple of years. His conversion to the bullpen, was not his desire. He had made known his desire to pitch in MLB, and his move to the ‘pen is widely seen as retribution, for making that request known.

A third concern is that he spent his entire career in the Japanese Central league which lacks the DH…. The American League East is going to be an adjustment.

All in all though, I am somewhat excited by the signing…. This is outside the O’s normal comfort zone, and for the most part… there is minimal risk.

In addition to the two Sawamura Awards’, he has also been an eight time All-star.
During the last three years, he has accomplished the following:

2008 – 89.2 IP, 90 hits, 72 k’s, 16 walks
2007 – 62 IP, 47 hits, 66 k’s, 4 walks
2006 – 168.1 IP, 157 hits, 151 k’s, 21 walks

It is hard not to notice his outstanding control… that will be a joy to watch in 2009.

In fact, in is 1400+ career professional innings, he has allowed only 178 walks, with 1221 hits, and 1268 k’s, with a 2.91 ERA.

I think we can expect roughly 130-150 innings out of him, and an ERA around 4.50.

Here are links to video of him in Japan, and his career stats.