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Born:
June 6, 1986
Yokohama, Japan
Height:
5-11
Weight:
180
Bats:
Right
Throws:
Right
Drafted:
Not drafted
How Acquired:
International free agent (Dec. 2008)
High
School: Yokohama Shoka (JP)
Photo ©
Kelly O'Connor
Links
2009 Prospect Preview
The
Ladder: 5.28.09
2010 Prospect Preview
2011 Prospect Preview
2012 Prospect Preview |
Signed with Miami (Dec. 2016)
Scouting Report: Small-framed Japanese right-handed pitcher.
Underwent Tommy John surgery in 2010 and missed entire season. Delivery is
unconventional - his arm lags behind his shoulder, and he has an abrupt
whipping action down from his elbow as he releases the ball. His follow
through isn't all that smooth, but his lower body has solid mechanics and
stays balanced throughout his motion. Converted to a reliever in 2012
after starting prior to injury. Fastball sits 91-93 mph. Can top out at 95
mph out of 'pen. Heavy, downward movement in shorter bursts and ability to
elevate past hitters. Solid-average fastball command. Able to pound zone
with pitch. 72-77 mph curveball grades as solid-average. Shows tight
rotation and depth down through the strike zone. Leans on curve to get
outs ahead in the count. Can hang at times, but has shown more command of
offering in 2012. Low-80s split-fingered changeup grades as
solid-average-to-plus. Tumbling action similar to a forkball and fools
hitters due to appearing like his fastball. Generates strong, consistent
arm-speed with pitch. Swing-and-miss potential at major-league level.
78-82 mph backdoor slider has been slow to return since surgery. Showed
tight break and ability to throw for strikes with the offering previously,
but he does not use it all that often in relief role. Excellent control of
arsenal. Projects as a seventh/eighth inning reliever on a contender.
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