Pair of Japanese hurlers sign with Dodgers

[camisadelgolf]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?...s_mlb&c_id=mlb

Los Angeles announced Saturday that it has signed two Japanese amateurs -- college arm Kazuki Nishijima and prep pitcher Kazuya Takano -- to Minor League contracts. Nishijima, a 21-year-old southpaw, is a senior at Meiji University in Tokyo, while the 18-year-old Takano is the first Japanese prep player ever signed by the Dodgers.

Could we see a flux of Japanese amateurs coming over to the States?

[redsmetz]

I would say you're correct. Given that the posting process is so costly, pricing some clubs out, it just makes sense that clubs will begin looking at luring younger players over to the U.S. instead of starting in the Japanese leagues. Are there any consequences for players such as this who ultimately choose to return to Japan?

[camisadelgolf]

Originally Posted by redsmetz

I would say you're correct. Given that the posting process is so costly, pricing some clubs out, it just makes sense that clubs will begin looking at luring younger players over to the U.S. instead of starting in the Japanese leagues. Are there any consequences for players such as this who ultimately choose to return to Japan?

That's a good question. I never thought of that. I'll look into it.

[redsmetz]

Here's one piece I found. Interesting that the NY Times story referenced in this post mentions that Japanese clubs supposedly were trying to lure Reds first pick Mark Schramek in 2002.

http://sports-law.blogspot.com/2008/...antitrust.html

[dougdirt]

Originally Posted by camisadelgolf

That's a good question. I never thought of that. I'll look into it.

There has generally been an unwritten rule that both sides don't try to lure players to the other side.

[camisadelgolf]

Originally Posted by dougdirt

There has generally been an unwritten rule that both sides don't try to lure players to the other side.

Yeah, I was aware of that, but I'm more curious about how a Japanese player is treated on his return. Are there teams that would refuse to sign him? Could some sort of penalty be imposed? etc.