The New Okajima: Hitoki Iwase

After seeing the success teams has had with Japanese relievers, other teams will dig in to Japanese bullpens to find their "Okajima." The most obvious choice is Koji Uehara, who is a closer with a fastball, slider, split-finger in his repertoire. He has stated his interest to come to the States and is already drawing interest from the Mariners, Angels, Cubs, Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets. According to the MLB Rumors West Coast Correspondent Thomas Reiss, the Angels are most interested and have been since he rejected their three million dollar contract. However, Hitoki Iwase is a lefty closer who would see much success as a late inning reliever in the States. He put up forty-three saves this year and 129 over the past three seasons. He has a great slider, but his fastball tops out at 88 mph, so there are some concerns. But he is considered the best lefty pitcher in Japanese history-and the same concerns about him were brought up when Okajima was signed, so I would not be too worried about him. I see the Red Sox, Giants, Twins, Dodgers, and Mets to be most interested, but we will know more when he officially declares that he will come here.

Here's my take on it all: Japanese pitchers are a different breed. They work harder, work on their pitches so much that they can throw them in any count. Okajima will throw that nasty breaking ball on a 3-0 count with the bases loaded. Furthermore, aside from personal skill, their tendencies are different than most American pitchers, and cannot always be read as easily. Okajima had so much success early on because no one could pick up his tendencies. I expect those kinds of things to happen with some of the new Japanese players along the way. I expect Kei Igawa to have more success in the bullpen than in the rotation next season. A middle relief pitcher that will set it up for the late inning ones, I believe that is where his success is. His stuff is not overpowering, but it can get the job done for an inning.

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Orioles Shopping, Tejada, Bedard?

The Orioles will come in to the off season looking to trade Miguel Tejada, and possibly Erik Bedard. Both of them, would draw considerable interest and would probably be traded early rather than late. For Tejada, I see interest coming from the Cubs, Angels, Astros, and Dodgers. Now would be a great time for the Angels to make a trade. They know where they have depth, and this would be a great start to the off season after two previous unsuccessful ones. They could trade Ervin Santana, Reggie Willits, and a third player for him. They may look to part with Chone Figgins and could offer him, but I think they will look to teams with more proven pitching for him. Personally, I think the Dodgers have the best chance to land him. They have young talent to offer and it would not hurt them too much to offer it. Chin-Lung Hu, Andre Ethier, and Tony Abreu, but a lot of pressure is on Ned Colletti to find a solid upgrade, and he would definitely be taking a chance on Tejada. Maybe they would offer Rafael Furcal? A sleeper in this race is definitely the Astros, who are looking for an upgrade in the infield. Yes, Everett is great defensively, but is power is next to nothing. Not only that, but Tejada's swing is tailored to Minute Maid Park, and he would benefit in two seasons there.

For Bedard, the Orioles feel they have enough starting pitching and can unload him for major league ready players. I hope they are not counting Radhames Liz in that list. Liz has some of the worst mechanics I have ever seen, and will probably lead to arm problems eventually. Bedard could probably bring in a capable outfielder, and couple prospects. I expect interest in Bedard to be everywhere in this weak market for pitching. The Indians, Rockies, Diamondbacks, Cubs, Cardinals, Nationals, Mariners, Twins, and maybe the Blue Jays to be interested. This would be a smart move to make on the Orioles part. They could land several young players that could take over spots in the field and they would potentially put them on the same path as the Rockies are right now. However, let's not get too far ahead of ourselves-Orioles President Andy McPhail is known for taking his time with trades and it might hurt their chances of landing the best players. Only time will tell.

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Nationals Looking At Wright?

The Nationals are looking for pitching and may take a chance on veteran pitcher Jaret Wright. Wright wasn't much of anything until 2004, when he went 15-8 with a 3.28 ERA and 159 K for the Braves. When the Yankees saw those numbers from a twenty-nine year old, they were all over it and signed him to a big three year deal, worth 21 million dollars. He went 16-12 with a 5.29 ERA in two years for the Yankees, and after battling injuries, he was traded to the Orioles. The Orioles were not impressed after he failed to make more than three starts, and released him. The Nationals appear to be the front-runners to land him, even though the list probably does not stretch very far. The Nationals tried very hard to land him back in 2004, and will certainly try again, but at a reduced price. If they sign him, it would be a win-win for the Nationals who would pay next to nothing for his services. Along with Wright, the Nationals will also look to go after Tom Glavine, along with Mark Prior and Joe Kennedy. They also plan to take the trade route and will try to acquire now benched center fielder Coco Crisp.

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Colletti Thinking Future

The next Yankees manager will definitely determine the status of Grady Little with the Dodgers. Little, who will be entering his third year as manager, will be under a lot of scrutiny if they do not see much improvement. They finished with a record of 82-80 this season, in fourth place, and many began to speculate that he had lost control of the clubhouse in September. Colletti has known Girardi since 1989, and has held talks with Girardi about becoming the bench coach if he isn't picked for the Yankees job. However, Grady Little is not involved in these discussions so it does set up an uncomfortable situation next season. Nonetheless, I think it is a good move on the Dodgers part. You bring in a young, experienced, coach, who has served time as the Yankees bench coach, and manager of the Florida Marlins, to familiarize himself with the team assuming he would be the manager when Little is let go. For now, all of this is speculation. The Yankees are not close to naming a manager yet, but will be soon. George Steinbrenner still favors Don Mattingly as manager, but several Front Office executives prefer Joe Girardi. If Girardi does not get the Yankees job, I suspect that Girardi would either talk with Little before making the switch, or take a Front Office role so he is not stepping on the toes of Little next season.

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Astros To Let Jennings Walk

The Astros sacrificed Willy Taveras for Jason Jennings last off season, and after he struggled going 2-9, they will let him go. However, it isn't a complete failure because they got a good look at Hunter Pence, who is now the everyday center fielder. The Astros were very disappointed with his numbers, especially because he left a hitters friendly park. Although the Astros are short on pitching, they will let him walk. Jennings will probably get a two to three year deal, worth 7-10 million dollars total. I expect the Rangers, who were interested in him last year take a shot at him, maybe even the Cubs, but they have Jason Marquis, and cannot afford another inconsistent pitcher. The Twins were very close to acquiring him last off season but talks fell through. I expect that Bill Smith will make another run at him for their pitching rotation, especially if they lose Silva. Jennings is twenty-nine, and is probably better off taking a one year deal with an option to get his numbers back up for 2009.

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Cardinals Interested In Kobayashi

Although Masahide Kobayashi is a closer, a source tells me that the Cardinals are very interested in him as a reliever. Kobayashi hasn't said he was leaving, but was lights out in the playoffs. The Cardinals could probably sign him to a minor league deal, but I do not expect him to be all that successful in the MLB. In 2006, he was 6-2 with a 2.68 ERA and 34 SV. In 2007, now 33, went 2-7 with a 3.61 ERA and 27 SV. He could be like Hideki Okajima, which would be great, but I expect him to be in between Kei Igawa and former Mariner Shigetoshi Haswgawa, on a good day. Calls were not immediately returned from John Mozeliak, but I will keep you informed. The Cardinals are expected to look for upgrades in their rotation and outfield.

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Braves Could Trade For Benched Crisp

The Red Sox have given up on Coco Crisp because of rookie outfielder Jacoby Ellisbury, and will look to trade him. There has been speculation that he will go to the Nationals, but it seems the Braves and Phillies are also interested. The Braves plan on letting Jones walk and will pursue Crisp for prospects. Crisp is under contract til 2009 making 10.5 million dollars with an 8 million dollar option for 2010. This will be the only thing holding a trade back, but I think they will get something done. Crisp batted .268 with 6 HR and 60 RBI, but is a switch hitter with some lead off experience. He would be a huge downgrade from Jones, but would only be a stopgap for prospect Jordon Schafer, who is in Single-A. The Braves will not give up much for Crisp, but I think they are the front-runner to land him.

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Reds Interested In Hawkins?

New Reds manager Dusty Baker is looking for familiar faces in the clubhouse including Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, and now LaTroy Hawkins. Hawkins stood behind his manager back in 2004 when the team was struggling, and Dusty really respected him for that. He has traveled around since leaving the Cubs, and although he will be turning 35 in December, he plans to keep playing. The Reds could use his experience in their bullpen, and could probably sign him at a reduced price. Along with Hawkins, the Reds are interested in Kerry Wood and Mark Prior; however, the Cubs are expected to hold on to both. I suspect that if Prior is not healthy in 2008, that they will look to trade him, but Wood has deserved another shot on the Cubs roster. The Reds are looking to retool their pitching staff and that will start by bringing in some proven veterans along with young, developing players. They could make another run at Kyle Lohse, but only if he is interested in returning.

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Romero To Hit Market

Left handed pitcher J.C. Romero played a big part in getting the Phillies to the postseason, but it seems that he and the Phillies are far apart in contract negotiations. Maybe they will pick up after the playoffs, but the Phillies would rather retain Aaron Rowand before Romero. Romero was 2-2 with a 1.92 ERA in 74 games. He has never had such a year which makes me think he won't be able to pull for too much money, but there will definitely be interest. The Phillies bullpen was a weak point this season and signing Romero and making other upgrades in the bullpen they will be even better in that division. Other teams will be all over Romero after the two week filing period including the White Sox, Braves, Dodgers, Rockies, Reds, and Cubs, among others, to be interested in him.

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Cubs Interested In Affeldt

According to sources inside the Cubs, Assistant General Manager Randy Bush thinks very highly of reliever Jeremy Affeldt, especially after his performance in the playoffs. His experience would be great for the Cubs, especially because they need a proven lefty specialist. Affeldt is twenty-nine, and could sign a three to four year deal, worth eight to ten million dollars. I would suspect his numbers to improve leaving a hitter friendly stadium, but the Cubs defense is not as good as the Rockies. Other teams that have shown interest in Affeldt include the Phillies, Angels, Twins, Padres, Rangers, Red Sox, and White Sox.

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Interview with Matt Sosnick

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to interview Sports Agent Matt Sosnick. Sosnick is the founder of Sosnick Cobbe Sports, an agency that represents over twenty players. They are most known for Dontrelle Willis, but also represent Freddy Sanchez, Josh Hamilton, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Kevin Kouzmanoff, and more. I really appreciate Matt Sosnick for agreeing to do this interview while he plans for the off season ahead.

ELI: How did you start get your start in baseball?

MATT: I found one player, who was actually a family friend, let me represent him. He never actually made it, but he gave me my start and I was able to move on from there.

ELI: Did you play any sports growing up?

MATT: Not so much baseball, I was more a basketball player?

ELI: What are your day to day duties as an agent?

MATT: It depends. I usually make a list for myself each night, but stuff definitely comes up during the day.

ELI: How much contact do you have with each of your clients?

MATT: I have a lot of contact with my players. I was just at Dontrelle Willis' Charity Event and some my other clients were there as well.

ELI: Coming into the off season with several clients unsigned, how do you prioritize which players come first?

MATT: Well, we have different people in the off season doing different things. We have an arbitration guy, contract guy, other things like that. We take our guys on a week long trip each year-this year we are going to Cabo with our guys.

ELI: Do you go to a lot of your clients games?

MATT: Yeah, and I have a lot of guys on the same team. I've got three on the Pirates, six on the Marlins, three on the Rangers, so I can visit them in groups.

ELI: Was becoming an agent something you had always wanted to do?

MATT: Actually no, it is something I just decided to do one day and went with it.

ELI: Out of baseball, do you have a favorite team?

MATT: The 49ers.

ELI: How about a favorite movie?

MATT: Bull Durham.

ELI: What is the one thing you would say an everyday fan does not know about sports agents?

MATT: I think that fans do not know how important our relationships with our players are. With all the things out side baseball, having us can really influence a career. Wives, girlfriends, breakups, parents pass away, all that can effect a player. Having us to turn to really helps players and I think that is the one thing people do not understand.

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Dodgers To Fire Little?

The Dodgers are intrigued by the possibility of having Joe Torre as their next manager. Grady Little had little control over his clubhouse towards the end of the season and it seemed likely that he would be let go. Owner Frank McCourt knows Torre will not be on the market for long and would be smart to pick him up early. However, if Torre is not interested, it is possible to see Little still fired and go after Girardi or Mattingly, if either is passed up for the Yankees job. I see them going after Girardi before Mattingly because Girardi has experience managing younger players. The Dodgers finished with an 82-80 record, never really had to deal with. Nonetheless, if Torre is interested in the job, they would sign him in a heart beat.

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