Amazin's Sign Japanese Righty

[metsfan28]

January 18, 2006 -- The Mets have agreed in principle to a deal with pitcher Yusaku Iriki, according to a source familiar with the situation.
Iriki, a 32-year-old righty who spent last year with the Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan, will get a one-year deal which also includes a team option, the source said. The deal, which is pending a physical today, is worth slightly less than $1 million and also includes approximately $500,000 in potential incentives, according to the source.

Iriki is likely to be used as an arm that can start a game or come out of the bullpen, which would provide insurance in both areas for the Mets.

[55 chmps]

That's a start for the Mets. As a met fan I honestly am saying that this is a start for our bullpen. We couldn't rely on Pedro or newly acquired Billy Wagner to win all our games. But if I was the Mets, I'd be looking to draft some very young pitchers.

[laxplayer81217]

Is he any good?

[moebarguy]

Is he any good?

Well, the Mets have always scouted/signed great Japanese players, so I'm sure he'll be right up there with them

[metsfan28]

well they did have 1 good japanesestarting pitcher a while agoi forget his name

[moebarguy]

Are you talking about Yoshi?

[metsfan28]

yeah thats it

[tonypug]

At least Kaz Matsui will have someone to talk to.

[VIBaseball]

Just as long as he's not Satoru Komiyama (the so-called Japanese Greg Maddux). God, was he atrocious.

Masato Yoshii has been the only halfway decent Japanese player the Mets have ever had. A piece of raw fish goes to whoever can name the first.