To the people who don't want Tanaka..

[Halos of Anaheim]

Mark - you forgot Irabu, Hasegawa and Kazuo Matsui on your list of "average-at-best" Japanese players... My post was only enumerating the 4 above average players...

Insinuating Iwakuma isn't an above-average MLB pitcher right now. Lol.

[Angels]

Iwakuma maybe hasn't established himself as a good pitcher yet (I agree that it takes more than just one full season to do that), But Iwakuma WAS one of the very best starting pitchers in baseball last year...and I am sure nobody expected that, otherwise you would've seen a mad dash for his services.  

 

Despite having success in Japan, Iwakuma wasn't projected to be anything more than a back-end starter in the majors by scouts (from what I recall). Also, compare Kuroda's #s from Japan to his major league numbers. Kuroda's MLB numbers are better than his numbers from the JPCL. The point is, we simply don't know how Tanaka is going to translate in the majors. Guesses that are a little more than just random guesses or not, they're still guesses.

 

I also don't really like looking at WAR for pitchers (rWAR or fWAR). WAR for pitchers isn't very reliable. For instance, fWAR doesn't do Jered Weaver justice, since FIP doesn't accurately show how well he actually pitched. Weaver is better than his FIP. A large chunk of Weaver's value comes from his ability to limit hits (and baserunners as a result). FIP doesn't recognize any of that. Therefore his WAR is invalid.

Edited December 26, 2013 by Angels

[stormngt]

I am not sure Tanana is the answer. This franchise has gotten themselves I. A lot of trouble with the "win now" philosophy. I also do not believe we are a playoff team without a player like Tanaka. So a decision has to be made. Either decide to be the top bidder for Tanaka and go for it this year or extend Trout and rebuild. If Tanaka is too much of a gamble I say we trade both Kendricks and Ambar and load up the farm. Then extend Trout and plan on competing for 2015. y

[Halos of Anaheim]

Iwakuma maybe hasn't established himself as a good pitcher yet (I agree that it takes more than just one full season to do that), But Iwakuma WAS one of the very best starting pitchers in baseball last year...and I am sure nobody expected that, otherwise you would've seen a mad dash for his services.  

 

Despite having success in Japan, Iwakuma wasn't projected to be anything more than a back-end starter in the majors by scouts (from what I recall). Also, compare Kuroda's #s from Japan to his major league numbers. Kuroda's MLB numbers are better than his numbers from the JPCL. The point is, we simply don't know how Tanaka is going to translate in the majors. Guesses that are a little more than just random guesses or not, they're still guesses.

 

I also don't really like looking at WAR for pitchers (rWAR or fWAR). WAR for pitchers isn't very reliable. For instance, fWAR doesn't do Jered Weaver justice, since FIP doesn't accurately show how well he actually pitched. Weaver is better than his FIP. A large chunk of Weaver's value comes from his ability to limit hits (and baserunners as a result). FIP doesn't recognize any of that. Therefore his WAR is invalid.

As have many who come from Japan. Ignoring 1.20 ERA/A couple dozen complete games would be pretty ignorant imo.

[sneaky_flute]

I could be wrong, but didn't Tanaka pitch with a ball that suppressed scoring a bit? 

[Hollyw00d]

darvish is a clear cut #1.    he may be the best pitcher in the AL.   (sorry, king)

[Erstad Grit]

There are good arguments for and against Tanaka. I'm just shocked people are still using the "its not your money" point.

[Angel Oracle]

Aren't Iwakuma and Tanaka similar pitchers?

How much is Iwakuma's value now?

Are we supposed to never again sign a ready for MLB player from Japan?

It's only been 17 years since the most recent one (Hasegawa). How many other MLB teams have gone that long?

[Mark68]

Mark - you forgot Irabu, Hasegawa and Kazuo Matsui on your list of "average-at-best" Japanese players... My post was only enumerating the 4 above average players...

Actually, I was pointing out several above average players that YOU had forgotten.

 

Tanaka is a risk, but I believe he's a low-to-medium risk. The reward could be astronomical.

 

Garza is medium-to-high risk with medium reward. They might both cost similar amounts.

 

Give me the guy who is five years younger and does not have a history of injuries.

[Angel Oracle]

One way to solve this argument: STOP trading too many pitching prospects away and build our own staff.

Just STOP it!

[GregAlso]

I could be wrong, but didn't Tanaka pitch with a ball that suppressed scoring a bit?

On the contrary, my understanding was they pitched with a juiced ball. I thought I read that the ball led to more home runs.

[Scott34]

I believe they used the MLB ball this year.

[Docwaukee]

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/06/12/japanese-baseball-officials-admit-to-altering-the-baseball-to-increase-offense/

[Blarg]

So, it looks like the Japanese leagues are not to be trusted for relevant talent evaluation.

[Angelsjunky]

I agree with Storm: Tanana is not the answer. Not only has he been retired for 20 years, but he's 60 years old.

[Blarg]

Dammit, I was hoping for a Ryan and Tanana reunion.

[Halos of Anaheim]

Wait, so Tanaka had a 1.20 ERA pitching with a ball that increases power? 

 

Keeps getting better.

[AngelsAndRamsFan]

I heard he's close to curing cancer.

[jshep]

I agree with Storm: Tanana is not the answer. Not only has he been retired for 20 years, but he's 60 years old.

 

Still would probably be better than Blanton.

[Brent Maguire]

Still would probably be better than Blanton.

Bingo