Thursday, December 3, 2015

Why Kenta Maeda could get paid this year

It's been reported that Japanese star pitcher Kenta Maeda could hit the market this off season, which could shake things up a bit in the market for pitchers.  What makes him so valuable is the fact that he won the award for best pitcher in the NPB two years in a row and in last year's outing against the MLB stars he gave up no runs and two hits in five innings.
He also helped lead Japan to a third place finish in this year's WBSC Premier 12.  Against Mexico Maeda pitched five innings.  He gave up 2 ER, and five hits while striking out 7 and walking 1.  His FO to GO ratio was 3/5.  Against Puerto Rico Maeda pitched 7 innings.  He gave up 4 hits and no runs while striking out 7 batters.  He also had no walks.  His fly out to ground out ratio was a bit higher at 6/7.
Maeda also has success in the World Baseball Classic.
Against China in the WBC Maeda pitched five innings, gave up no runs, gave up 1 hit, walked 1 batter, and had 6 strike outs.  His fly out to ground out ratio in this game was 2/6.  Against The Nederlands Maeda pitched five innings.  He gave up no runs, had 9 strike outs, no walks, and gave up only one hit.  His fly out to ground out ratio was 2/3.  Against Puerto Rico Maeda pitched five innings.  He gave up 4 hits, gave up one earned run, had 2 walks, and 3 strike outs.  His fly out to ground out ratio in this game was 2/3.
As you see he's one of Japan's best pitchers and what makes him so valuable is the fact that he's barely hitting his prime.  He's only 27 and he's got so much potential to perform at an ace type level.  He's a strike out pitcher and he doesn't give up a lot of runs.
Kenta has used the WBC and the Premier 12 to help show case his talent along with the game against the MLB Stars.  He's been turned down request to be posted to the MLB, but according to reports his request to be posted to the MLB may be granted.
Considering he's so young the posting fee may be at a high $20 million

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