Red Sox looking for more Japanese talent
The next target to watch is Hisanori Takahashi. A 34-year-old veteran hurler with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball, Takahashi recently announced his intentions to leave Japan after 10 seasons with the Giants, hoping to find a career in the major leagues. Takahashi brings a 79–66 career record, a 3.70 ERA and 1,032 strikeouts to the table -- and many think he's got the resume to earn himself a big contract in the major leagues.
"If I didn't have confidence in myself, I wouldn't have made the decision [to pitch in the majors]," Takahashi said in November. "I want to go to a team that needs me. I'd be extremely happy if I'm used as a starter."
The Red Sox might not be able to offer him a starting job right away. They won't guarantee that he'll feel needed in Boston from day one. But there's one thing that Boston can offer, and that's the friendly atmosphere that only a truly international team like the Red Sox can provide.