Uehara Heading to MLB in 2009
In a report over at Japanball.com Monday, Koji Uehara, after finally attaining free agency, announced his intention to pursue a career in North America in 2009, a development that should surprise no one. Contrary to some reports currently surfacing, Uehara does not have any arm problems at this time. He is also not looking going to be a closer again in 2008. Uehara was inserted into the closer role in 2007 for the Yomiuri Giants, but with the off-season acquisition of Marc Kroon, he has been returned to the starting rotation this year, his preferred position.
Uehara should be a most welcome addition to a MLB starting rotation for 2009. He consistently pounds the strike zone and flat out doesn’t walk people. With a career K/BB ratio of 6.9 to 1 and a nine-year total of only 190 free passes, he should transition to the majors as a very strong No. 3 calibre starting pitcher with great potential to have immediate success. For those in deep keeper formats, the time to start acquiring Koji Uehara would be today.