Age: 25
Born: June 6, 1986
Yokohama, Japan
Height: 5-11
Weight: 180
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Drafted: Not drafted
How Acquired: International free agent (Dec. 2008)
High School: Yokohama Shoka (JP)
ETA: Mid-2012

Photo © Kelly O'Connor

Links
2009 Prospect Preview
The Ladder: 5.28.09
2010 Prospect Preview
2011 Prospect Preview
2012 Prospect Preview

Scouting Report: Small-framed Japanese right-handed pitcher. Underwent

Tommy John surgery in 2010 and missed entire season. Delivery is unconventional - his arm lags behind his shoulder and he has an abrupt whipping action down from his elbow as he releases the ball. His follow through isn't all that smooth, but his lower body has solid mechanics and stays balanced throughout his motion. Fastball sits 88-92 mph. Can top out at 93 mph, but flattens out at higher velocities. Solid-average fastball command.  Effective in lower tier of strike zone. Must stay out of middle of the plate and work on the corners consistently. 76-79 mph curveball grades as solid-average.  Shows tight rotation and depth down through the strike zone.  Leans on curve to get outs ahead in the count.  Can hang at times.  Low-80s split-fingered changeup has plus potential.  Shows tumbling action similar to a forkball and fools hitters due to appearing like his fastball.  Swing-and-miss potential at major league level. 78-82 mph backdoor slider has been slow to return since surgery.  Offering showed tight break and ability to throw for strikes previously.  Excellent control of arsenal.  Projects as a 6th/7th inning reliever on a contender. Ceiling of a back-of-the-rotation starter on a second division team.