The A-Ram contingency plan

[1908]

Is this guy any good?

He's hit .310/.387/.561 over the past three seasons in Japan. Iguchi hit .314/.389/.520 over his last three.

[nilodnayr]

Gary Garland[/url]"]Third baseman Akinori Iwamura continues to be linked with San Diego in the Japanese press. He has reportedly hired Alan Nero, who just recently finished the negotiations with the Cubs for another client, Lou Piniella. Nero also handles the affairs of Mariners catcher Kenji Johjima. Hochi Sports claims that Cleveland is also interested. Iwamura himself is chomping at the bit to go overseas and would like to be posted sometime in mid-November. Sandy Alderson has reportedly liked what he has seen of Iwamura and they are said to be moving Russell Branyan to the outfield and Aaron Boone got the boot.

 

A Yakult official expressed hope that Iwamura would use his experience in MLB by returning as a coach after his playing days are over. Moreover, it doesn't matter how low the bid is, the Swallows will accept it. One figure has Iwamura going for about $1 million. That includes both the posting fee and his salary.

 

Holy smokes! Is this guy any good? $1 million is a bargin if he can play. The Cubs could pick him up as a bench guy.

 

That is insane. I hope for Iwamura's sake he holds out for just a bit more...considering if the cubs lock up ARam hes the #1 3B on the market by a lot.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

While we're discussing Japanese players, any word on if Fukudome will be posted?

[1908]

While we're discussing Japanese players, any word on if Fukudome will be posted?

None, and he won't be -- this off-season, at least. Shame, too. He's hit .330/.422/.615 over the past three seasons.

[1908]

I hope for Iwamura's sake he holds out for just a bit more...considering if the cubs lock up ARam hes the #1 3B on the market by a lot.

Not a free agent. He's being posted.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Fukudome would definitely be the answer to our CF problem. Too bad he's not going to be posted.

[Brian]

Fukudome would be a hot selling jersey.

[nilodnayr]

I hope for Iwamura's sake he holds out for just a bit more...considering if the cubs lock up ARam hes the #1 3B on the market by a lot.

Not a free agent. He's being posted.

I never said he was a FA. The quote said he'd be 1M posting fee and salary. Obviously he has no control over how much hes posted for, but the combination of his talent, the lack of quality 3B on the market and the # of teams that desperately need 3B, he definitely has all the chips in the negoatiations with the highest bidding team. I hope he cashes in.

[1908]

I hope for Iwamura's sake he holds out for just a bit more...considering if the cubs lock up ARam hes the #1 3B on the market by a lot.

Not a free agent. He's being posted.

I never said he was a FA. The quote said he'd be 1M posting fee and salary. Obviously he has no control over how much hes posted for, but the combination of his talent, the lack of quality 3B on the market and the # of teams that desperately need 3B, he definitely has all the chips in the negoatiations with the highest bidding team. I hope he cashes in.

He has one chip: Refuse to sign with the high bidder and play back in Japan. That's something he doesn't want to do. I do think his salary will be a lot higher than that quote. But he won't be negotiating from a position of strength, and I think he'd play MLB ball for the league minimum. He's been waiting for this chance for 5 years.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Well, could Iwamura play CF? We have a need there, and if he comes cheaply could make an all-around utility player.

[Andy]

Fukudome would be a hot selling jersey.

Especially for Twins fans who support a new stadium.

[nilodnayr]

I hope for Iwamura's sake he holds out for just a bit more...considering if the cubs lock up ARam hes the #1 3B on the market by a lot.

Not a free agent. He's being posted.

I never said he was a FA. The quote said he'd be 1M posting fee and salary. Obviously he has no control over how much hes posted for, but the combination of his talent, the lack of quality 3B on the market and the # of teams that desperately need 3B, he definitely has all the chips in the negoatiations with the highest bidding team. I hope he cashes in.

He has one chip: Refuse to sign with the high bidder and play back in Japan. That's something he doesn't want to do. I do think his salary will be a lot higher than that quote. But he won't be negotiating from a position of strength, and I think he'd play MLB ball for the league minimum. He's been waiting for this chance for 5 years.

 

Yes, not signing is his only negotiating chip and yes he wants to play in the MLB moreso than 99.99% of major leaguers, but it would seem like pretty poor relations for the team who wins the bid to not compensate him appropriately. I think the union would severly frown upon that and may even get involved.

[1908]

Yes, not signing is his only negotiating chip and yes he wants to play in the MLB moreso than 99.99% of major leaguers, but it would seem like pretty poor relations for the team who wins the bid to not compensate him appropriately. I think the union would severly frown upon that and may even get involved.

Maybe, but that's a far cry from Iwamura having all the chips in the negotiations with the highest bidding team.