Let the Bidding Begin -- a 3rd Japanese Player Coming to America?

[catman]

After Matsuzaka and Iwamura have been granted their free-agency, a 3rd player, Kei Igawa (LHP), may follow them. He is 27 and has an 86-60 record in Japan. Clubs have until November 27 to submit bids to his team, which will announce the winning bid on December 1.
Here is the story: http://sports.aol.com/mlb/story/_a/bidding-begins-for-latest-japanese/20061117175409990001?cid=561
Comments?

[doublee]

I'd say probably mild interest at best. His numbers suggest that aside from being a good strikeout pitcher he is nothing special.

[catman]

I would agree with that assessment. I could see a team like the Royals making a push to sign him, maybe the Mariners. Both teams have needs for SPs and he could certainly help them.