In my first piece for 2080 Baseball, I take a look at four players to watch from the 2017 NPB Draft, held earlier this week.
Ryosuke Hirata, Takahiro Norimoto, and Tomohiro Anraku could all have future roles for major league clubs. Who could be the first to come over to the U.S.?
In Part Two of my look at Shohei Ohtani, I file a new report on his value as a position player. (This article originally published on September 29, 2016)
Shohei Ohtani is lighting up the Nippon Professional Baseball League (NPB) in 2017 with his bat, while continuing his dominant performance on the mound. (Originally published September 24, 2016).
Two NPB standouts who become free agents at the end of the year, and a KBO infielder who could be posted after the 2016 season are profiled by Dave DeFreitas and Mike Shubin.
Two standout players that should be named to Japan’s 2017 WBC team highlight this week’s NPB update from Dave DeFreitas and Mike Shubin.
Dave DeFreitas profiles ex-major leaguer Dennis Sarfate and the reasons for his success in the NPB, while Mike Shubin provides updates on Tetsuto Yamada and Yuki Yanagita, who are both enjoying strong seasons as we near the halfway point.
Shohei Ohtani is making a strong case to be a full-time, two-way player. Plus, profiles of five more NPB players to watch this week from Mike Shubin and Dave DeFreitas.
Dave DeFreitas and Mike Shubin are following the 2016 NPB action, and profile five players to watch, including former major leaguer Randy Messenger’s progress with the Hanshin Tigers.
Who will be next crop of Japanese players poised to come to the major leagues? 2080’s Dave DeFreitas and Mike Shubin will provide their insights to help answer that question for the rest of the season. Enjoy the first edition of our NPB Update newsletter!
