2 special risks inherent with Japanese Pitchers transitioning to MLB- While over the years there have been several pitchers from the Japanese leagues who were good to excellent pitchers in MLB there are at least 2 significant differences between the Japanese leagues and MLB. A- the pitchers in Japan only pitch once a week vs every 5th day in MLB. B- the Japanese baseball itself is smaller and lighter than the one used in MLB . As it applies to Senga his previous season comprised only 22 starts which is considerably fewer than a typical pitcher here who will normally start 30-34 games a season. Let’s hope he can be successfully stretched out by the Mets. On paper this is a great pickup for them.
2 special risks inherent with Japanese Pitchers transitioning to MLB- While over the years there have been several pitchers from the Japanese leagues who were good to excellent pitchers in MLB there are at least 2 significant differences between the Japanese leagues and MLB. A- the pitchers in Japan only pitch once a week vs every 5th day in MLB. B- the Japanese baseball itself is smaller and lighter than the one used in MLB . As it applies to Senga his previous season comprised only 22 starts which is considerably fewer than a typical pitcher here who will normally start 30-34 games a season. Let’s hope he can be successfully stretched out by the Mets. On paper this is a great pickup for them.
What do you think about the age of the #1 and #2 pitchers? Is their durability a concern?