Kobayashi debuts for the Cleveland Indians
March 3rd, 2008
Masahide Kobayashi debuted for the Cleveland Indians in a spring training match on Friday and did impress his fans as well as the people responsible for bringing him into the side with his throwing skills. Many feel that he will be a big asset to the Indians this season and his throws which are a bit harder will surely give some goose bumps to the hitting rivals. The Japanese pitcher who has a history of making more than 200 saves got into the Indian team by signing a free agent contract after serving for nine long years for the Japanese Pacific League side, Chiba Lotte Marines. Kobayashi was a member of the Japanese team for the 2004 Olympic Games and led the Japanese League with 34 saves in the 2005 season.
The Indian manager, Eric Wedge, feels that the Japanese pitcher is very much a focused player and knows what his task is. He made an impression in the mind of the manger when he pitched out of a jam against the Astros in the Friday’s match. Kobayashi said that he needed to be nervous to stay focused throughout the game and said that his main aim was to get outs one by one. After his amazing display, the think tank of the Cleveland Indians must feel proud for signing Kobayashi.
Entry Filed under: Players, Cleveland Indians, Baseball