Nishioka Signs

[love_that_reefer]

Jon Heyman of SI.com reports that the Twins have agreed to a three-year deal worth around $10 million with infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka.
The contract also includes a fourth year option. Nishioka played shortstop in Japan, but the Twins are expected to start him at second base initially and see how well he adjusts to the different style of play. The 26-year-old won the batting title in Nippon Professional Baseball this past year with a .346 average. It remains to be seen how he will fare state-side.

Good news for the franchise!! They landed their first Japanese player and for a pretty reasonable contract. Can't wait to see this guy in ST.

[catman]

I'm looking forward to seeing this kid play. He is fast, hits for decent average and is a good defender, if reports are to be believed.

[henks]

This is good news to see. I really wonder where they are going to play him primarily, and who his MINF counterpart is going to be.

Nicely done Twins.

[catman]

The deal is $9.25MM for 3 years. Not too bad. I hope he does well for the Twins.

[love_that_reefer]

Encouraging article:
Twins may have struck gold with Tsuyoshi Nishioka | MLB.com: News

Twins will definitely need that GG defense behind that pitching staff who throws a ton of strikes.

[catman]

Agreed. The Twins pitchers all pitch "to contact". Without good defense behind them, they might as well be pitching BP.

[henks]

Heard tonight on the news that the dude is batting .370-something while on a 13-game hitting streak. Granted it's spring training, but still...not like anyone could go down there and do that.

[catman]

Pretty good sign. I hope it continues.

[catman]

Here is his stat line for spring training: Tsuyoshi Nishioka Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights | twinsbaseball.com: Team