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Willie Randolph to Show Kaz How to be a MLB Second Baseman

Discussion in the Nichi-Bei forum
Willie Randolph to Show Kaz How to be a MLB Second Baseman
Willie Randolph has stated that he'll give Kazuo a lot of attention in sprint training, "basically showing him how to play second base." When pressed by a Baseball Tonight reporter about his skills, Randolph said he needs some work because it's a new position. Randolph did, however, say that whether you play short or second, you can't sit back waiting for the ball then end up rushing your throw.

Some Met fans asked why Kazuo wasn't traded when supposedly he was being shopped around? Willie did not answer the question.
Comments
Re: Willie Randolph to Show Kaz How to be a MLB Second Baseman
[ Author: Guest: John Brooks | Posted: Jan 27, 2005 10:27 AM ]

- Some Met fans asked why Kazuo wasn't traded when supposedly he was being shopped around?

Mets fans continue to susprise me, with them calling to trade Kaz Matsui. If one player has shortcomings or slumps the Met fans call to trade him.

Randolph didn't answer this question because Matsui isn't going anywhere, he has a 27-team no-trade clause. Kaz Matsui can only be traded to the Angels, Dodgers, or Yankees. None of those three teams have talked about Matsui or don't have a second base/shortstop hole.

With all this said, I expect Matsui to have a great 2005 season.
Re: Willie Randolph to Show Kaz How to be a MLB Second Baseman
[ Author: Guest: Jose Reyes | Posted: Jan 30, 2005 8:20 AM ]

Pretty sad that an "All-Star" has to be taught to play the infield.

We heard Kaz was taking grounders at a fieldhouse in Japan, but he hasn't worked on turning the double play. Hopefully, he can learn, but the Mets are deep with back-ups at second should Kazuo continue his fielding woes. His bat should be better this year, however.

The reason why some Met fans demand a trade is that in New York, if you get the big bucks, get hyped as an international all-star, Golden Glove caliber, 30+ home run hitting ballplayer in the mold of Derek Jeter, you are going to have to perform. Kaz did not perform well. Was the hype unfair to him? Yes. Did he feed the hype with the hair and the attention-seeking? Yes. Is he over-rated and overpaid? Today, yes. So that's why some demand a trade.

These people, however, are mostly ignorant on baseball. Kaz has a no trade, as pointed out and will surely get even better offensively. He likely will play a better second than shortstop. He arrived in NY with a clean haircut with no funny color. He has work to do. Personally, I think he'll be allright, but he should have stayed in Japan where he was a star.
Nori will fall on his face, IMHO. Iguchi will probably be more than adequate and he is not overpaid. Koo will be lucky to stick with the Mets, except they need a lefty reliever. Ichiro and Godzilla were exceptions. Sometimes the road less taken is less taken for a reason.
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