So Taguchi

Orix wanted to keep him, but Taguchi, like so many others, wanted to "chase his dreams" of playing in the Majors.

Though it's way too early to tell and though I don't want to say I told you SO (pardon the pun), I early posted a message somewhere on this website to Cardinals fans about not getting too excited about Taguchi. To me, he just doesn't have the intangibles that it takes to play in the majors. He doesn't hit the ball with any authority, he's too skinny to instill fear into opposing pitchers, and he's just too passive out there on the field. I predicted something like .250 with 7 HRs and 33 RBIs I believe, but now I think he might not even get enough ABs with St.Louis to even put up those kind of modest numbers. What astonished me was that the Cardinals annointed him their designated starting left fielder when they signed him back in Jan. without really seeing what he could do.

Well, So Taguchi's contract is finished and I have to say, he was a very productive and, at times, important part of the St.Louis Cardinals. He gave us great defense when we needed it and gave us numerous clutch hits. He also was an outstanding player to the community, and even though there was a language barrier, I saw So connect with lots of fans. I hope the Cardinals re-sign him, but if they don't, I hope he finds another team to contribute to.

In any case, So was a success in the MLB and I admire him.

Can't hep but feel that Taguchi is being too loyal to the Cards. In his 250 or so at bats in the major leagues he has given every indication that he can play at this level. St. Louis is not only deep at its starting outfield positions, but their bench-player outfielders are also way above average. With the acquisition of Walker essentially making Mabry a bench player, the Cards even without So, have the best 4th outfielder in baseball (not to mention the fact that Cedeno makes a particularly strong 5th outfielder).

This leaves So (barring more than 1 injury) with almost no chance of getting any substantial playing time next season. I think this is a real waste of his ability, especially as he approaches 36 years of age (given that time erodes everyone but Bonds' skills, he will eventually be unable to compete in the majors), his window for success in America may come to an end before he ever gets a chance to prove himself in St. Louis.

Loyalty aside, So should leave St. Louis ASAP.

One other note about Taguchi: If he is OK being a fourth outfielder (one step up from his St. Louis gig) and wants to play for a contender, the Red Sox are searching the league for a right-handed, good defensive outfielder to replace Gabe Kapler (who of course signed with Yomiuri), and potentially platoon with Trot Nixon (who can't hit lefties to save his life).

You're right, he hasn't gotten practically any chance in St. Louis. But I think he you're mistaken in implying that he may not be a Major League caliber player. I feel that he has actually shown (in a limited 250 or so at bats) enough ability to, given the opportunity, be a starting outfielder in the majors. He plays great defense, has a reasonably good on base percantage, hits a fair amount of extra base hits, and has good speed. At his cheap price tag, this makes him far superior to many starting outfielders on many small to mid-market Major league teams.

Taguchi appears to be a far superior player (for example) than Terrence Long, a player who's been a starter for almost all of his 6 year career (Long, is a defensively inferior player to Taguchi, and has a career OPS of 730, a full 50 ponts lower than So). Granted, at this point he would have virtually no chance of starting on big a market team like New York or Boston (nor St. Louis, though they are more high-mid than big market), but that does not mean he is not Major League caliber. Put him in Kansas City, Oakland, Pittsburgh, or any of a long list of MLB teams with $50 million or below payrolls and he would would almost certainly be an upgrade of at least one their starting outfield positions.

I could have told you that he is a good player. Not only is he good in defense, also good in bunting. He still had speed. I think he should play as the second batter on a team that doesn't have a good defensive outfielder and second batter.

Taguchi was non-tendered by the Cardinals. The Cardinals still have until January 10 if they want to re-sign Taguchi, after that they lose their negoitating rights with him until May 1. [Link - RotoWorld]

The Cardinals said they still hold interest in re-signing Taguchi. [Link - MLB.com]

The Cardinals re-signed Taguchi to a 1 year $550,000 contract. [Link - MLB.com] [Link - RotoWorld]

I'd like to see him end up in a Giants uniform (SF not Yomiuri). They're searching for an outfielder who has good defensive skills and they cleared out Mohr and Ledee, so there is a spot open.

So Taguchi is playing really well. He needs more credit, just look at his game log. Amazing how he raised his batting average. I like this guy.

Today's (August 17) Nikkan Sports is also reporting that Taguchi has won the Weekly MVP award two weeks running this week.

Taguchi has been great again this year. He's batting .293 with 7 HRs and 36 RBIs. He has 76 hits, 14 doubles, 2 triples, and 8 SBs this year also. [MLB.com Stats]

Taguchi has been great for the Cardinals while filling in for Edmonds and Sanders. Taguchi has always been one of my favorite players, as he gives it a complete effort all the time.

Taguchi had an amazing game today; 4 for 5, 3 doubles, 3 RBIs, and a stolen base.

Taguchi's playing better than he ever has in Japan! That's an amazing commitment and adjustment he's made in the MLB system these last few years.

I get all of the Cardinal games here in Memphis. There is talk that the Cardinals may give So the starting right field position next year as Larry Walker is most likely going to retire after this season.

So's defense is tremendous, he's 9 out of 10 in steals and, for a 7th place hitter, he's on a pro-rata rate of about 80 RBIs. Excellent production with men in scoring position (hitting above .340), and a great clubhouse guy.

His confidence at the plate has been very steady and his batting average never really went below .265 for most of the season. Very consistent. A great 7th place hitter for a National League team.

If the Cards play in the World Series, So will start in the field, guaranteed, when the Cards can put Walker in at DH.

The only issue with So for next year will be his age: 37. But, even if he isn't a starter, he'll still get a ton of at-bats next year anyway if the Cards keep Edmonds (who'll be 36 next year) and Sanders (who'll be 38 next year).

Man, my team is old. Eh, we still have ye olde Prince Albert weighing in at 25 years old.