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Overseas Interest in Tani?

Discussion in the Nichi-Bei forum
Overseas Interest in Tani?
Yoshitomo Tani qualifies for free agency next year [he just qualified after the August 18th game]. Ever since Ichiro left Orix, he's been a solid .320, 15 HR, 80 RBI type hitter with the single season record for doubles with 52 in 2001. He used to steal a lot of bases and maxed out at 41 stolen bases in 2002. Since that huge year, it seems like his speed has gone down with 9 in 2003 and 10 in 2004.

Would major league teams be interested in Tani? He's having a less than stellar year with a .245 average, 6 home runs, 33 RBIs, and 3 steals. He seems like he wants to try out the majors, but there may be an Inaba-like situation with Tani after this mediocre season.
Comments
Re: Overseas Interest in Tani?
[ Author: Something Lions | Posted: Aug 19, 2005 11:58 AM | SL Fan ]

He's been performing consistently at a high level for the last few seasons, so I don't see why some MLB teams wouldn't be interested in him. He's already 33, but the Cardinals are getting production out of 36 year old Taguchi.
Re: Overseas Interest in Tani?
[ Author: Mischa | Posted: Aug 20, 2005 5:54 AM | TYS Fan ]

I don't expect there to be any MLB interest in Tani. He hasn't recovered from the injuries of the past couple years. It's hard at his age to bounce back suddenly. If he does revert to form, there may be interest, but otherwise he'd have to settle for a minor league deal to prove himself - or resign in NPB and reestablish himself. I just can't see anybody taking a gamble on a 33-year old injury-plagued outfielder who may be washed up.
Re: Overseas Interest in Tani?
[ Author: Something Lions | Posted: Aug 20, 2005 2:00 PM | SL Fan ]

He even put up good numbers last year, apart from missing time with an injury. So, that was the key then, the injury last year from which he still hasn't fully recovered. He doesn't seem injury plagued, but may have suffered a critical injury that affects the rest of his career.
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