Ugueth Urbina in NPB in 2004?

The big question (if Ugueth Urbina plays in NPB) is how the Japanese fans and press will pronounce his name, or if they will give him a nickname to put on his uniform?

I guess they can call him Ugi. It's better than calling him stinker.

The turn-off to clubs regarding Urbina is not strictly his monetary demands. It's the way he made them and his attitude. Further, while he did very well for the Marlins in the second half, he had a tendency to melt down when things go wrong and to let his head mess him up in pressure situations. These are attributes that one doesn't want in a closer.

Personally, I think he's too selfish to play in NPB, but would play anywhere he got the money he wants.

I don't know if any NPB team would want to put out that kind of yen for him. But I do think he'd be an excellent closer in NPB, with an ERA probably around 2.50, maybe even lower.

Jim Albright

Yeah, I'd think Ugi would definetly succeed in Japan if given the chance. He's got a live arm with some great velocity. Remember, this was a guy who just last season was traded for a first round draft pick minor leaguer (Adrian Gonzalez), and he's won a ring with the Marlins in the U.S.

I made my assessment with the unstated assumption he's got his head screwed on straight and wants to be there. He's got the talent, but I can't speak to his mental preparedness to tackle moving to NPB.

Jim Albright

It's probable that Ugeth will head to Japan instead of the U.S. for the coming season. He's not recieving any MLB offers for his services, and time is ticking!

It will be a great for us (the Venezuelans) to watch Ugeth trowing his fast ball to the Japanese players!

Reports stated that Urbina's agent started talking with Japanese teams.

Urbina can "no doubt" become one of the best closers in NPB. I don't know how important they look at the closer's role. And I don't know how much the rest of closers are paid. But considering the amount of money Sasaki will receive, Urbina for $4 million is definitely a good choice for any team.

I don't know which teams his agent has talk to, but if he moves to NPB, I guess he will sign with the Giants. Since I think Giants are still looking for a closer, and I remember they were the first ones who brought out the "signing Sasaki from MLB" idea (am I correct?). However, I personally don't like Giants. So, if he joins NPB, I hope he will sign with the (Chyu-nich) Dragons, or maybe the (Hanshin) Tigers are good.

Anyway, I think it's good for NPB to sign players like Urbina, since they are losing top players to MLB, so they can keep up the balance by importing these player who are under-rated and/or missed signing to MLB.

As for his nickname, "ubi-chan" might be what he will be end up with, I think.

Hey guys, I'm from USA! Ugueth Urbina is awesome! You need him! His name isn't hard to pronounce either! It's ew-geth herb-ina.

- His name isn't hard to pronounce either! It's ew-geth herb-ina.

Except that the Japanese language doesn't have a "th" sound, and "herb" sounds more like "haa-boo."

It seems to me that the logical destination for Urbina is Seattle, now that Hama-no-Daimajin is back in 'Hama.

Though, Seattle has both Guardado and Hasegawa so there's really shouldn't be any room for Urbina there. Plus the Mariners probably don't want to shell out $4,000,000 plus to have another closer.

How about the Tigers? The Detroit Tigers, that is. He should follow his battery mate to the only team that will overpay for a good but not great player. Last year, he pitched 77 innings in 72 appearances. For $4 million, that's $55,555/appearance, or $51,000/inning. Even for someone who strikes out a batter an inning, it's a tad steep.

If he has this attitude of money before team (who doesn't, you say?), I see bad things for Ugie in Japan, unless he pays for Valentine who can protect Ugie from himself.

I honestly don't see Urbina playing in Japan this year. I do think he'll either temper his salary and/or contract length demands and sign before the season, or hold out and sign with a team that discerns a need for a top-notch closer later on. Only a few years ago, MLB teams would have clammored to sign a front-line closer for (only!) $4 million a year. Oh, how times have changed.

Urbina signed a one year deal with the [Detroit] Tigers. The contract also had an option for 2005.