Tatsuya Nogami bypassed NPB for a Padres minor league deal. Now San Diego must help the Japanese right-hander make a demanding jump into pro baseball.
The San Diego Padres signed 20-year-old Japanese right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Nogami to a minor league contract with a $300,000 bonus on October 15. Nogami bypassed Nippon Professional Baseball entirely, arriving from Osaka Sangyo University's semi-hardball program.
Tremayne Person of Friars on Base highlights that the signing presents a development gamble because Nogami played using semi-hardball, a rubber-covered ball with a hard core. The writer notes that while Nogami has reportedly hit 96 mph, the organization must adapt his repertoire to standard baseballs and higher competition.
Get the latest sports news and top stories from MySportsTab delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam. Just the latest sports news and updates.
