The Red Sox may soon have another Japanese southpaw in their rotation.
According to WEEI.com, Boston is one of four teams to have extended a minor-league offer to Hisanori Takahashi of the Yomiuri Giants. The other teams in the running are the Giants, the Padres and the Dodgers.
Sports Hochi first reported the news.
The 34-year-old left-hander has spent most of his career as a starter and went 10-6 with a 2.94 ERA last season. He made about $1.3 million in 2009.
The best pitch in Takahashi's arsenal is a screwball, but his fastball tops out at 85-90 mph. Another issue? His career high in innings pitched is 186 2/3 and left-handed batters hit .300 against him in 2009.
NPB Tracker reports that Takahashi would like to remain a starter if he plays in the majors, despite the fact that his numbers suggest he may be better suited for the bullpen.
