Interest in Uehara

NPB Tracker is reporting that free agent Japaneses pitcher Koji Uehara is making the jump to MLB and the Mets are interested. I posted a bio on Uehera and another pitcher Kenshin Kawakami ( including YOUTube video on both for those interested).

It's being reported that Kawakami is being offered a significant contract to remain in Japan ( 4yrs/18mil) and if he does leave Boston and Atlanta are believed to be the teams interested. Last year the same rumors circulated about Kawakami who seemed to be having a difficult time deciding what to do, when he finally looked into it he was a month short and it was already late into the off-season.

Many articles I've read from people who follow international ball believe Uehara has the best chance to make the jump. Uehara has been a successful closer and starter with a lot of international success. He has had shoulder problems but is believed to be healthy at this time.

Uehara will become the second Giants star to move to MLB, after Hideki Matsui. Giants representative thanked Uehara for his 10 years of hard work for the team. Uehara also announced that he has hired SFX to represent him in upcoming negotiations. Speculation of Uehara’s destination has already begun. The Mets and Angels are reportedly interested in Uehara for a relief role, while the Orioles like him as a starter. source NPB Tracker