Kawakami a good fit.....

In looking into alternative pitchers, I did some research into the Japanese market. I never have seen them play, I based my opinion on their numbers and the translated reports I could find, Kawakami seemed like an interesting prospect. But as free agency approached it appeared Uehara was the scouts favorite. Then Patrick Newman of NPB tracker compared Dodgers starter Kuroda to Kawakami and it appeared that he was really a risk. However, Mets scouts believe that he could be a nice fit as a fifth starter. Kawakami isn't known for having the best stuff but he's a bull dog who doesn't back down no matter what the situation and always wants the ball. He was the staff Ace as well as the closer for the Chunichi Dragons and has been very successful internationally. Always known as a contact pitcher he developed a fork ball last year which made him a groundball pitcher....

The safest bet in the group is Chunichi Dragons ace Kenshin Kawakami, 33. He is followed by Yomiuri Giants ace Koji Uehara, also 33, an intriguing right-hander.

Scouts Isao Ojimi of the New York Mets and Steve Wilson of the Chicago Cubs said Kawakami, who was 9-5 with a 2.30 ERA this season, would be a good fit in the majors as a fifth starter and will benefit from as much extra rest as he can get. source ESPN