Ken Takahashi

[Guest Edgy DC]

Veteran Japanese swingman Ken Takahashi was signed by the Mets today, shortly after a release by the Blue Jays.

At 39, Takahashi better help soon if at all. His first spring in the United States was interrupted by a calf injury, so he didn't get much chance (less than two innings) to show the Jays what he could do. He's worked as a LOOGy in Japan, and that is what was to have been his job description in Canada.

He's got a big high deliberate kick, but he tamps down on it nicely when runners are on base. This video tells me his trick is changing speeds.



Check out how much the shortstop cheats on those double plays.

Anyhow, last season was the first Mets season since 1996 without at least some appearance by an Asian player, so I hope Ken gets to suit up sometime. The Mets had been pursuing him (and were reportedly the main suitors) before the Jays swept in.

Takahashi, of course was Arnold's last name on Happy Days.

[Guest OlerudOwned]

Koo2

[Guest OlerudOwned]

Wait, Koo was Korean. Damn. I suck.

[Guest Edgy DC]

At the very beginning of that video, you can seemingly hear the fans chant TA-KA-HA-SHEE! just before the pitch, and cheer the strikeout, which is odd, as Ken is in road grays, and the batter in home whites.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

For injury depth? Sure-- hope he likes his hot wings. The 75-85 mph repertoire-- loopy curves, soft change-- should make for an interesting contrast with our fastball-slider-happy bunch.

(Mind you, that contrast may end up deposited in the Home Run Apple well more often than not, but still...)

[Guest Rockin' Doc]

Contrast is nice and all, but can Takahashi bring the funk?

[Guest attgig]

meanwhile, dodgers sign ohman to a 1.35 mil minor league deal with 2nd year option

[Centerfield]

You'd think that I, of all people, would be able to remember the Asian Met of 2007.

[Benjamin Grimm]

Don't sweat it. I'm sure I've overlooked a lot of white Mets in my time.

[Elster88]

="Centerfield":1ftrzzap]You'd think that I, of all people, would be able to remember the Asian Met of 2007.[/quote:1ftrzzap] I was 100% sure that Chan Ho played for the Mets in 2008 until I went to baseball-reference. 2007 and 2008 are combining to form one big lump in my mind. And I think my mind is actively trying to block it out.