Ryota Igarashi agrees to $3M, two-year deal with NYM

"NEW YORK -- Hoping they found their setup man on the other side of the globe, the New York Mets agreed Thursday with Japanese reliever Ryota Igarashi on a $3 million, two-year contract.

The 30-year-old right-hander became the first major addition this offseason for the Mets following a 70-92 debacle that left them with a fourth-place finish in the NL East.

New York thinks Igarashi could fill the role of eighth-inning setup man for All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez.

"We've had an interest in Ryota for two years," general manager Omar Minaya said in a statement. "He's got a power arm and an outstanding split-finger."

Igarashi went 3-2 with a 3.19 ERA and three saves in 56 games last season in Japan. He struck out 44 and walked 20 in 53 2/3 innings." -ESPN.com

As a Mets fan I will not complain about this signing. I've been saying that I don't understand why the Mets have cannot make the smart rational decisions that even we as mere fans know to make. The Mets need PITCHING, and hitting too, and a new GM but pitching most importantly. Putz was a failure, I can only hope this new japanese setup man won't follow in the footsteps of every failed setup man since 2000.

As for the Bay signing? Honestly, if Jason Bay becomes a New York Metropolitan I will have no choice but to be excited. A power hitter to add some run support for Johan Sanata would be nice in Citi Field; but I don't want Bay. The Mets are notorious for signing players coming off of their contract seasons, in their early or mid 30's, giving them too many years. I trust that Jason Bay would be a great hitter in NY and in the National League again but look at Beltran for example; 32 years old, 19 million dollars in 2009 and hit amazingggggg .325 10 hr 48 rbi and 11 sb....but only played 81 games with TWO messed up knees that are only getting worse.

My Mets Plan:
> Trade Beltran NOW
> Sign and trade Bay
> Dump Luis (fuck face) Castillo and Carlos Delgado (FA)
> Keep Santana, Wright, Reyes, Krod and Pelfry; If your not one of those 5 guys...go the fuck awayyyyyyyyyyyy...rebuild

If the Mets think they have a shot at winning the World Series in 2010 with that team HAHA...I might as well let a Phillies fan laugh and slap me to remind me they just got Roy Halladay

USA 6 Puerto Rico 5

This just in....Kevin Youkilis is nasty....

USA was able to avoid elimination last night with a 9th inning rally, but what has really amazed me throughout this tournament is how good Youk really is. I know he had a great year last year, but I never thought of him as anything more then an "onbase" guy who has a little power. I was wrong. He just keeps improving. Last night he had another HR, and just looks like he is going to have an incredible season. I really wouldn't be shocked if he has a 35 HR 125 RBI year and wins an MVP.

Anyways this was a great game. USA looked like they were down and out as Puerto Rico was beating USA 5-3 going into the 9th. USA began its rally when Shane Victorino and Brian Roberts singled to start the 9th against J.C. Romero (steroids!!!!). Derek Jeter flied out, Roberts stole second, and Jimmy Rollins walked on a 3-2 pitch.

Fernando Cabrera came on to pitch, and he walked Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis (who had hit a solo homer in the 3rd). Wright then lined a 2-1 pitch just inside the right-field line, raising his fist when the ball dropped in. It was amazing to watch, and really just gave you a taste of what playoff baseball feels like.

I know a lot of people talk shit about the WBC, but I say you really have to watch it to judge it. Trust me it is fun to watch.