Yokohama Bay Stars announce they agreed to terms with Alex Ramirez
by Gen on Dec.08, 2011 @ 12:51 pm, under NPB
The Yokohama Bay Stars have announced that they agreed to terms with Alex Ramirez (the team is expected to hold a press conference some time today). Sanspo is reporting that he may have signed a two-year deal worth a total 500M yen and will be counted on to bat clean-up. Sponichi does not mention a concrete total and simply says that they offered him a multi-year deal plus the number 3.
UDPATE @ 8:50pm - As mentioned by fighting ham below, Ramirez signed a two-year deal worth 350M yen a year.
UPDATE 12/9 @ 8:56am - Even though Ramirez is not a player/coach, GM Shigeru Takada would like to see him take charge and help the younger players out.
UPDATE 12/9 @ 9:24am - Sports Hochi mentions that it is a two-year deal worth a total 800M yen (350M yen per year plus incentives).
December 8th, 2011 on 7:02 pm
WHY, JUST TO FILL THE SEATS?
December 8th, 2011 on 7:52 pm
Are you complaining ? It’s a pretty good signing for the baystars.
December 8th, 2011 on 8:32 pm
Not at 350mil. yen per + incentives. His aging process really sped up this year.
http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/baseball/headlines/20111208-00000037-kyodo_sp-spo.html
December 8th, 2011 on 9:37 pm
Good signing. I wish we had made a go at him. Rami still has some left in the tank, I think. Second in the league in HRs, 5th in RBI, 9th in BA this year, and it was a down year.
December 8th, 2011 on 8:37 pm
At least it’s some kind of hope and joy for the fans. Better that than signing nobody. He can hit a bit.
December 8th, 2011 on 10:38 pm
I definitely like this deal for Yokohama. They desperately need this kind of boost, even if it doesn’t result in contention.
December 8th, 2011 on 11:02 pm
Although he’s declined, Rami’s a better move than re-upping Sledge. Plus, he’s a positive presence and will sell merchandise.
Remember, a year ago, Yokohama’s “marquee” FA signing was that clown Morimoto, he of the .187 BA.
December 8th, 2011 on 11:49 pm
Good signing they have to at least try to replace the 49 HR they lost from losing Sledge, Harper and Murata. Hell of a nice guy too, so it cant hurt to give him a shot. Not like anyone else is willing to jump into the middle of this mess, so he gets points for trying. But I think the expectations and the workload to carry the whole team might be too much in the end.
December 9th, 2011 on 12:36 am
Well, no one realistically expects Yokohama to contend next year; a playoff berth would be a huge success and that’s probably out of reach. I think a 4th place finish would be received well.
December 9th, 2011 on 12:46 am
DeNA’s five-year goals (mentioned during their press conference):
1st year – anywhere but last place
3rd year – make the Climax Series
5th year – win a Championship
So if they finish in 5th next year, that would be considered a successful season.