Half-Full: Tribe Signs Masa Kobayashi

No folks. Not the "Hot Dog Guy". Although, it is surely only a matter of time until the Cleveland fans think up some kind of hot-dog related nickname for Masa.

On to the details:

$6 million/2 years, with a $3.25 million optional 3rd year. I'll take it. Certainly affordable in this day and age for a back of the bullpen guy. Another nice element here was that he was already a free agent, so the "Indians did not have to pay a posting fee to Chiba Lotte to negotiate with him". And in case you are wondering, Hot Dog with Masa please doesn't throw a gyroball. Darn, what will the announcers talk about now?

Here is what Rotoworld had to say:

"Indians signed RHP Masahide Kobayashi to a two-year contract with a club option for 2010.
Kobayashi, 33, saved 227 games in Japan. He's coming off one of his worst seasons, but he had a 2.95 ERA and 116/29 K/BB ratio in 146 1/3 IP over the last three season. With an 88-91 mph fastball and a quality splitter, he has a chance to be a very good setup man for the Indians. He'll likely join Rafael Betancourt and Rafael Perez in working the seventh and eighth innings in front of Joe Borowski."

Mark Shapiro's specialty...getting guys coming off a down season. Also, this is a sign that the Tribe was serious about expanding their scouting to the Far East. Perhaps more to come? I don't know, but I do like the added element to our makeup.

Here's a look a what the locals have to say:

Listen to the Shapiro and the press conference right here.

The Plain Dealer article on Masa Kobayashi signing.

MLB.com article on Masa Kobayashi signing.

FoxSports.com article on Masa Kobayashi signing.

Goooooooooooooo Tribe!

Cheers!