Minnesota Twins: Tsuyoshi Nishioka signs a three year contract
‘Mission Accomplished’ is how the Minnesota Twins will see it. Signing Tsuyoshi Nishioka, was one of the hardest tasks on the list for the management, this off season. The former Chiba Lotte Marines’ player was a revelation in Japan, during 2010 and he made
the news when he led his team to a Japan Series triumph. The shortstop second baseman made it to the Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards on top and won the prize unanimously. For the Japanese professional, it only created a bigger opportunity as the Twins dove
in to acquire his services, with a hefty posting fee.
Now it’s a reality. The once Japanese MVP will now be part of the Major Leagues and will compete on the grandest stage in the world, to prove his merit to baseball critics. It’s acceptable to think that there isn’t much information on the speedy runner but
he has been dubbed a useful asset by his new side, which will look to employ him at the shortstop position, following Orlando Hudson’s sale.
Nishioka is twenty-six-years-old and during last season, led the league with 206 hits, 287 bases and 121 runs. He led an impressive batting average of .346 and stole 22 bases, to prove his running qualities on the field. The player’s agent spoke from the
Beverly Hills Sports Council recently and commented on the successful signing. He articulated,
“We are happy that we came to an agreement,” said Rick Thurman, Nishioka's agent. Both sides wanted this to work out, and the fact that we finalized this well in advance of the deadline reflects that. Nishioka is excited to start the season, and I think
the Twins' fans will enjoy watching him play.”
The player signed a $9 million deal, lasting three years and this value could rise in the near future, if a club option is picked up in 2014. However, Manager Ron Gardenhire is worried on the deal as he states that he has no feel on the player’s strengths
and weaknesses. He expressed,
“He's a second baseman-shortstop, and we've got to get him to spring training to see what we have, get to know the kid and go from there. I don't know anything about him. I don't know anything about his swing, nothing. I haven't seen video on him or anything;
just the reports from our scouts. He's supposed to be a good player.”
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