Multiyear $5 million contract demand sees Takahashi and Mets split
It seems the New York Mets have started their run around Sandy Alderson’s lead with a loss in the roster. The race to the exercise deadline was on the cards and it seemed like the ball club would look on doing the best they could to cope with the short notice changes that came in with Sandy’s appointment as General Manager. It hasn’t beenthat long since the keys to the team and franchise were handed over to Alderson but the stern prowler has already axed a player off his squad due to a denial to submit to contractual demands.
Hisanori Takahashi was considered a new member in the club house, last year when he moved over from Japan. The veteran was renowned for spending 10 years in his home country, playing baseball on the professional level. The left hand ball thrower was a good pitcher for the Mets and he did his best to put the side on the forefront. Apart from the contribution on the mound, his skills and techniques benefitted the young members of the pitching and the bullpen roster.
Takahashi was average and conservative on the mound. His pitching came with an Earning Runs Average of just 3.61 games. He featured in 53 games, while starting in just 12.
Even though he pitched irregularly, the veteran managed to pierce through the hitting line up. That resulted in 114 strike outs for the ace man. He allowed 51 runs, 13 home runs and 43 walks. Though the numbers were not as impressive as one would think, the player made his bid for the wins by snatching 10 and losing 6. To summarize, he saved 8 games and gave the team a dimension that would prove monumental for his strides towards fame.
The Mets pitcher wanted a follow up on his $1 million contract. He expected a multiyear $5 million deal heading his way but the ball club would not budge from a one year signing. At the end, the 35 year old called it quits. According to the clause in his contract, he would be released today.
The veteran pitcher shared a few words about his experience at the club through his agent and said, “Unfortunately, the Mets and I were not able to reach an agreement prior to the expiration of our negotiating deadline. I am grateful to the Mets for the opportunity to start my Major League Baseball career with such a great franchise. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in New York City and want to thank all the Mets fans for their support. I am now looking forward to exploring my options as a free agent.”
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