The path to Major League Baseball has been established for two-way Japanese star Shohei Otani, and he is expected to hit the market later this week after MLB owners approve the new posting agreement with Nippon Professional Baseball.
With that approval a slam dunk, Otani and his agent, Nez Balelo, have started the process of narrowing down the teams the Babe Ruth of Japan will seriously consider. Balelo sent a memo to all 30 MLB teams asking them to provide details on the following (from the Los Angeles Times):
"An evaluation of Shohei's talent as a pitcher and/or a hitter;
"Player development, medical, training and player performance philosophies and capabilities;
"Major League, Minor League and Spring Training facilities;
"Resources for Shohei's cultural assimilation;
"A detailed plan for integrating Shohei into the organization;
"Why the city and franchise are a desirable place to play;
"Relevant marketplace characteristics."
An official with the Texas Rangers confirmed that they received the Otani/Balelo memo, and it is the club's hope that they check many of the boxes for the 23-year-old.
Do they? Let's explore.
