NEW YORK — The “Japanese Greg Maddux” is coming to America.
Satoru Komiyama, a seven-time All-Star in Japan, has signed a one-year, $500,000 contract with the New York Mets. The right-hander has an option for 2003.
“We think Satoru can help us as a starter or out of the bullpen,” Mets general manager Steve Phillips said. “Over there he is known as the `Japanese Greg Maddux.’ He has tremendous control and works both sides of the plate. He rarely falls behind in the count.”
The 36-year-old Komiyama was 12-9 with a 3.03 ERA in 24 games for the Yokohama BayStars of the Japanese Professional Central League last season. In 148 2/3 innings, he allowed 150 hits and 30 walks.
“Satoru really throws four pitches,” Mets assistant general manager Omar Minaya said. “He has a fastball, curve, change and cutter and has command of all of them. Satoru is an experienced pitcher who will be able to help our staff in a variety of different ways.”
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Komiyama played for New York manager Bobby Valentine and would be the Mets second Japanese player. Outfielder Tsuyoshi Shinjo was a solid contributor in 2001, his first season with New York.
His best season came in 1995 with Lotte, whose manager was Valentine. Komiyama went 11-4 with a 2.60 ERA.
“He will be a welcome addition to our staff,” Valentine said.
Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki, a seven-time batting champion in Japan made a huge impact in his first season in the United States, capturing Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player honors.
The Japanese Greg Maddux finished his one year Mets career with o wins, 3 losses and a 5.61 ERA. The actual Greg Maddux was 16-6 for Alanta. The Japanese Greg Maddux presently has 355 fewer career wins than the Ameerican version.
