STL releases So Taguchi

[Matt Breen]

Cards released OF So Taguchi. Hit .290 on 309 ABs and had a .350 OBP - no pop. Can play all OF slots (not sure how good). Nice bench guy, but getting up in age (38). Interesting guy to have to go with Gross if we get a full time LF - would make a good, veteran bench.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3143881

[rluzinski]

Career Line:

 

.283/.336/.391/.727

 

And he's an outfielder and 38. I'd be surprised if he's even in the league next year.

[Matt Breen]

I always thought he was kind of interesting because he made it to the major leagues after a mediocre career in Japan - http://thebaseballcube.com/players/T/So-Taguchi.shtml - how he hit in the US was pretty much how he hit in Japan - .280ish BA, no power. Actually played 3B in Japan for his career.

[DHonks]

Well, at least he was much better than Tsyoshi Shinjo. It used to bug me how fans in the Bay Area worshipped the worst player in the majors

[mothershipconnection]

Well, at least he was much better than Tsyoshi Shinjo. It used to bug me how fans in the Bay Area worshipped the worst player in the majors

 

His first year (with NYM) was acceptable when you consider his defense, but it was fluky. But yeah, two seasons with an OPS over .800 in Japan does not a great player make.

[TheBrewer]

while he doesnt provide pop or speed etc, hes still a valuable guy for PH duties and a fill in every now and then, not saying the Brewers should get him, but if he was on my bench id be content with him

[Brian the Automator]

What's Bob Uecker going to do now that he can't poke fun at his name when the Cards come to town?

[tomwopat]

Who is next in line to take his number 99 uniform?

[giffted1]

Uecker is going to be So disappointed.

[Big Reed]

I could say he's a winner. but at 38, he's kind of lost that winning edge. I was kind of surprised he's actually 38. Edmunds isn't getting any younger either. There was some talk out of St louis last year that this could be Edmonds last season. if this was a trade proposal thread , I'd suggest the brewers jump on this and offer gwynn or gross to the cards for franklin or Flores and/or expand it to throw in capuano for Rolen.

 

I think Taguchi would make a nice veteran presence for a team looking for a 4th Outfielder. As for the brewers, I can't see him being better than Gross, Gwynn or Mench. I'd prefer Nady as a 4th outfielder over Taguchi. Taguchi could be like Franco and play for a few more years as a pinch hitter and spare outfielder. I think he's worth keeping an eye on and in contact with pending the brewers trading Gwynn or Gross. In other words, i think he'd be a great 4th outfielder, but the brewers already have several outfielders who could fill that role. What the brewers really need is to add somebody to the outfield who could give them 500-550 atbats.

 

His release does make the cardinals a lot weeker in the outfield , unless they have a player already targeted as a replacement.

[billyhallfan]

Edmunds isn't getting any younger either.

 

this could be Edmunds last season.

 

Edmondshttp://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

 

 

[DrWood]

taguchi is a pretty good ballplayer to have on your bench. 309 AB is too much for him on a good team.

[Kurt]

He always seemed to get key hits whenever he would play the Crew.

[Point Beer Is Best]

He always seemed to get key hits whenever he would play the Crew.

Taguchi is Japanese for "Clutch."

 

[dadofandrew]

283/.336/.391/.727

 

Average CF is a .271/.337/.422/759 hitter, so if So is an average defender, he's not a bad stopgap at all. Granted, he's probably not going to improve at his age, but as a platoon guy or a reserve, he's a fine choice.

[ShinyaSS]

Some comments from Japanese point of view(I'm Japanese)

Taguchi is respected from Japanese player,

since he started his MLB career from minor contract and finally take his chance.

So, getting him is a good preparation to get another Japanese player.

Maybe some fine Japanese closers will come to the MLB next year.

[IslandsAC]

He's 38? He looks 14.