The Devil Rays signed infielder Akinori Iwamura on Friday to a three-year contract worth $7.7 million, with a club option for a fourth year at $4.25 million."We are very pleased to add a player of Akinori’s ability to our organization," said Friedman. "Aki is a complete player who will make a significant impact on our club. This acquisition is one more step in our efforts to expand our footprint in player procurement in the international market."
"I am really excited and humbled by this opportunity," said Iwamura. "I look forward to being part of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and wearing the uniform."
Iwamura, 27, was a five-time All-Star and six-time Gold Glove recipient with the Yakult Swallows of the Japanese Central League. He is a career .300 hitter, amassing 188 home runs and 570 RBI in eight seasons with the Swallows. He has hit at least 30 home runs and batted .300 or better in each of the last three seasons. In 2004, he set a Yakult record for most home runs by a Japanese native with 44. Last season he played in a career-high 145 games and batted .311, fifth best in the Central League.
I asked Andrew Friedman if any assurances were made to Iwamura about competing for a specific position, and Friedman explained that Akinori had the perfect attitude about coming to the Devil Rays. He asked manager Joe Maddon "how many gloves he should bring to spring training" to try to help the team win.
Elsewhere...The Boston Red Sox on Friday acquired right-handed pitcher Brendan Donnelly from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for left-hander Phil Seibel.
