Rakuten gives Tanaka OK to join MLB

Ma-kun, please go to a National League team.

Just like the last Tanaka article - why are people thumbing me down? Do you honestly think that Rakuten MINUS Tanaka is doing anything next year? Exactly what gives you that feeling?

They have very little talent on that team, and big big big holes.

That's the point and it's modern day slavery in almost every aspect of the employment industry in Japan.

"Modern day slavery"? Hyperbole much? They are free to quit at any time, and they are very well compensated for their efforts. Tanaka is a wealthy man thanks to this "modern day slavery".

"...suitors including the New York Yankees..."

Tanaka would look good in pinstripes.

Please, Ma-kun, please, ANYWHERE BUT THE YANKEES ! I just don't like the fact they think they can buy a pennant !

Please, Ma-kun, please, ANYWHERE BUT THE YANKEES ! I just don't like the fact they think they can buy a pennant !>

anywhere? yea...no one else does that :cough: dodgers.

@danalawton... That's the point and it's modern day slavery in almost every aspect of the employment industry in Japan.

The MLB does nearly the same thing. They'll sign a guy and keep him in the minors until he's 22-25 yrs old, he'll hit free agency in 6 yrs, when he's in his late 20's or early 30's. Both NPB and MLB use the system to their advantage and why not? If Tanaka didn't like the system, he could've signed a minor league deal with a MLB team back when he was 18.

There's no fault with Rakuten trying to keep him. To think any professional baseball team (including MLB) would allow a pitcher with a 24-0 / 1.27 record to leave without max compensation is silly.

I think he'll get $16 million over four years.

Yankees, Red Sox, and other teams paying luxury tax should be banned from free agency. MLB is the worst when it comes to parity among the teams. In the NFL, anybody could turn their team around in a season or two.

Hope he is worth the money

Hope Dodgers get Tanaka. It iis the richest team with best numbers of attendance. Yankee? Too cold place. Nice warm So. Calif. If not, Dodgers, Angels. Close to Hollywood. Disneyland, Knots berry Farm, Beaches, both teams are wealthy and have eyes on WS.

Hope to see him regularly in the new "House that Ruth Built.'

Rakuten, this is last place. Last place, this is Rakuten. You'll have plenty of time to get to know each other.

I know it is Japan and it is the way they do things.... but the standard 9 year rookie contract seems a bit lengthy to me. You're basically shackling a young man for half of his good years with out a chance for freedom.