YANKEES: Kei Igawa Shows Up Early

Here is a picture of Kei Igawa throwing off a flat surface about a week before pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training in Tampa, Florida. Alongside Igawa is Derek Jeter, who has already made efforts to develop a friendship and make Kei Igawa feel at home.

Yankees vice president Billy Connors says that "[The Yankees] need him this year." Commenting on how Igawa looked after his workout, Connors said "He looks like he is going to be a real good pitcher." Only when he is tested against major league batting will we know how he will fare. He also needs to be tested in tight spots such as close games where the Yankees badly need a strong pitching performance.

I like the idea that the Yankees aren't as dependent on Igawa as the Red Sox are on Dice-K. Because the media, fans, and rivalry in New York baseball can be overwhelming, it is best not to pressure a pitcher who has not yet even experienced the majors. Not only are your skills challenged in New York, but so is your character and makeup. By placing Igawa in the number 4 or 5 spot, he will have a lot less pressure than Matsuzaka, who will be needed in the 2 or 3 spot under Schilling. Whether the Red Sox will admit it or not, a lot of their success rides on Dice-K. He certainly is more promising than Igawa, but how much more? At double the price of Igawa, he better be an obvious upgrade.

Among others to show up early to the camp were shortstop Derek Jeter, catcher Jorge Posada, and utility infielder Miguel Cairo. Having Posada there early with Igawa enabled the two to get started early in developing a friendship and common understanding of the game.

UPDATE: Congratulations is in order for Kei Igawa, who was recently married this off-season. News about the marriage had just recently surfaced. MSN news reports that "Igawa['s]... new wife has been helping him in Tampa, Florida, where he will join the New York club's spring training camp."