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18
Jan
2009
The Newest Import--Breaking Down Kenshin Kawakami PDF  | Print |  E-mail
Chris Mulligan's Pitch or Ditch
Written by Christopher Mulligan   
The Atlanta Braves took another step in rebuilding their starting rotation with the recent acquisition of Japanese right-hander Kenshin Kawakami.  The Braves signed the 33 year-old to a three year deal and have their fingers crossed that he doesn't turn into another Kei Igawa. 

It's always a risky proposition signing Japanese players.  It's hard to project how they will perform when faced up against the best hitters in the world.  Very few Japanese pitchers have had much success in the MLB.  My personal favorite example is former White Sox closer Shingo Takatsu.  He worked as a set-up man for the Sox before taking over the closer's role.  That little experiment lasted about two months and Shingo has vanished from the face of the earth.

From what I've seen and read about Kawakami I don't think we've got another Kei Igawa or Shingo Takatsu on our hands.  We could have another Dice-K.  Seriously.

Stats and Background

Kawakami had an illustrious 11-year career pitching for the Chunichi Dragons.  In 1998, he won the Rookie of the Year with a 14-6 record, a 2.57 ERA, and 124 K in 161 IP.  He was the league MVP in 2004 when he had a 17-7 record with a 3.32 ERA and 176 K in 192 IP.  He also won the Sawamura Award that year which is the equivalent to our Cy Young Award.  His best statistical season came in 2006.  Kawakami finished with a 17-7 record, a 2.51 ERA, and 194 K in 215 IP.  He racked up his second Sawamura Award as well that year.  Kawakami also has a no-hitter on his resume. 

Scouting

If you haven't already gathered that I'm somewhat pessimistic when it comes to Japanese pitchers then let me say...I'm somewhat pessimistic when it comes to Japanese pitchers.  However, having watched a decent amount of video on Kawakami, I am VERY impressed with what I've seen. 

This guy just looks like a pro.  From what I've seen he possesses the most important quality of a successful Major League pitcher...confidence.  Kawakami is in complete control on the mound.  His presence exudes a calm confidence that is somewhat rare these days and quite enjoyable to watch. 

He also possesses the second most important factor for success which is control.  Kawakami doesn't just have control of his pitches.  The guy can flat out paint.  He can work inside and outside as well as up and down. 

Kawakami has a two-seam and a four-seam fastball as well as a very good cutter and a knee-buckling slow curve.  He throws all four pitches for strikes and can use any one of them as a strikeout pitch.  His fastball is not over-powering at 90-91 MPH but it is what we like to call a "heavy" fastball.  His curve is not the big 12 to 6 curve like a Barry Zito but has been compared to Roy Oswalt's curve.  His mechanics are solid.  He has the same delivery/arm speed/release point for every pitch.  For a Japanese pitcher his mechanics are very American.

Analysis

From what I've seen from Kawakami I already like him more than I liked Daisuke Matsuzaka when he came to the States.  Kawakami has much better control over his pitches than Dice-K and seems to pitch with much more confidence than him.  Kawakami may not have the stuff that Dice-K has but he uses his ability much more proficiently than Dice-K does.

He's going to be a ground ball pitcher but will get a good amount of strikeouts as well.  Pitching in Atlanta can only help his ERA and WHIP numbers.  It will also help having a couple of quality veteran pitchers in Javier Vazquez and Derek Lowe there to help him adjust to pitching in the States. 

Kawakami is a must have in the late rounds of this year's drafts.  For a 33-year old pitcher he doesn't have as many miles on his arm as most MLB pitchers his age.  I think he's landed in a great spot in Atlanta and can definitely contend for Rookie of the Year.

He's not going to fool hitters with trickery like other Japanese pitchers.  He going to attack the plate and come right after hitters.  He had a great quote at his press conference.  Kawakami said, "My pitching style is all about putting my soul into my pitches".  I love that.  That's class.  That's a winner.  I can't wait to see him pitch and what his impact will be on the National League.
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written by ChristopherMulligan, January 18, 2009
Kevin, I'll take the under. He may go down as one of the most obscure players in Chicago baseball history. smilies/cheesy.gif
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written by kevinorris, January 18, 2009
As a Braves fan I'm excited for Spring Training to roll around in order to see Kawakami face some American talent.

By the way, you listed Shingo Takatsu in the Tags; I'm willing to place an over/under of two Shingo Takatsu tags in the first year of FP911.

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