Braves sign Japanese RHP Kenshin Kawakami, pending physical | www.metscitiblog.com

More at: www.metscitiblog.com----------------------------------------------------------------------According to Dave O'Brien at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves have signed 33 year-old Japanese pitcher, Kenshin Kawakami. Kawakami is a former winner of the Japanese version of the Cy Young. However, he has pitched less and less innings in the last three consecutive years, only throwing 117 1/3 last year due to injuries. He was essentially part of a 6 man rotation last year as well. I guess the Braves see him as a bottom of the rotation guy aimed at getting them some innings and starts until a couple of the prospects are ready, most notably Tommy Hanson. It is widely believed that this signing does not take them out of the running for Derek Lowe or another premium starter. My thought is that the Mets will sign Lowe or Oliver Perez and you could very well see the other sign with the Braves. There is really no market whatsoever for Perez right now. The Braves seem to have the money to spend since it was there in an attempt for A.J. Burnett and now for Lowe. Perez will probably be more affordable per year than Lowe and may need the extended contract he once thought he would get. I dread the thought of the Braves with Oliver Perez on the mound at Citi Field. I will tell you right now, he would be pitching like it was the World Series and probably would have the game of his life. I am still of the opinion that if the Mets are not going after another hitter, ie. Manny Ramirez/Orlando Hudson, then a smart move would be to lock up Perez and Lowe. Spend the $100 million between the two and create the best staff top to bottom in the National League.

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