Japanese schoolboy pitcher clocked at 100 mph

[nebo86]

Japanese schoolboy pitcher clocks 160kph (100 mph)
Shohei Otani

[RickD]

Dang. One to keep an eye on to see if it is a fluke or a consistent thing. I would also hope he is brought along slowly so as to not blow out his arm.

[nebo86]

I agree, if he is the real deal, then the adults in his life will need to be extra vigilant and look out for his best interests. I could see him trying to make the jump to MLB, at the risk of being shunned by NPB (Japan's pro league), if he fails.

[Mr. Baseball]

Speed means nothing in this game if you don't have good breaking pitches to compliment it.

[Chitown Champ]

I agree with all of ya. Do not rush or overuse this pitcher and have him develop other pitches as well. Esmil Rogers is one of the hardest throwing pitchers but lack of other pitches has made him less successful than many pitchers who don't throw as fast. Still, this shows excellent potential.

[Mr. Baseball]

Unfortunately, I can't offer a very detailed projection on his arsenal due to the fact that it's difficult to find a lot of scouting reports on him (at least in English). Looks like we'll just need to speculate and observe until we learn more. I'm sure there are big league clubs keeping an eye on him at this point.

Would 18 make him the first teenager to clock 100 MPH?

EDIT) Send Al Percolo down there to scout this kid!

[nebo86]

Found this video of him:

[Chitown Champ]

The slow and smooth delivery really makes the pitch look faster. I like the deceit.

[nebo86]

The latest news on this kid is indicating that he could be U.S. bound...

• Shohei Otani’s meeting with the Texas Rangers
  
  Read @ [2012 Draft] Shohei Otani’s meeting with the Texas Rangers - Yakyu Baka
  
  
• Shohei Otani could decide where he wants to play as early as next week
  
  Read @ Shohei Otani could decide where he wants to play as early as next week - Yakyu Baka

[nebo86]

Shohei Otani may have decided to play in US; announcement could be made on 20 or 21 (Japanese)