Brian Cashman traveling to Japan with his club in races for the AL East and one of two wild-card tickets shows the level of interest the Yankees have in Shohei Otani, a two-way player for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters.
Cashman was on hand Thursday night in Sapporo to watch the 23-year-old right-hander, who has been troubled by ankle problems, make his second start of the season.
According to one of several scouts in attendance, Otani suffered from a serious lack of command and was dealing with with a right ankle/foot problem that has limited his pitching.
“It was bothering him,’’ the scout said of Otani’s push off foot.
In 3 1/3 innings Otani allowed four runs, three hits and walked three.
According to the scout, Otani’s fastball, which hit 100 mph, consistently was clocked at 95 to 98 mph with the slider at 82 to 85 and the splitter at 88 to 89.
Cashman didn’t comment on what he saw from Otani.
Many believe the Yankees and Dodgers are the favorites to land Otani, who throws right and bats left.
“He likes the spotlight,’’ said an NL scout who believes Otani will be seduced by the bright lights on each coast if the Ham Fighters post him following the season. “I would say the Yankees have the inside track.’’
Because of the terms of the CBA, Otani’s age, and the financial commitments the Yankees have made to Latin American prospects, the most he currently could get from the Yankees is about $4.65 million in a signing bonus. The Yankees could increase that to $5 million. The only way to increase the amount is by acquiring other clubs’ international pool money in a trade.
Since Otani also plays the outfield, the question is: Would a team allow him to pitch and hit?
“If that is an issue, some team might suggest using him as a closer and letting him hit,’’ an NL talent evaluator said. “Whoever gets him is getting a player in his prime at a great price.’’
In 45 games this year at the plate, Otani is batting .342 (50-for-146) with five homers, 22 RBIs and a .950 OPS. According to Baseball Reference, he has worked 4 2/3 innings on the mound.