A day after signing their projected starting catcher for 2011, Texas today turned their attention to the pitching staff. After some minor struggles near the end of the season which became major struggles during the playoffs, Texas was in distinct need of an upgrade in their bullpen.
The Rangers have reportedly signed 34-year old reliever, Yoshinori Tateyama to a one year contract with two team option years. Tateyama, a 12-year veteran of the Japanese Pacific League, has played his entire career with the Nippon Ham Fighters, compiling a 3.43 ERA. Several scouting reports say he's a fastball/curveball, sidearm pitcher with good movement and excellent control.
In 2010, the Japanese reliever had a 1.80 ERA (a career best) while holding opponents to a .213 BA (.186 against righties).
Should he make the club out of Spring Training, Tateyama would become the fourth Japanese pitcher to make the club, joining Hideki Irabu (2002), Akinori Otsuka (2006-07) and Kazuo Fukumori (2008).
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