The Book on Hitoki Iwase
Prospect Info
Hitoki Iwase
Born 11/10/1974
LHP, Japan
The highest paid pitcher in Japan last year, Iwase became a free agent after the 2007 season, and is probably the best relief pitcher available from Japan. While he's a very strong closer candidate, many teams may look at him in a setup role due to his left-handedness.
The only pitcher ever to post back-to-back 40 save seasons in the history of the Japanese Baseball League, Iwase has 114 career saves since being named closer in 2004.
Like the closer he replaced, the Dragons own Akinori Otsuka, Iwase gets the job done with a mid-nineties fastball and a nasty slider that makes batters look foolish. As an MLB candidate, he projects as an elite setup man or a very good closer.
Ranking in ScoutingBook (3/16/2010): #285 
Ranking in Baseball America 2010: Unranked
Ranking in Baseball Prospectus: Unranked
Ranking in MiLB.com 2010 Season Preview Unranked
Ranking from the Sporting News: Unranked
Ranking from ESPN: Unranked
Player Updates and Notes
Iwase has decided to stay in Japan for 2008, though he acknowledges he may reconsider MLB for 2009.
11/28/2007 by KDaddy
Back to List
