The Book on Kenshin Kawakami

Graduated Prospect Info

Now that he's no longer rookie-eligible, The Book is closed on Kenshin Kawakami as a prospect. This page remains as a historical record of his time in our prospect list.

Last bio and ranking update: 12/1/2008.

ATLKenshin Kawakami
Born 6/22/1975
RHP, ATL

Kawakami is a smart, creative pitcher who is known for finding ways to get even the toughest hitters out in big situations. His heavy fastball is not overpowering, but his great control and crafty assortment of off-speed pitches makes him a ground-ball specialist, which drew interest from teams in the USA's smaller ballparks. While he's unlikely to break 90 on the radar gun with his heater, his slow curve can be especially knee-buckling and is the source of most of his strikeout success to date. A long, safe career as an above-average pitcher in Atlanta is a possibility, but he won't be an All-Star.

Player Updates and Notes

Kawakami continues to have a strong spring, holding the Nationals to a single unearned run today. While, yes, that's only Washington, it's worth a raised eyebrow to note that Kenny's spring ERA is only 1.23 after four starts while working with what he calls 'about 80 percent' of his stuff. National Leaguers might want to start paying attention.

3/25/2009 by KDaddy

As expected, the Braves have signed 33 year old Japanese righthander Kenshin Kawamaki to a 3-year, $22M contract. He'll slide into the middle of Atlanta's rotation immediately.

1/14/2009 by KDaddy

Kenshin Kawamaki is close to signing with an MLB team, and according to the rumor mill, it's likely to be the Atlanta Braves.

1/11/2009 by KDaddy

The Baltimore Orioles are scheduled to meet with Japanese righthanders Kenshin Kawamaki and Koji Uehara this week, according to the Baltimore Sun.

12/7/2008 by DataBoy

Free Agent Kenshin Kawamaki has hired a US agent to shop around Major League Baseball. The 34 year old righthander is a control pitcher in the Hidoki Kuroda style. Unsurprisingly, the Boston Red Sox appear to be the early frontrunners.

10/27/2008 by KDaddy

Kenshin Kawakami will remain in Japan for 2008 and the last year of his contract, after which he will be available as a free agent.

12/18/2007 by KDaddy

 

 

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