Tadahito Iguchi
| AB | 1841 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .268 |
| OBP | .338 |
| SLG | .401 |
| HR | 44 |
- Full name Tadahito Iguchi
- Born 12/04/1974 in Tokyo, Japan
- Profile Ht.: 5'10" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Aoyama Gakuin University
- Debut 04/04/2005
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
While serving as the cornerstone of manager Sadaharu Oh's Fukuoka powerhouse in Japan, Iguchi eyed the challenge of playing in America, coming close to deals as a posted free agent before saying sayanora as a true free agent this winter. He signed a two-year, $4.95 million deal that includes a $2.3 million salary for 2005 and a $3.25 million club option for 2007. A four-time all-star in eight Pacific League seasons, Iguchi won three Japanese Gold Gloves and two stolen-base titles. He consistently has hit for power and took a huge jump as a hitter in the last two seasons. Few second baseman are as athletic or as complete. He uses his power to drive in runs and his speed to score them. He killed lefthanders in Japan and became dangerous against righties as well. Iguchi is a surehanded fielder with average range. He totaled 22 errors in three seasons after moving from shortstop to second base. Iguchi's only liability is his arm, which hasn't been the same since a shoulder injury in 2002. That forced his move from shortstop and leaves him below-average turning the double play. Countryman Shingo Takatsu took over as their closer last season, and the White Sox think Iguchi could make a greater impact. He could be a rare 20-20 second baseman and a Rookie of the Year contender. Unlike Hideki Matsui and Kaz Matsui, he played in a pitcher's park in Japan and moves to a hitter's paradise. Willie Harris could take at-bats away against tough righthanders, but Iguchi should claim the bulk of Chicago's playing time at second base.
