I know the level of play is very good, I think the best description in AAAA level. I'm wondering about the other issues that effect North American baseball like steroid use, big $$$$ vs. small $ teams, and that sort of thing that may determine the intangibles in switching.

I haven't heard or read any news with respect to steroid usage there. I imagine it's because the player salaries are no where near MLB. The min salary here is like the average there. I don't think it will every be an issue either because most of the players are shorter than 6 ft. I'm sure they take speed just like the MLers do but that's probably where it ends.

 

Overall I think I read somewhere that the lowest payroll in the MLs still beats the highest payroll in Japan. With the bottom feeders of the MLs though you never can tell.

I haven't heard or read any news with respect to steroid usage there.  I imagine it's because the player salaries are no where near MLB.  The min salary here is like the average there.  I don't think it will every be an issue either because most of the players are shorter than 6 ft.  I'm sure they take speed just like the MLers do but that's probably where it ends.

 

Overall I think I read somewhere that the lowest payroll in the MLs still beats the highest payroll in Japan.  With the bottom feeders of the MLs though you never can tell.

 

Man, get your facts straight before you dis on Japanese baseball. The Japanese min. wage is about 100 grand a year, which isn't too shabby. The majors could learn a lesson from this. The highest paid guy right now is earning about 5 mil a year. There is no steroid problem because of the honor and integrity Japanese players bring to the game. Yes, some are probably using it, but less than 1% overall.

There is the probelm, however, of big market teams vs. small market ones. Only about 5 teams in Japan are in contention every year since their parent companies have the mulla to back them up. The others just get beat up on day after day with no hope of winning a pennant. For example, Bobby Valentine's Chiba Lotte Marines.

I would have to think that any player using steriods or the sort would be looked on as a major dishonor to the player and his team. From what I know of Japan, I don't think many players would take that chance....IMO