Iguchi in for physical today!

[bulokis]

ESPN radio 1000 updates saying he's in for physical today and if everything goes well Tadahito will be introduce to the media today. I thought the press conference was set for tomorrow?

[S720]

ESPN radio 1000 updates saying he's in for physical today and if everything goes well Tadahito will be introduce to the media today. I thought the press conference was set for tomorrow?

 

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/baseball/10749979.htm?1c

 

Posted on Thu, Jan. 27, 2005

 

Iguchi Passes Physical, Joins White Sox

 

Associated Press

 

 

CHICAGO - Japanese infielder Tadahito Iguchi and the Chicago White Sox completed their $4.95 million, two-year contract Thursday.

 

Iguchi will make $2.3 million in 2005 and $2.4 million in 2006. Chicago has a $3.25 million option for 2007 with a $250,000 buyout.

 

"Tadahito is one of Japan's premier infielders, both offensively and defensively, and he immediately strengthens our lineup and the middle of our infield," general manager Ken Williams said after his latest addition. "As a middle infielder, Tadahito has shown that rare ability to hit for average, get on base, run the bases well, hit with power and drive in runs."

 

The 30-year-old Iguchi spent eight years with the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks of Japan's Pacific League and batted .333 with 24 homers and 89 RBIs last season.

 

He's won two stolen base titles, three Gold Glove awards and been a four-time All-Star. His presence is expected to send Willie Harris to the White Sox bench.

 

Iguchi has 149 homers and 159 stolen bases to go with a .271 average in his eight-year career.

 

Iguchi is second White Sox player from Japan, joining reliever Shingo Takatsu, who was 6-4 with a 2.31 ERA and 19 saves in his first season a year ago.

 

"Our fans really took to Shingo Takatsu last season, and we think that reaction helped make his adapting into major league baseball, the city of Chicago and the White Sox clubhouse that much easier," Williams said. "We think Tadahito can look forward to that same type of warm reception."

 

Since the end of last season, Chicago also has added center fielder Scott Podsednik, right fielder Jermaine Dye, catcher A.J. Pierzynski, and pitchers Dustin Hermanson, Orlando Hernandez and Luis Vizcaino.

 

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Funny that the local media do not have this yet!