News: The A's released infielder Akinori Iwamura on Monday. He was signed as a free agent on Sept. 13 after being released by the Pirates. He went 4 for 31 in 10 games with Oakland.
Analysis: Iwamura had a miserable season, both with the Pirates and the A's. He is just one year removed from being a productive Fantasy infielder, but that now seems like a long time ago after this disaster of a season. He could catch on with another team in 2011, but he will have to show Fantasy owners a great deal of improvement before he can be trusted even in deeper formats.
News: Oakland signed Akinori Iwamura and he was the starting third baseman for Monday's game at Kansas City, going 0 for 2 with two walks and a run scored. The infielder became a free agent on Friday when he received his unconditional release from Pittsburgh. The Pirates acquired Iwamura from Tampa Bay last November and agreed to pay him $4.85 million for the 2010 season. He hit just .182 in 165 at-bats before getting optioned to Triple-A in June.
Analysis: Based on what Iwamura produced as a Pirate this season, there is little reason to pick him up for Fantasy, much less make him active. However, he is only one year removed from a good, though injury-shortened, season with the Rays in which he hit .290 and stole nine bases in 69 games. It remains to be seen how much playing time he will get with Oakland, but owners in AL-only leagues should keep tabs on him.
News: 2B Akinori Iwamura cleared waivers, and the Pirates granted him his unconditional release on Friday. The Pirates acquired the second baseman from Tampa Bay last November and agreed to pay him $4.85 million for the 2010 season. He hit just .182 in 165 at-bats before getting optioned to Triple-A in June.
Analysis: It was a miserable season for Iwamura, and he will go into 2011 looking for a new job with a new team. Most likely, if he reemerges, it will be in a utility role, and he will have minimal Fantasy value.
News: The Pirates will designate Akinori Iwamura for assignment on Tuesday, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The Pirates acquired the second baseman from Tampa Bay last November and agreed to pay him $4.85 million for the 2010 season. He hit just .182 in 165 at-bats before getting optioned to Triple-A in June.
Analysis: The Iwamura signing was just one of many things to not go as planned for the Pirates in 2010. The 31-year-old fell off the map this season after three productive seasons in Tampa Bay. It remains to be seen if he will reemerge in 2011, but it will be a big risk for any team, whether in the real world or in Fantasy, to give him a try.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: 2B James Negrych was demoted from Triple-A Indianapolis to Double-A Altoona to make room for Aki Iwamura, back after missing two weeks to a concussion. Negrych, the former University of Pittsburgh standout and local favorite, batted .295 in 48 games for Indianapolis, with three home runs and 19 RBI.
Analysis: Iwamura is nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura appears to have escaped serious injury after a collision at first base on Wednesday for Triple-A Indianapolis resulted in a trip to the hospital. According to MLB.com, Iwamura left the game after colliding with Syracuse 2B Chase Lambin, who was covering first base, during the first inning. Both X-rays and a CT scan were negative, and he should be back in action soon. "We believe that Aki should be fine," director of player development Kyle Stark said. "He had a good night's sleep and feels better."
Analysis: Iwamura has hit .299 with 12 RBI in 27 games for Indianapolis since he was demoted by the Pirates. However, Neil Walker continues to enjoy a fine season, so Iwamura isn't likely to be called up any time soon. Continue to ignore him in all Fantasy formats.
News: According to MLB.com, Pittsburgh 2B Akinori Iwamura is expected to split time at second and third with Triple-A Indianapolis when he arrives to the team on Friday. Infielder James Negrych will also split time at those two positions, according to general manager Neal Huntington.
Analysis: Iwamura was optioned to Triple-A on Tuesday after a very disappointing start to his 2010 campaign with the Pirates. In 165 at-bats Iwamura is hitting .182 with two home runs and nine RBI. He also struck out 31 times. Unless he turns things around in the minors and returns to the Pirates, Iwamura has no real Fantasy value. If he does get called back up, consider him in the deepest of NL-only leagues.
News: According to MLB.com, the Pirate have optioned 2B Akinori Iwamura to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday. The Pirates were trying to trade the second baseman but were unable to make a deal. He will report to Indianapolis on Friday.
Analysis: The disappointing season continues for Iwamura. After dealing with a hamstring issue and really struggling at the plate this year the Pirates finally decided to send him down. Hopefully he can find his stroke while down in the minors, but his future with the Pirates still remains very much up in the air. Iwamura has no real Fantasy value at this time until he returns to the majors.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura, who was designated for assignment on Wednesday, was not asked to take a physical by Pirates president Frank Coonelly. Coonelly said Thursday it is uncommon for big league teams to ask for such physicals. He also said that scouting reports the Pirates received after Iwamura resumed playing for Tampa Bay last season were positive. His left knee apparently bothered Iwamura so much that it left him with little range defensively. Iwamura was designated for assignment Wednesday after batting .182 -- one of the lowest averages in the majors for an everyday player.
Analysis: The Pirates will have to take a $4.8 million hit because of Iwamura, who got a hit in his last at-bat with the team on Tuesday. The team is looking to trade the Japanese import but will send him to Triple-A Indianapolis if there are no suitors. Until everything get straightened out, Fantasy owners would be wise to keep away from Iwamura.
News: The Pittsburgh Pirates have designated 2B Akinori Iwamura for assignment and will actively try to trade their highest-paid player. The move cleared a 25-man roster spot for top prospect Pedro Alvarez, who was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to start at third base. Iwamura, who is making $4.8 million, has been one of the majors' worst offensive players, batting .182 with two homers and nine RBI while striking out 31 times in 165 at-bats.
Analysis: Coming off major knee surgery last season with Tampa Bay, Iwamura showed minimal range defensively at second base. General manager Neal Huntington said that if Iwamura isn't traded, he will be optioned to Indianapolis to try to regain his batting stroke and improve in the field. Iwamura was dealt by the Rays late last year, and now the second baseman could find himself with another organization very soon. Regardless of whether he is traded or demoted, his Fantasy value will remain minimal. He has been very disappointing since making his MLB debut.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: 2B Aki Iwamura and OF Ryan Church could lose their jobs with the potential promotion of top 3B prospect Pedro Alvarez and the return of 1B Steve Pearce from the DL next week. Iwamura would have to be released. Church has been given more playing time than most expected but is 2-for-30 since May 22.
Analysis: Iwamura has been a huge bust in Pittsburgh and is merely a bench player if he sticks around. Cut and ignore him in all leagues if you haven't already. He could be headed for the street, or back to Japan.
News: Pirates INF Andy LaRoche returned to the lineup on Saturday in Detroit with Akinori Iwamura returning to the bench. Iwamura started in Friday's game for the first time since May 30 in Atlanta. Iwamura went 0 for 2 with two walks and a run scored in the start Friday and is batting .178 on the year.
Analysis: Iwamura is obviously no longer a starting option for the Pirates and his Fantasy value has never been lower. You don't need to own him in mixed Fantasy leagues any longer.
News: Pirates manager John Russell announced that 2B Akinori Iwamura will be relegated to a bench role in order to make way for the recently-recalled Neil Walker. Iwamura has had a difficult first year with Pittsburgh, coming over from Tampa Bay via trade this past offseason, hitting just .173 with only seven extra base hits in 156 at-bats.
Analysis: In case you were waiting for Iwamura to snap out of his deep funk, it looks like he won't get a chance anytime soon. He can be dropped, except in deeper NL-only leagues, where he could have some utility later in the season, if he gets a chance to play regularly again.
News: After going 2 for 5 on Sunday against the Braves, Pirates manger John Russell hopes 2B Akinori Iwamura can raise his average back up to a respectable level. "Hopefully, we can start heading in the upward direction instead of hovering so low," Russell told MLB.com. "His approach was much better. He stayed on the ball much better, and he wasn't spinning out as much. He has the ability to drive balls when he stays within himself. Hopefully, that's a step in the right direction." Iwamura only has four hits so far in the month of May.
Analysis: Iwamura went 1 for 4 on Monday against the Pirates. He singled, drew a walk and also scored a run. After going hitless in 34 at-bats, he now has three in his last nine. Maybe his manager is right and this could be the start of something for Aki. He still should only be used in the deepest of NL-only formats until he proves he can stay healthy and starts producing again.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura snapped a lengthy hitting slump with a fifth-inning single on Sunday against the Braves. Iwamura had been 0 for 34, the longest such streak by any Pirates position player since Mark Smith went 0 for 37 at the end of the 1997 season and the start of the 1998 season, according to STATS LLC. "It was huge for me to get that base hit," Iwamura said. Iwamura doubled off Jesse Chavez in the seventh, his first extra-base hit in 55 at-bats in May. He finished 2 for 5.
Analysis: Iwamura only returned to the Pirates lineup on Saturday after missing six games with a hamstring injury. He said his leg still feels a little sore. "I'm good, but the leg is a little tight," Iwamura told MLB.com through a translator. "I'll start to find things soon. I'm starting to see pitches better." Manager John Russell said there is no leash on Iwamura and he will allow his leadoff hitter to work out his struggles. "We're just waiting for that day when it clicks for him," Russell said. "Hopefully then he'll look back and say it's behind him and he'll start looking forward." We will also wait for that day. Iwamura doesn't have great upside, so leave him for NL-only Fantasy formats.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura, who missed straight games with soreness in his right hamstring returned to the lineup on Saturday against the Braves. According to MLB.com, he participated in pregame fielding and baserunning drills before determining he was healthy enough to play. "I'm close to 100 percent," Iwamura said through a translator. "That's why I got the 'good to go' [from manager John Russell]."
Analysis: Iwamura went 0 for 3 with two walks in his first full game back in the lineup. He is now batting .152 on the year. Despite his struggles, he still has the confidence of his manager that he will burst out of his slump. "He's put up numbers and had success in the Major Leagues before this," Russell said. "The biggest thing is for Aki to just relax and let it happen." Iwamura should used in the deepest of NL-only formats until he proves he can stay healthy and starts producing again.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura, sidelined with a hamstring injury, was in the posted lineup for Saturday's game against the Braves. He's missed three starts.
Analysis: Iwamura is having a forgettable 2010 season, batting .155 with two home runs and two stolen bases in 129 at-bats. When healthy, his Fantasy value lies solely in NL-only formats.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura (hamstring) pinch hit against the Braves on Friday. He struck out in his only at-bat. It was his first appearance since Tuesday when he pinch-hit against the Phillies.
Analysis: Iwamura has been available to pinch hit, but he is not ready to return to the lineup. His first season in Pittsburgh has been a disappointment and his .156 batting average makes him nearly impossible to start in most formats. He has some mild upside, but the veteran should remain on the waiver wire in most leagues.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura (hamstring) was not in the starting lineup posted for Friday's series opener against the Braves. This was the sixth straight game out of the lineup for the infielder, who remains day to day. Once again Bobby Crosby replaced him in the lineup.
Analysis: Iwamura has been available to pinch hit, but he is not ready to return to the lineup. His first season in Pittsburgh has been a disappointment and his .156 batting average makes him nearly impossible to start in most formats. He has some mild upside, but the veteran should remain on the waiver wire in most leagues.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura missed his fifth straight start on Thursday because of tightness in his right hamstring but participated in lateral-movement drills in a pregame workout, according to MLB.com. Iwamura remains available to pinch-hit and is listed as day-to-day when it comes to playing second base. "He did more work today moving around and taking ground balls," Pirates manager John Russell said. "Hopefully we'll know a little bit more after today. It's coming along, again today we'll test it and we'll know more after today. And going into tomorrow hopefully he's going to be better."
Analysis: Iwamura is only batting .156 this season with two homers and eight RBI. He has the potential to steal 10-15 bases, but would have to get back on the field before attempting that. Fantasy owners in NL-only formats should wait until he returns to the lineup before starting him again.
News: Although Pittsburgh 2B Akinori Iwamura (hamstring) pinch-hit in Tuesday's game against Philadelphia, he did not get back in the starting lineup on Wednesday to open a series against the Brewers at home. Iwamura has not started a game since Friday and grounded out as a pinch hitter Tuesday.
Analysis: Iwamura recently got an endorsement from manager John Russell that he would remain the regular leadoff batter for the Pirates, except Delwyn Young has done that admirably in recent days and Iwamura remains out of the lineup. He can pinch hit so he must not be too far off. He remains day to day but is hitting just .156 on the year over 128 at-bats and is not worth using in mixed Fantasy leagues until he proves healthy and effective once more.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura (hamstring) pinch hit against the Phillies on Tuesday. He has not started since Friday. He grounded out in his only at-bat.
Analysis: Iwamura has struggled this season. He is just batting just .156 this season. Iwamura should be considered a NL-only Fantasy option when he gets healthy.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura is still battling a hamstring injury and could be out for a few more games. He was not in the starting lineup on Tuesday against the Phillies from Philadelphia and is a threat to miss Wednesday's game as well.
Analysis: Iwamura has struggled badly with the bat this season and has not been worth using in mixed Fantasy leagues, when healthy. When he returns, he's going to go back to being mainly an NL-only Fantasy option until he starts heating up.
News: Pittsburgh 2B Akinori Iwamura (hamstring) did not start on Monday to open a two-game series in Philadelphia. Iwamura has a tight right hamstring he injured on Saturday and could miss another game or two after Monday's. Iwamura participated in extra hitting practice before the game, according to MLB.com. He's available to pinch-hit, if needed, but still feels discomfort doing any sort of movement.
Analysis: The Japanese import has been a solid defender since coming to the bigs and has a .271 career average. Still, he has struggled mightily with the bat this season and has not been worth using in mixed Fantasy leagues, when healthy. When he returns, he's going to go back to being mainly an NL-only Fantasy option until he starts heating up.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura was held out of Sunday's lineup with a tight right hamstring, according to MLB.com. He injured it while running to first on Saturday and was immediately taken out of the game. He is expected to miss 2-4 games while he lets his hamstring heal. "The good thing," Iwamura said through a translator, "was I was able to stop before I made it worse." Manager John Russell does not expect Iwamura to be placed on the DL and said that the switch hitter is available to pinch-hit. He was batting .159 with two homers and eight RBI before the injury occurred. "It's unfortunate his hamstring is tight, because I think he was starting to do some things that will get him headed in the right direction," Russell said. "He's doing some better things. Hopefully he's not out too long."
Analysis: Iwamura knows that he's in a slump and wants to bust out of it. "With the numbers I have, I don't think I have time to sit down and not play," Iwamura said. "The timing was bad for me to have this kind of injury. It's frustrating." The Japanese import has been a solid defender since coming to the bigs and has a .271 career average. He should be fine once he returns to the lineup but Fantasy owners may want to bench him for Fantasy Week 7 (May 17-23) as he is expected to miss a few games.
News: Pittsburgh 2B Akinori Iwamura returned to the bench on Sunday against the Cubs as Bobby Crosby started. Iwamura went 0 for 2 with two walks on Saturday and is now hitting .159 on the year. He hasn't had a base hit in six straight games and is 0 for 23 over that span.
Analysis: Iwamura was just given a vote of confidence from his manager John Russell. Russell said he would remain atop the batting order for the foreseeable future for lack of better options. He's sitting on Sunday but we expect he'll return in the next game. Iwamura has the ability to be useful, especially in NL-only formats, and the Pirates are going to keep giving him the opportunity ... for now. Still, his value is as low as ever at the moment and only a hot streak can change that.
News: Pittsburgh 2B Akinori Iwamura has not exactly well as the leadoff guy for the Pirates this season. Batting first this season over 114 at-bats, Iwamura is hitting just .167 with an on-base percentage of .252. Unfortunately for the Pirates, he's the only choice they've got, reports MLB.com on Saturday. "It's not easy to plug a guy into the leadoff spot," manager John Russell said. "There's just not too many of those guys around. You look at what you have and you try to balance it as best you can. Aki has the ability to do it because when he's going well, he works the count." The Pirates have Lastings Milledge and Andrew McCutchen who could lead off but would rather their bats stay in the middle of the order. Ronny Cedeno could be another choice, except he's got a .267 OBP right now. The Pirates are going to keep putting Iwamura at the top spot and hope he can work out of his troubles.
Analysis: In his first 41 at-bats this month, Iwamura has just two hits and that just has to change before Fantasy owners can think of using him in mixed Fantasy leagues. Iwamura has the ability to be useful, especially in NL-only formats, and the Pirates are going to keep giving him the opportunity ... for now. Still, his value is as low as ever at the moment and only a hot streak can change that.
News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Pirates 2B Akinor Iwamura's time in the leadoff spot might be coming to an end if he continues to struggle. "We've moved him down a couple times, so we're not opposed to that," manager John Russell said Monday. "We just need to get him into a rhythm."
Analysis: Iwamura spent most of his 2008 season leading off for the Rays, but was demoted to the bottom third of the order last year before his season ended in May thanks to a torn ACL. Iwamura remains nothing more than an NL-only Fantasy option.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura was not in the starting lineup posted for Saturday's game at St. Louis. He was replaced in the lineup by Bobby Crosby, who was put into the leadoff spot.
Analysis: Iwamura was reserved with the Pirates facing lefty Jaime Garcia. He has gotten off to a very slow start this season with his new club, but Fantasy owners should not give up on him entirely given his track record with the Rays and the scarcity of options at second base.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura returned to the lineup Thursday for the series finale against the Cubs after getting one day off.
Analysis: Iwamura is hitting .202 this season, mostly out of the leadoff spot. He doesn't appear to be in any danger of losing his job right now, mainly because the Pirates don't have a particularly capable replacement. Iwamura should be benched in the NL-only formats he has value in while he's struggling.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura was not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs. His absence allowed Bobby Crosby to enter the lineup.
Analysis: Iwamura is hitting just .204 for the season and was given a day off to rest and regroup. He has not been worth activating in even NL-only play recently and should be kept out of active lineups until he can prove productive for at least a couple of games in a row.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura was back in the lineup on Friday against the Dodgers after getting a rare night off. Bobby Crosby replaced him at second on Thursday. Iwamura had started Pittsburgh's previous nine games.
Analysis: Iwamura has been no great shakes thus far, batting just .215 with two homers and two steals. His limited power and speed, combined with his struggles to hit period, make him a low-end Fantasy option in NL-only formats.
News: Pittsburgh 2B Akinori Iwamura went 3 for 6 from the top spot in the batting order on Wednesday in a 6-5 14-inning win over the Brewers. Iwamura singled all three times and stole his second base of the season. He added a walk in the game and is batting .215.
Analysis: While the three hits on Wednesday were nice, Iwamura has a long way to go before he can be considered hot again. The Pirates have been putting him in different spots in the lineup and had him leading off once again on Wednesday. That seemed to work so they will likely keep him there but he struggled there earlier in the year, too. Because he doesn't offer much power or speed, he's really just an NL-only option in Fantasy.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura went 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored Monday at Milwaukee. It was a rare bright spot for him considering he's batting .100 (3 for 30) over his last eight games.
Analysis: Iwamura's slump has forced the Pirates to drop him from the leadoff spot, batting him seventh Monday. You might want to consider sitting him for now. Because he doesn't offer much power or speed, he's really just an NL-only option anyway.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura, playing for the first time in the NL this year, homered for the second time this season Tuesday at San Francisco. He went 2 for 5 with two RBI and is batting .281 (9 for 32) on the season.
Analysis: Iwamura's career high in homers is only seven, so you shouldn't expect this power surge to last. He does have some on-base ability, though, and is batting .400 (8 for 20) over his last five games. He's a worthy starter in NL-only leagues.
News:Akinori Iwamura and Jeff Clement homered off Dan Haren, and Zach Duke limited the Diamondbacks to four hits in seven innings in the Pirates' 6-3 victory Saturday night. Haren (1-1) was off his game from the start, giving up five runs in the first four innings, capped by Iwamura's two-run homer in the fourth. Iwamura finished 2 for 4 with two runs and one walk. He also struck out twice.
Analysis: Iwamura stayed in the lineup on Saturday against the Diamondbacks despite having a gimpy left ankle, which he banged up on Friday. He might be in some pain, but it doesn't appear to be affecting Iwamura's play too much. Iwamura has had his fair share of injury issues since coming to America in 2007. He is in his first year of NL play, but Iwamura remains a low-end Fantasy flier since he doesn't have great power or run-producing ability.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura, named the leadoff hitter near the end of spring training, went 0 for 4 with a walk and a run scored in the season opener Monday against the Dodgers. He hit .269 (14 for 52) with two home runs this spring.
Analysis: Iwamura gets on base at a decent rate, but he doesn't have much power or speed. Batting leadoff might allow him to score enough runs to make an impact in NL-only leagues, but you wouldn't want to use him in mixed leagues.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura, recently designated the team's leadoff hitter in a lineup that will feature the pitcher batting eighth, went 3 for 5 with three RBI and three runs scored Monday against the Astros. He connected for his second spring homer and is now batting .282 (11 for 39).
Analysis: Iwamura seems to like his new role. He has some experience leading off from his days with the Rays, but he's not much of a base-stealer. By virtue of at-bats alone, he's worth starting in NL-only leagues, but you have no reason to use him in mixed leagues.
News: Pirates manager John Russell has decided to start the regular season with his pitcher hitting eighth in the lineup. The new lineup will also involve moving Akinori Iwamura to the leadoff spot, dropping Andrew McCutchen to the two-hole and batting Ronny Cedeno ninth.
Analysis: Iwamura has the on-base skills to be an effective leadoff man, but this move won't affect the ex-Rays' Fantasy value much. He will pick up some at-bats and possibly score a few more runs, so the move is certainly not a bad thing for his owners. Iwamura is a solid 2B option for owners in deep mixed leagues and standard NL-only leagues.
News: Pirates 2B Akinori Iwamura clubbed a home run off Yankees SP CC Sabathia during Sunday's spring game. Iwamura broke a scoreless game when he led off the bottom of the fourth with his first spring homer. He finished 1 for 2 with two runs and one walk. Iwamura is hitting .214 (3 for 14) with two RBI in six spring games.
Analysis: The Pirates gambled on Iwamura this offseason despite the fact he played last season with a messed up knee. He says he is 100 percent and the Pirates sure hope so. Iwamura is expected to open the season as the team's second baseman. He's a decent on-base type, but he doesn't hit many homers or steal many bases. Iwamura is probably best left for NL-only Fantasy formats.
News: After a trade with the Rays on Tuesday, the Pirates are gambling $4.85 million, plus right-handed reliever Jesse Chavez, with the hope that 2B Akinori Iwamura will heal from the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee that sidelined him for three months this season. Iwamura, 30, played the final month of the season despite not being fully healthy. "It feels very good, but it's still not 100 percent," Iwamura said, speaking through interpreter Yoshi Hasegawa, his agent. "But I proved last year I can still play at a high level. I think I can play just like I did in the World Series. It will be fine next season, completely healthy."
Analysis: Iwamura hit .290 with one homer and 22 RBI in 69 games during the final season of a $7.7 million, three-year contract he signed after playing for the Yakalt Swallows in Japan. He signed with the Rays as a free agent in December 2006. This trade doesn't do much to help his Fantasy appeal, but at least now you know he'll have an everyday job. He's a decent on-base type, but he doesn't hit many homers or steal many bases. He'll likely go undrafted in mixed leagues in 2010.
News: The budget-conscious Rays saved some money and added some promising bullpen help Tuesday night when they traded 2B Akinori Iwamura to the Pirates for RHP Jesse Chavez. The Rays held a $4.85 million option on Iwamura for next season, but did not intend to pick it up because of the depth they have at second base. "We've got areas we really need to try to address," Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said, specifically mentioning the bullpen and catcher as priorities this offseason.
Analysis: Iwamura hit .290 with one homer and 22 RBI in 69 games during the final season of a $7.7 million, three-year contract he signed after playing for the Yakalt Swallows in Japan. He signed with the Rays as a free agent in December 2006. This trade doesn't do much to help his Fantasy appeal, but at least now you know he'll have an everyday job. He's a decent on-base type, but he doesn't hit many homers or steal many bases. He'll likely go undrafted in mixed leagues in 2010.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: 2B Akinori Iwamura told the St. Petersburg Times he would have interest in staying with the Rays even if they do as expected and decline his $4.85 million option for next season and allow him to become a free agent. "I love this team and I love the Tampa area," Iwamura said through interpreter Bori Uchibori. "My son was born in Tampa, and my wife's getting used to Tampa and starting to like it. So of course I'd like to stay."
Analysis: With the emergence of Ben Zobrist, Iwamura figures to have to find work elsewhere next season. Consider him merely a deeper AL-only option in the season's final week.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura doubled and stole his 9th base of the season in Friday's win over Toronto. Iwamura went 2 for 3 in the game and added a walk. He's batting .299.
Analysis: Iwamura is hitting .262 in September with no homers and two RBI and the one stolen base. He's not exactly hitting out of this world since his return to the team. He's an AL-only Fantasy option at the moment.
News: Tampa Bay 2B Akinori Iwamura homered on Sunday, one day after being activated off the disabled list, against the Detroit Tigers. Iwamura hit a solo shot in the 4th inning off Justin Verlander. It was his 1st of the year. He went 1 for 4 in the game and is batting .311.
Analysis: Iwamura went 1 for 2 with two walks and two runs scored in his first game off the DL on Saturday after not having played since May 24. He's 2 for 6 since his return with the homer so it seems that he isn't all that rusty. He's played second the last two games and appears to be the man for the job once again. Iwamura can be used in deeper mixed leagues right now.
News: The Tampa Bay Rays have activated second baseman Akinori Iwamura from the 60-day disabled list. Iwamura missed 81 games while recovering from left knee surgery and was in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers. The Rays traded left-hander Scott Kazmir to the Los Angeles Angels on Friday for two minor leaguers and a player to be named, freeing up a roster spot.
Analysis: Iwamura was hitting .310 with 16 RBI in 44 games when he got hurt. Iwamura was the team's starter to begin the season but it will be interesting to see how they get him back in there now. Jason Bartlett, Willy Aybar and Ben Zobrist have all been playing well as middle infielders. Zobrist could play more outfield and Aybar see less at bats but it seems Iwamura might not be an everyday player going forward. Use him in AL-only leagues for now until he gets back into everyday action and produces.
News: Tampa Bay 2B Akinori Iwamura (left knee surgery) was the DH for Triple-A Durham on Thursday two days after leaving a minor league rehab start with leg muscle fatigue.
Analysis: Iwamura was making good progress before getting fatigued and hopefully is back on his way after getting a couple days off. He can still be stashed in AL-only formats as he continues to make progress toward a return.
News: Tampa Bay 2B Akinori Iwamura (left knee surgery) left in the third inning of a minor league rehab game with Triple-A Durhman with muscle fatigue. The Rays expect Iwamura to play Thursday.
Analysis: Iwamura was making solid progress with his knee injury and could be back up with the Rays at some point before the end of the season but this was a slight setback. Keep stashing him in AL-only formats in case he comes back and contributes at some point this season.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura (left knee surgery) started a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on Friday.
Analysis: Iwamura continues to make solid progress with his knee injury and could be back up with the Rays at some point before the end of the season. Keep stashing him in AL-only formats in case he comes back and contributes at some point this season.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura, who had surgery last month to repair a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, fielded ground balls for the first time since being injured in late May. There's still no timetable for him to begin a rehab assignment.
Analysis: Iwamura has made great progress with this knee injury and could be back some time in August. Continue to stash him in deeper AL-only formats and just hope he can contribute to your team at some point this season.
News: The St. Pete Times reports that Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura (knee) is running and will start taking ground balls on Wednesday.
Analysis: Iwamura has made great progress with this knee injury and could be back some time in August. Continue to stash him in deeper AL-only formats and just hope he can contribute to your team at some point this season.
News: Injured Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura, who's expected to be sidelined at least until late August or early September, played catch in the outfield before Thursday's game. He may accompany the team on a road trip following the All-Star break to continue working with the training staff.
Analysis: Iwamura was injured in a collision at second base with Florida's Chris Coghlan on May 24 while trying to turn a double play. He was batting .310 with no homers and 16 RBI in 44 games prior to the injury. Ben Zobrist's emergence makes it possible that Iwamura would return to a limited role and he is only worth stashing in AL-only leagues at this point.
News: Tampa Bay's Akinori Iwamura could be back a lot sooner than expected after undergoing surgery for a knee injury that was not as severe as the Rays initially suspected. The second baseman only had a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and had an arthroscopic procedure performed Monday instead of reconstructive surgery that would have sidelined him the rest of the season. Instead, Iwamura could return in six to eight weeks. The Rays, who were off Monday, originally thought Iwamura would face six months of rehab following surgery. The club has used several players at second base in his absence, although Ben Zobrist has settled into the starting role lately.
Analysis: The former star in Japan's Central League was injured in a collision at second base with Florida's Chris Coghlan on May 24. Team orthopedist Dr. Koco Eaton also repaired the torn medial meniscus in the knee. Iwamura, injured while trying to turn a double play, was batting .310 with no homers and 16 RBI in 44 games. Iwamura's return could hinder Zobrist's Fantasy value and some owners might consider grabbing him off waivers and using a DL spot on him in case he does return and performs up to par. Still, there is a lot of unknowns here and it is unlikely he'll become a viable Fantasy option again this year.
News: Out for the season, Tampa Bay second baseman Akinori Iwamura is already looking forward to 2010. Iwamura tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee last Sunday while trying to turn a double play against Florida and will surgery when the swelling subsides. The Rays hope he will be ready to return in spring training. The AL champions hold a club option on Iwamura for next season. "It was the most painful moment in my 13-year baseball career, and I knew something was wrong," the former star in Japan's Central League said through a translator before Friday night's game against the Minnesota Twins. "It's getting better every day, little by little," he said. "My first intention is to get back to the field as soon as possible."
Analysis: Iwamura was batting .310 with no homers and 16 RBI in 44 games. He is in the final season of a $7.7 million, three-year contract he signed in December 2006. Iwamura said although he has no control over whether the Rays exercise the option, he'd like to remain in Tampa Bay. "I hope everything works out," he said, adding that it hurts "not only physically, but mentally" to not be in a position to contribute on the field for the rest of the season. In addition to tearing his ACL, Iwamura damaged the medial collateral ligament in his knee and injured his left ankle. The MCL and ankle will not require surgery. He faces six months of rehab after the operation to repair the ACL. "To get the surgery, I have to get the swelling down," Iwamura said, adding that a team doctor has told him the wait could be four to six weeks. Iwamura will be a low-end 2B option in mixed leagues on Draft Day 2010, assuming he returns for the start of spring training.
News: The Tampa Bay Rays placed shortstop and leading hitter Jason Bartlett on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a sprained left ankle, giving the team five injured regulars. Bartlett was replaced on the roster by infielder Joe Dillon, who was called up from Triple-A Durham. Dillon was in uniform and available for Tuesday night's game against the Cleveland Indians. Bartlett hurt the ankle Sunday against Florida, but was expected to return to the lineup Tuesday against Cleveland following a day off. After a visit with team trainer Ron Porterfield, Bartlett landed on the DL instead. "It's in a bad spot and it's sore," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "Ronnie is not comfortable with it." Iwamura was transferred to the 60-day disabled list in order to make room for Dillon on the 40-man roster.
Analysis: Bartlett is in the midst of a career season, batting .373 with seven homers, 30 RBI and 14 stolen bases. He began the year as a .276 lifetime hitter. Bartlett shouldn't be out for much longer than the 15 days on the DL, so keep him stashed in any league where you have the room. Dillon will not get much playing time behind Reid Brignac, Willy Aybar and Ben Zobrist so he's not a recommended pick up.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL in his left knee. He will have surgery after the swelling goes down. He was placed on the 15-day DL on Monday with a move to the 60-day DL likely down the road.
Analysis: Iwamura should be fine for next spring, but he should be cut and ignored in all non-keeper leagues right now. He will be a low-end mixed league option next Draft Day, someone best left for AL-only formats.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL in his left knee. Iwamura was injured trying to turn a double play in the eighth inning Sunday against the Florida Marlins and was carted off the field. He will have surgery after the swelling goes down, according to Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman.
Analysis: This is a big blow for AL-only owners who were relying on Iwamura for a solid average and a few stolen bases from the 2B or MI position. The Rays will probably use a combination of Ben Zobrist and Willy Aybar to cover for Iwamura, who was hitting .310 with 16 RBI, 19 runs and eight steals. Zobrist could see almost everyday at-bats with the Rays now, and his value gets a nice bump. Aybar will probably be used more to spell Zobrist than anything, and remains more of a bench option in AL-only formats.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura hurt his left knee when hit while trying to turn a double play in the eighth inning Sunday against the Marlins and was carted off the field. The game was delayed six minutes in the eighth while trainers tended to Iwamura, who was hurt when Chris Coghlan slid into him. With runners at first and second and one out in the eighth inning, Wes Helms hit a one-hopper to pitcher Dan Wheeler, who spun and threw to second. Iwamura took the throw for a forceout, and was ready to throw to first with his left foot planted when Coghlan arrived. The collision sent Iwamura tumbling to the turf. Iwamura was credited with an assist on the 1-4-6-2 double play. The Rays said he would fly back to St. Petersburg, Fla., Sunday night and undergo an MRI. Iwamura was 3-for-4 in the game with a double and a run scored before leaving. His batting average is .310.
Analysis: At first glance, this injury does not look good for Iwamura. It's never good to be carted off the field and all Fantasy owners can do now is wait for the results of the MRI. Pay close attention to this situation but be ready to reserve Iwamura for Week 8 (May 25-31) as he's likely to be headed for the DL. He was a nice Fantasy option in deeper mixed Fantasy leagues, when healthy.
News: Tampa Bay 2B Akinori Iwamura went 2-for-4 against the A's on Monday night as he drove in three runs in the victory. Iwamura hit a two-run single in the 3rd inning and added an RBI single to right field in the 5th. He is batting .291 on the season.
Analysis: Iwamura did not have an RBI since May 9 and has 15 on the season in 134 at bats. His average is decent but his run production is lacking and he's only an AL-only Fantasy option. His only source of value comes from eight stolen bases.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura had two singles and a stolen base in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Indians. He also scored a run as his batting average increased to .281 on the season. It was his third multi-hit game in his last seven starts.
Analysis: Iwamura is quietly having a respectable season for a second baseman, despite failing to hit one out so far in 2009. He is hitting .281 with 12 RBI and a .343 OBP. He remains a serviceable AL-only 2B option.
News: Tampa Bay 2B Akinori Iwamura went 2-for-4 from the dish on Saturday in a rout 14-5 rout of the Red Sox. Iwamura drove in two in the game, scoring once and stealing a base. He had a single and a double in the game.
Analysis: Iwamura is already halfway to his career mark for stolen bases, which is 12 in a season. He is having a decent start to the season, hitting .282 with 12 RBI and a .336 OBP. He has little power but has some speed and can be used as a stopgap option in deeper mixed leagues.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura went 2-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored Thursday against the Red Sox. He now has exactly two hits in five of his last eight games. He's batting .323 (10-for-31) during that stretch but with zero home runs and only one stolen base.
Analysis: Iwamura got off to a hot start with five stolen bases, but considering his career high is only 12, you had to expect the steals to slow down. As an every day second baseman, he should score enough runs to serve as a stopgap option in mixed leagues, but nothing more.
News: Rays 1B Carlos Pena and 2B Akinori Iwamura will get a scheduled day off Sunday against the Athletics. They are not injured but will be out of the team's lineup.
Analysis: Pena is a must-start whenever active and a recommended option for Fantasy Week 4 (April 27-May 3). Iwamura is off to a good start this season and could be considered in deeper mixed and AL-only leagues. The fact that these two players will sit on Sunday is really only useful information to Fantasy players in daily leagues.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura went 2-for-4 with a double, a walk, a run scored and an RBI on Wednesday at Seattle. He also stole two bases, giving him six on the season.
Analysis: Iwamura was batting .143 (3-for-21) over his last seven games, so maybe he'll get back on track with this performance. He's never been a big base stealer, so temper your expectations in Rotisserie leagues, but he deserves a look in those leagues given this hot start.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwaumura, coming off a three-hit game Sunday, had a three-RBI game Monday against the Yankees. He went 2-for-4 with a walk, a double and a run scored.
Analysis: Iwamura has little pop, but he's hot right now and gets enough at-bats to serve as a low-end starter in mixed leagues. He already has three steals too, even though his career high is only 12.
News: Tampa Bay 2B Akinori Iwamura led off against Baltimore on Sunday and went 3-for-5 with a double. Iwamura's three hits raised his average to .364 and he added an RBI in the 11-3 win. Iwamura also stole a base in the game, his third of the season.
Analysis: Iwamura is hitting with a nice average and already has three steals hitting in the top spot of the Rays' order after 22 at bats this season. He is going to play every day and as such deserves a spot on all AL-only and some mixed league Fantasy rosters. The fact that he plays second base makes him valuable since it is such a thin position.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura, who hit leadoff in the season opener, went 3-for-4 with a double and three runs scored batting ninth Wednesday at Boston.
Analysis: Iwamura doesn't hit many home runs or steal many bases, and he won't bat leadoff when B.J. Upton returns from the DL. His consistent at-bats make him worth using in deeper leagues, but don't expect him to excel in any category.
News: The St. Pete Times reports that Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura will share leadoff duties with Jason Bartlett to start the season, but will drop to eighth in the lineup when OF B.J. Upton comes off the DL in mid-April.
Analysis: Iwamura was a bit of a disappointment in the 2008 season but he is slated to be the Rays' opening day starter. His lack of power and steals potential make him merely an AL-only option in Fantasy, and this move down the lineup certainly doesn't help his value.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura played in his first Grapefruit League game this year, having returned from winning the World Baseball Classic for his native Japan. Iwamura went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a triple. "It's an honor for me to be able to play," Iwamura said of representing Japan. "I'm so glad that I was part of it." Iwamura hit .286 (9-for-28) in the WBC.
Analysis: Iwamura was a bit of a disappointment in the 2008 season but he is slated to be the Rays' opening day starter. His lack of power and steals potential make him merely an AL-only option in Fantasy.
News: Tampa Bay 2B Akinori Iwamura helped send the United States home in the World Baseball Classic on Sunday. Iwamura's RBI triple was the key hit in a five-run fourth inning against starter Roy Oswalt, and the U.S. was handed its first loss to Japan in major international play since the 2005 World Cup. Iwamura finished 1-for-4 in the game and is batting .280 in the tournament.
Analysis: Iwamura will be the Rays' Opening Day starter but his lack of power and steals potential make him merely an AL-only option in Fantasy.
News: The major leaguers playing for Japan had a rough World Baseball Classic opener Thursday in Tokyo. Japan defeated China 4-0 behind ace Yu Darvish (four no-hit innings), but outfielder Ichiro Suzuki (0-for-5), center fielder Kosuke Fukudome (0-for-0 with four walks and a run scored), catcher Kenji Johjima (0-for-3) and second baseman Akinori Iwamura (0-for-4) all went hitless.
Analysis: Suzuki is off to a slow start this spring, which is a minor cause for concern because he is 35 years old. That is the age of slow down for someone with his type of speed game. Regardless, Ichiro will get picked among the top 15-20 outfielders on Draft Day. Johjima is the Mariners' everyday catcher and a sleeper for AL-only leagues, while Iwamura's lack of power and steals potential make him merely an AL-only option, too.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura didn't play Sunday against the Twins. He's batting .246 in September.
Analysis: Iwamura has been a disappointment in his second year, but his eligibility at second base makes him a sleeper in deeper formats in the final weeks. The contending Rays will run him out there every day, and he is a nice source of runs scored at least.
News:Daisuke Matsuzaka, who has won six consecutive decisions since last losing on July 28, allowed Akinori Iwamura's solo homer and two singles in five innings Monday. Iwamura has hit four of his six home runs against Boston.
Analysis: Iwamura has been a disappointment in his second year, but his eligibility at second base makes him a sleeper in deeper formats in the final weeks. The contending Rays will run him out there every day and he is a nice source of runs scored at least.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura is batting .291 since the All-Star break even though he went 0-for-4 with a strikeout Sunday at Toronto.
Analysis: While he has been hitting well lately and has a nice amount of runs scored, Iwamura won't give you homers or steals, which limits his Fantasy value to AL-only and deeper mixed leagues. Qualifying at second base helps, though.
News: Rays INF Akinori Iwamura picked up three hits against the Orioles on Saturday. Iwamura raised his average to .282 by doubling twice and scoring three runs for the Rays. He also walked once.
Analysis: While he has been hitting well lately and has a nice amount of runs scored, Iwamura won't give you homers or steals, which limits his Fantasy value to AL-only and deeper mixed leagues as a corner infielder.
News: Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura went 2-for-3 with a triple, two walks and three runs scored in Friday's win over the Orioles, extending his hit streak to seven games. Iwamura has now hit in 23 of his last 26 games.
Analysis: While he has been hitting well lately and has 73 runs scored, Iwamura won't give you homers or steals, which limits his Fantasy value to AL-only and deeper mixed leagues as a corner infielder.
News: Rays INF Akinori Iwamura reached on a bunt single in the sixth inning Wednesday against the Blue Jays to extend his hitting streak to five games. He is 6-for-22 (.273) with four RBI in that span.
Analysis: Iwamura has weak numbers across the board from a Fantasy standpoint, but he does well enough atop the lineup for the Rays and plays everyday. For that, he should be considered a low-end Fantasy option in Head-to-Head leagues and a decent play as a middle infielder in Rotisserie formats.
News: Tampa Bay 3B Akinori Iwamura went 1-for-4 on Saturday in a win over the Chicago White Sox as he drove in two runs. Iwamura also walked and scored a run of his own.
Analysis: Iwamura now has just one hit in seven of his last eight games with three RBI over that span and four walks. He's getting on base but doing little else of Fantasy note. Iwamura has been a good tablesetter in 2008 for the AL-East contending Rays but is best left for AL-only and Rotisserie Fantasy leagues.
News: Rays INF Akinori Iwamura had a RBI groundout and his 24th double in five at-bats Sunday against the Mariners. He also scored once, stole a base and walked once. Iwamura has hit safely in six of his last seven games. He is 12-for-33 (.364) with four RBI and three walks in that span.
Analysis: Iwamura has been a good tablesetter in 2008 for the AL-East contending Rays. He has played in 111 games as Tampa's leadoff hitter, and has produced a .282 average. However, he has just five homers and 33 RBI. Iwamura is best left for AL-only Fantasy leagues and Rotisserie formats.
News: Rays INF Akinori Iwamura plated the team's only runs Monday in a 5-2 loss against the Indians on a two-RBI single off Cliff Lee in the fourth inning. Iwamura finished the game 3-for-4 with one walk. He is 9-for-20 (.450) with three RBI and two walks during a five-game hitting streak.
Analysis: Iwamura has been a good tablesetter in 2008 for the AL-East contending Rays. He has played in 106 games as Tampa's leadoff hitter, and has produced a .280 average. However, he has just five homers and 30 RBI. Iwamura is best left for AL-only Fantasy leagues and Rotisserie formats.
News: Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura was hitless in four at-bats Thursday against the Royals and saw his hitting streak end at six games. Iwamura was 8-for-22 (.364) with one RBI and four walks during the streak.
Analysis: Iwamura does a little bit of everything atop the Rays lineup, but he doesn't have great power and won't steal a ton of bases. He is at best a low-end Fantasy option in larger mixed leagues.
News: Rays INF Akinori Iwamura had two hits, including his 18th double, and one RBI in four at-bats Monday against the A's. He also walked once. Iwamura has hit safely in all four games after the All-Star break and is 6-for-15 (.400) in that span.
Analysis: Iwamura does a little bit of everything atop the Rays lineup, but he doesn't have great power and won't steal a ton of bases. He is at best a low-end Fantasy option in larger mixed leagues.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura had two hits in four at-bats in the first game after the All-Star break Friday against the Blue Jays. He didn't score a run, though, in a low-scoring affair. He also got caught stealing.
Analysis: Iwamura doesn't really hit homers or steal bases, but he has AL-only appeal by virtue of getting at-bats. He's not worth much in most Fantasy formats, though.
News: 2B Akinori Iwamura's hitting streak ended at 11 games when he went 0-for-4 Tuesday.
Analysis: Iwamura is more table-setting than run producer, but his regular playing time makes him a sleeper for deeper leagues at the thin second base position.
News: Rays 3B Akimori Iwamura went 1-for-4 with a double and two walks Monday in a 7-4 loss to the Royals, extending his hit streak to 11 games.
Analysis: Iwamura hasn't raised his average much over the streak, but that's because seven of the 11 games have featured one hit. The light-hitting leadoff guy remains a low-end middle infield option in deeper mixed leagues.
News: Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura went 2-for-4 with a triple and two runs scored in Sunday's win over the Royals to extend his hitting streak to 10 games.
Analysis: Iwamura hasn't raised his average much over the streak, but that's because six of the 10 games have featured one hit. The light-hitting leadoff guy remains a low-end middle infield option in deeper mixed leagues.
News: Rays INF Akinori Iwamura returned to the starting lineup Tuesday against the Red Sox after serving a three-game suspension for his role in a brawl with Boston earlier this season. Iwamura had a single in three at-bats ans also walked. He is 10-for-27 (.370) with one homer and four RBI during a six-game hitting streak.
Analysis: Iwamura is starting to heat up at the plate after seeing his average dip to .267 in June. Iwamura continues to be a streaky hitter with little power. It's not exactly a forumla Fantasy owners crave, so he is best left as a middle infield option in larger mixed leagues.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura served the first of his three-game suspension Saturday at Pittsburgh, forcing manager Joe Maddon to juggle his lineup. Among the changes, B.J. Upton hit leadoff, Iwamura's usual spot, and Willy Aybar started at second.
Analysis: Iwamura will miss the rest of the weekend series in Pittsburgh and the first of a three-game series against the Red Sox. He won't miss much of Fantasy Week 14 (June 30-July 6), but he is more of an AL-only Fantasy option at this point in his career because he lacks power and speed.
News: Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura is still waiting to hear back as to his appeal on his 3-game suspension so he continues to play in the meantime. Iwamura went 2-for-5 Friday against the Pirates.
Analysis: Iwamura might miss the rest of the weekend series in Pittsburgh, but he should be eligible to return for Fantasy Week 14 (June 30-July 6). He is more of an AL-only Fantasy option at this point in his career, but you might find him useful in a stopgap capacity in deeper mixed leagues.
News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: 2B Akinori Iwamura and the Rays might have gotten a bit of a break when his hearing on the appeal of his three-game ban was delayed, due to a scheduling problem, from Tuesday afternoon until noon Wednesday. And with a decision from MLB disciplinarian Bob Watson not expected for another day or two after that, it seems likely Iwamura wouldn't have to sit out until Friday, when SS Jason Bartlett should be back.
Analysis: Iwamura might miss the weekend series in Pittsburgh, but he should be eligible to return for Fantasy Week 14 (June 30-July 6). He is more of an AL-only Fantasy option at this point in his career, but you might find him useful in a stopgap capacity in deeper mixed leagues.
News: Rays INF Akinori Iwamura had three hits, including his 12th double and fifth homer, in five at-bats Tuesday against the Marlins. Iwamura recorded two RBI with a home run off Scott Olsen in the third. He also scored twice in a 6-4 win. Iwamura had his first multi-hit game since June 13.
Analysis: Iwamura was just 5-for-28 (.179) in his previous eight games coming into Tuesday. He had just three RBI in June before getting two against the Marlins. Iwamura hasn't really been the offensive thumper the Rays hoped he would be when he began his MLB career in 2007. Iwamura has had some nice hitting moments in his young career, but is nothing more than a low-end flier in the deepest of mixed Fantasy leagues.
News: Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura scored twice after two walks Wednesday against the Cubs and was hitless in two at-bats. Iwamura is 6-for-21 (.286) with one RBI and five walks in his last six games.
Analysis: Iwamura hasn't really been the offensive thumper the Rays hoped he would be when he began his MLB career in 2007. Iwamura has had some nice hitting moments in his young career, but is nothing more than a low-end flier in the deepest of mixed Fantasy leagues.
News: Three Tampa Bay players -- outfielder Carl Crawford, right-hander Edwin Jackson and second baseman Akinori Iwamura -- are expected to appeal their before their suspensions begin. Crawford's four-game suspension, Jackson's five-gamer and Iwamura's three-gamer will begin later in the month and will be staggered so the Rays won't have two pitchers or position players suspended at the same time.
Analysis: Iwamura should be fine for Fantasy Week 11 (June 9-15), but he is more of an AL-only option at this point. He lacks true pop and steals potential.
News: Tampa Bay second baseman Akinori Iwamura led off Tuesday's game against the Red Sox with his third homer of the season. Iwamura went 1-for-3 with two walks in the leadoff spot for the first-place Rays.
Analysis: Iwamura is on a mini tear in his last seven games. The Rays 2B raised his average to .272 after his work against Boston and has 10 hits in his last 29 at-bats. As the weather gets hotter - yes, Tampa does play in a dome - so has Iwamura. Still, Iwamura remains more of an AL-only middle infielder in mixed Fantasy leagues.
News: Rays INF Akinori Iwamura singled twice and scored once in four at-bats Monday against the Rangers. He also walked twice. Iwamura had a total of three hits and three walks in his previous five games.
Analysis: Iwamura went into a little hitting funk after ripping the ball through the first 20 days of May. Iwamura has raised his average more than 50 points in May, but still remains more of an AL-only and middle infielder in mixed Fantasy leagues.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Akinori Iwamura, one of the Rays' top hitters, got his oft-delayed day off Tuesday at Oakland, out of the lineup for the first time since April 15.
Analysis: Manager Joe Maddon chose Tuesday because A's starter Greg Smith is tougher on lefties than is Wednesday's starter, Dana Eveland, and because with the Rays off Thursday, he didn't want Iwamura sitting for two days. He is really playing well at the leadoff spot and when he's hot, the team follows. Start him in all mixed leagues as a middle infielder for now.
News: At St. Louis Friday, Akinori Iwamura had three hits and an RBI for the AL East leaders, who are eight games above .500 for the first time in franchise history. Iwamura added an RBI single for a 3-0 lead in the fourth.
Analysis: Iwamura is on a 9-for-21 tear for the Rays (25-17), who have won eight of nine with three shutouts while outscoring the opposition 38-15. He is really playing well at the leadoff spot and when he's hot, the team follows. Start him in all mixed leagues as a middle infielder for now.
News:Akinori Iwamura and Shawn Riggans homered off Ian Kennedy for the AL East-leading Rays during a 5-2 win Thursday against the Yankees. Kennedy had given up just two homers in 42 2/3 major-league innings before Iwamura hit his fourth pitch of the game into the right field seats. Riggans hit his third of the season, one pitch after Eric Hinske doubled to right.
Analysis: Iwamura also had his fifth double in the game, walked once and scored twice. He has five multi-hit games in his last six outings. He is 12-for-25 (.480) with two RBI in that span. Iwamura is not a guy that is going to hit for a lot of power and drive in a lot of runs, but he could produce a decent average and score some runs. He remains more of a mixed league Fantasy middle infielder and AL-only option.
News: Rays INF Akinori Iwamura went 2-for-5 Tuesday against New York, extending his hitting streak to 11 games. He is batting 20-for-51 (.392) over that span.
Analysis: Iwamura started May with a .202 average, but since his 11-game tear, his average is back up to .262. He hasn't really made the type of offensive impact the Rays or Fantasy owners would have liked since he began his MLB career in 2007, but he is doing well at the plate right now. Iwamura remains more of an AL-only Fantasy option at this time.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura extended his hitting streak to 10 games Monday against the Yankees. He went 2-for-5 with an RBI and two strikeouts. He is batting .391 (18-for-46) over that stretch.
Analysis: Iwamura started May with a .202 average, but since his 10-game tear, his average is back up to .258. He hasn't really made the type of offensive impact the Rays or Fantasy owners would have liked since he began his MLB career in 2007, but he is doing well at the plate right now. Iwamura remains more of an AL-only Fantasy option at this time.
News: Rays INF Akinori Iwamura had three hits, including his fourth double, and two runs in five at-bats Sunday against the Angels. He had his second consecutive three-hit game while extending his hitting streak to nine games (16-for-41). He has five multi-hit games, one homer and five RBI in that span.
Analysis: Iwamura started May with a .202 average, but since his nine-game tear, his average is back up to .253. He hasn't really made the type of offensive impact the Rays or Fantasy owners would have liked since he began his MLB career in 2007, but he is doing well at the plate right now. Iwamura remains more of an AL-only Fantasy option at this time.
News: Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura stayed hot Tuesday against the Blue Jays with a RBI single and RBI double in five at-bats. Iwamura extended his RBI and hit streak to four games. He is hitting .389 (7-for-18) with one homer and five RBI in that span.
Analysis: Iwamura has hit safely in 13 of the last 17 games, but is still hitting just .228 on the season. He hasn't really made the type of offensive impact the Rays or Fantasy owners would have liked since he began his MLB career in 2007. Iwamura remains more of an AL-only Fantasy option at this time.
News:Gabe Gross hit a two-run homer and Akinori Iwamura connected Saturday for the Rays, who lost for just the third time in 11 games.
Analysis: Iwamura is a decent option in deeper leagues because of his position(s), while Gross is nothing more than a reserve for the Rays and the deepest of AL-only formats.
News: Baltimore led 7-0 before the Rays scored four runs in the seventh Tuesday. A two-out RBI double by Akinori Iwamura chased Garrett Olson, and Carl Crawford followed with a run-scoring single off Randor Bierd before B.J. Upton hit his third home run.
Analysis: Upton and Crawford are must-starts in all Fantasy leagues despite their below-average (by their elite standards) starts. Iwamura is off to a terrible start, but he could be ready for some payback. That might make him a nice stopgap in deeper formats in the coming week(s).
News: Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura hit a two-out, two-run homer, his first since Sept. 3 of last year, as Tampa Bay defeated the Red Sox 2-1. Iwamura's blast came in the eighth inning off Clay Buchholz.
Analysis: Iwamora is only hitting .221 this season with five RBI, and obviously he hasn't shown much power yet for the Rays. He also doesn't have much speed (one steal) or get on base much (.292 OBP), so it's tough to recommend him for anything outside of AL-only formats at this point.
News:Akinori Iwamura continues to bat leadoff for the Rays, despite the fact he is hitting .216 with 10 runs scored so far
Analysis: In Iwamura's past six games, he's batting just .148 with one RBI and two runs scored. He doesn't offer much speed (one steal), he doesn't get on base much (.297 OBP) and he has little power. It's tough to recommend him for anything outside of AL-only formats at this point.
News:Akinori Iwamura, playing his first game at second base, went 0-for-5 with a strikeout, a run scored -- and a stolen base, after he got on base from a fielder's choice -- at Baltimore Monday.
Analysis: Iwamura was the only Rays batter to not get a hit in the opener. Iwamura is still nothing more than an AL-only option, but his lack of power makes him a much more palatable Fantasy second baseman than third baseman.
News:Carlos Pena hit one of Tampa Bay's three home runs and the Rays beat Cleveland 9-7 in 10 innings Thursday in the Indians' final spring game in Florida. The other homers went to Akinori Iwamura and Carl Crawford.
Analysis: Iwamura finished the game with two hits and is now hitting .356 this spring. He also has 12 runs, two doubles, two triples, two homers and five RBI in 17 spring games. Iwamura could make a huge difference if he becomes more comfortable at the plate in his second season in the majors. Though he showed a quick bat at times last year, Iwamura hit only seven home runs and had just 38 extra-base hits. He will open the season at second base after playing third last season. Wherever he plays in 2008, Iwamura will be nothing more than an AL-only option, but his lack of power makes him a much more palatable Fantasy second baseman than third baseman.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura, who had sat out a few games with a stiff back, went 1-for-3 with a double in his return to the lineup Sunday at the Reds. He's batting .286.
Analysis: Iwamura could make a huge difference if he becomes more comfortable at the plate in his second season in the majors. Though he showed a quick bat at times last year, Iwamura hit only seven home runs and had just 38 extra-base hits. He will open the season at second base after playing third last season. Wherever he plays in 2008, Iwamura will be nothing more than an AL-only option, but his lack of power makes him a much more palatable Fantasy second baseman than third baseman.
News: Tampa Bay INF Akinori Iwamura didn't play Friday against the Yankees due to back stiffness. He might be able to play Sunday. "I just want it to calm down," manager Joe Maddon said.
Analysis: Iwamura could make a huge difference if he becomes more comfortable at the plate in his second season in the majors. Though he showed a quick bat at time, Iwamura hit only seven home runs and had just 38 extra-base hits in his first season since coming over from Japan. He will open the season at second base after playing third last season. Wherever he plays in 2008, Iwamura will be nothing more than an AL-only option, but his lack of power makes him a much more palatable Fantasy second baseman, than third baseman.
News: The Tampa Tribune reports that Akinori Iwamura left Thursday's game against Cleveland with back stiffness. The team is not too worried about it and said they took him out as a precaution. "As of right now I’m planning on using him tomorrow night unless I find out otherwise," manager Joe Maddon said.
Analysis: Iwamura could make a huge difference if he becomes more comfortable at the plate in his second season in the majors. Though he showed a quick bat at time, Iwamura hit only seven home runs and had just 38 extra-base hits in his first season since coming over from Japan. He might open the season at second base after playing third last season. Wherever he plays in 2008, Iwamura will be nothing more than an AL-only option, but his lack of power makes him a much more palatable Fantasy second baseman, than third baseman.
News: The Tampa Tribune reports that Akinori Iwamura left Thursday's game against Cleveland with back stiffness. The team said it was just a precaution.
Analysis: Iwamura could make a huge difference if he becomes more comfortable at the plate in his second season in the majors. Though he showed a quick bat at time, Iwamura hit only seven home runs and had just 38 extra-base hits in his first season since coming over from Japan. He might open the season at second base after playing third last season. Wherever he plays in 2008, Iwamura will be nothing more than an AL-only option, but his lack of power makes him a much more palatable Fantasy second baseman, than third baseman.
News: Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura led off Thursday's spring game against the Phillies with a home run off Adam Eaton. He finished the game 1-for-3 with two RBI. He is now hitting .333 (3-for-9) with one triple, one homer and two RBI in four spring games.
Analysis: Iwamura could make a huge difference if he becomes more comfortable at the plate in his second season in the majors. Though he showed a quick bat at time, Iwamura hit only seven home runs and had just 38 extra-base hits in his first season since coming over from Japan. He might open the season at second base after playing third last season. Wherever he plays in 2008, Iwamura will be nothing more than an AL-only option, but his lack of power makes him a much more palatable Fantasy second baseman, than third baseman.
News: The Sports Xchange notes: Akinori Iwamura said he considers the move from third base, where he starred defensively last year in his first major league season, to second a challenge and expects to eventually make a smooth transition. He worked out at second during the offseason in Japan, and thus far his biggest challenges have been the obvious ones, such as learning to turn the double play and getting comfortable on the other side of the field. The arrival of Evan Longoria has necessitated this move.
Analysis: Iwamura could make a huge difference if he becomes more comfortable at the plate in his second season in the majors. Though he showed a quick bat at time, Iwamura hit only seven home runs and had just 38 extra-base hits in his first season since coming over from Japan. Wherever he plays in 2008, Iwamura will be nothing more than an AL-only option, but his lack of power makes him a much more palatable Fantasy second baseman, than third baseman.
News: 3B Akinori Iwamura made his major league debut at second base against Toronto on Sunday. "He looked like he's done it before," manager Joe Maddon said. "That was nice to see."
Analysis: Iwamura started the season off strong before an oblique injury forced him to miss a month. He doesn't have great power and is not much of a run producer, but can hit for a decent average. Iwamura could move to second base permanently once prospect Evan Longoria is ready for the major leagues. Wherever he plays in 2008, Iwamura will be nothing more than an AL-only option.
News: Devil Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura had two hits, including his 21st double, with two RBI and one walk during Saturday's game against the Blue Jays. He extended his hitting streak to seven games. He is 9-for-26 (.346) with three RBI in that span.
Analysis: Iwamura started the season off strong before an oblique injury forced him to miss a month. He doesn't have great power and is not much of a run producer, but can hit for a decent average. Iwamura will make his major league debut at second base Sunday. Iwamura could move there permanently once prospect Evan Longoria is ready for the major leagues. Wherever he plays in 2008, Iwamura will be nothing more than a low-end Fantasy flier.
News: Dioner Navarro finished with a career-best four hits in Tuesday's game at Boston, while Carlos Pena, Akinori Iwamura and Josh Wilson had three hits apiece.
Analysis: Iwamura finished 3-for-6 with a pair of doubles (18), a run scored and three RBI (30). He'll look to keep the hot hitting going in Wednesday's game against probable starter Jon Lester.
News: Before Wednesday's game, 3B Akinori Iwamura said his confiscated bat had not arrived from New York. Iwamura's unusual model was taken away by umpires Saturday after Yankees manager Joe Torre asked them if it was legal. MLB officials examined the bat and announced Tuesday it was in full compliance with the rules.
Analysis: Iwamura had gotten hot in the homer department of late. Consider him a sleeper for deeper leagues while he is going well. He was a 30-homer threat in Japan but hadn't shown that much pop in MLB until very recently.
News: The bats were clean. Bats seized from the Yankees' Alex Rodriguez and Tampa Bay's Akinori Iwamura were examined by Major League Baseball on Tuesday, three days after opponents asked the umpires to check them out. "Both bats were in full compliance with Major League Baseball's bat regulations, and neither bat showed any signs of tampering and/or alteration," the commissioner's office said in a statement. "The bats will be returned to Iwamura and Rodriguez promptly." After Yankees manager Joe Torre asked umpires whether Iwamura's unusual model, featuring a flat end rather than a rounded one, was legal, Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon asked the umps to examine Rodriguez's bat an inning later.
Analysis: Iwamura had gotten hot in the homer department of late. Consider him a sleeper for deeper leagues while he is going well. He was a 30-homer threat in Japan but hadn't shown that much pop in MLB until very recently.
News:The Sports Xchange notes: 3B Akinori Iwamura hasn't yet gotten back the unusual flat-top bat that was confiscated in New York over the weekend, but that was no problem Monday as he homered for the fourth time in his last 11 games.
Analysis: Iwamura had gone 51 games and 213 at-bats without a homer before that. He's a slap-style hitter who can hit for average, but won't help much in the power categories.
News: Akinori Iwamura hit a two-run homer Sunday at New York, one day after his bat was confiscated after Yankee manager Joe Torre had an issue with its shape.
Analysis: Iwamura has just six homers on the season, so the bat hasn't been a big source of power for him. He's a slap-style hitter who can hit for average, but won't help much in the power categories.
News: With runners at first and second and the count 2-2, Yankees manager Joe Torre came out of the dugout against Tampa Bay Saturday for a discussion with plate umpire Kerwin Danley that lasted a couple of minutes. The issue apparently was Akinori Iwamura's odd bat, which features a flat end rather than a rounded one. The Yankees wanted it inspected to make sure it met major league specifications, according to Tampa Bay spokesman Chris Costello.
Analysis: Iwamura has been using the same model all season. It was checked by umpires and deemed acceptable during a game at Arizona in June. First-base umpire Doug Eddings confiscated Iwamura's red bat, which was taken into the umpires' room down the hall from New York's clubhouse. Iwamura went back up to the plate with a shiny new bat -- same model -- and struck out swinging on the next pitch. The rookie from Japan was allowed to use that model for the rest of the game, according to Costello. Iwamura led off and he went 0-for-4 with a walk and a run scored in the game. He's batting .281 on the season. Start him in larger mixed Rotisserie leagues and AL-only leagues.
News: 3B Akinori Iwamura will receive Sunday off, manager Joe Maddon said Saturday. INF Joel Guzman will make his first start at third base since being called up Aug. 19.
Analysis: Iwamura will be right back in the lineup Monday. He remains a solid play in AL-only Fantasy leagues, but his value is limited in mixed leagues.
News: Akinori Iwamura and Carlos Pena each hit home runs in Tuesday's game against the Red Sox, providing all five Tampa Bay RBI in the loss. Iwamura also had two walks and Pena chipped in with another.
Analysis: The Devil Rays need way more than two batters to show up if they are going to turn things around. Iwamura remains a solid play in AL-only Fantasy leagues, while Pena with his 28 home runs is a must-start in all AL-only formats and most deeper leagues.
News: 3B Akinori Iwamura -- hitting .209 through the first six games of the road trip -- got Sunday off against Texas.
Analysis: Iwamura, who is leading off these days for manager Joe Maddon, has proven to be more contact hitter than a power threat, but at least he's not a bust in the mold Kaz Matsui. Consider Iwamura an AL-only option because of his lack of true pop at a corner infield position.
News: Tampa Bay 3B Akinori Iwamura extended his career high hitting streak to 12 games on Monday at Detroit. He was 1-for-5 with a run scored and a strikeout in the loss.
Analysis: Iwamura, who is leading off these days for manager Joe Maddon, is 19-for-50 (.380) during the impressive run. This is his longest streak since coming over from Japan. Iwamura has proven to be more contact hitter than a power threat, but at least he's not a Kaz Matsui complete bust. Consider Iwamura an AL-only option because of his lack of true pop at a corner infield position.
News: 3B Akinori Iwamura extended his hitting streak Sunday against Baltimore to 11 games, his longest since he came to the majors from Japan.
Analysis: Iwamura also tied a team record by striking out four times. Ouch. Consider Iwamura an AL-only option because of his lack of true pop at a corner infield position.
News: Devil Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura extended his hitting streak to a career-high 10 games Saturday.
Analysis: Iwamura has proven to be more contact hitter than a power threat, but at least he's not a Kaz Matsui complete bust. Consider Iwamura an AL-only option because of his lack of true pop at a corner infield position.
News: Devil Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura picked up two hits, including his fifth triple, Wednesday against the Blue Jays and extended his hitting streak to eight games. Iwamura has six multi-hit games during his hitting streak. He is 14-for-31 (.452) with two RBI in that span.
Analysis: Fantasy owners and Devil Rays fans would like to see the team move Iwamura to second base and free up third base for super prospect Evan Longoria. That hasn't happened yet and Iwamura remains at the hot corner. Iwamura doesn't produce much in the way of power or RBI, but hits for a decent average and can steal a few bases. Use him as a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Akinori Iwamura snapped an 0-for-15 skid with a first-inning single Saturday vs. the N.Y. Yankees.
Analysis: Iwamura remains a low-end Fantasy option in mixed leagues, but can be useful in any format if he gets as hot as he was to start the season.
News: Devil Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura went 2-for-5 with one run and his fourth triple during Saturday's game against the Royals. He has hit safely in all seven July games. He is 11-for-32 (.344) with zero homers and zero RBI in that span.
Analysis: Iwamura is your typically leadoff hitter. The power and run production might not be there, but he is being paid to get on base. That is exactly what he is doing. He remains a low-end Fantasy option in mixed leagues.
News: 3B Akinori Iwamura had previous experience against Boston sensation Daisuke Matsuzaka, but it didn't help, as he struck out three times in Tuesday's loss.
Analysis: Iwamura said Matuszaka surprised him by throwing more breaking balls than he did in Japan. Iwamura has battled some injuries in his first season with the Devil Rays, but has been productive when healthy. He remains a solid play in all AL-only Fantasy leagues and some mixed formats when active.
News: 3B Akinori Iwamura is preparing to face Japanese countryman Daisuke Matsuzaka of the Red Sox for the first time in the major leagues. Despite playing in different leagues in Japan -- Iwamura played for the Yakult Swallows of the Central League and Matsuzaka for the Seibu Lions of the Pacific League -- they've faced each other in three games -- two interleague games and an All-Star game. Iwamura is 2-for-8 against Matsuzaka with one homer and four strikeouts.
Analysis: Iwamura has battled some injuries in his first season with the Devil Rays, but has been productive when healthy. He remains a solid play in all AL-only Fantasy leagues and some mixed formats when active.
News: Devil Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura's wife, Misaki, is expecting a child, with the due date on July 4 when the Devil Rays are playing in Boston. Iwamura will return to Tampa for the baby's birth. "Whenever he has to go, he'll go," manager Joe Maddon said.
Analysis: Iwamura might potentially miss a few games during Fantasy Week 14 (July 2-8), so if that worries you, then consider using another option at third base. Iwamura has battled some injuries in his first season with the Devil Rays, but has been productive when healthy. He remains a solid play in all AL-only Fantasy leagues and some mixed formats when active.
News: Devil Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura hit his second leadoff homer in the past four games during Saturday's contest against the Dodgers. He finished the game 2-for-4 with two runs and one double. He is 8-for-26 (.308) with two homers and five RBI in his last six games.
Analysis: Iwamura has battled some injuries in his first season with the Devil Rays, but has been productive when healthy. He remains a solid play in all AL-only Fantasy leagues and some mixed formats.
News: Devil Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura went 2-for-4 with his seventh double, third triple, one walk and one RBI during Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks. He is 8-for-26 (.308) with one homer and four RBI in his last six games.
Analysis: Iwamura has battled some injuries in his first season with the Devil Rays, but has been productive when healthy. He remains a solid play in all AL-only Fantasy leagues and some mixed formats.
News: Akinori Iwamura led off Tuesday's game at Arizona with a homer and finished a triple shy of the cycle for Tampa Bay. He singled in the second and doubled in the fourth to help the Devil Rays build a 7-1 lead.
Analysis: Iwamura has battled some injuries in his first season with the Devil Rays, but has been productive when healthy. He remains a solid play in all AL-only Fantasy leagues and some mixed formats.
News: Devil Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura went 2-for-5 with two runs, two doubles and one RBI during Sunday's game against the Marlins. Since returning to the lineup from an eye injury on Friday, Iwamura is 3-for-15 (.200) with one RBI.
Analysis: Iwamura has battled some injuries in his first season with the Devil Rays, but has been productive when healthy. It appears safe to put him back into active Fantasy lineups.
News: Devil Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura (eye injury) returned to the lineup Friday against the Marlins after missing five games. He was in the leadoff spot for the second time this season, after going 2-for-4 there against Kansas City on June 2 -- the game where he suffered the bruised left eye.
Analysis: Iwamura has battled some injuries in his first season with the Devil Rays, but has been productive when healthy. It appears safe to put him back into active Fantasy lineups.
News: Akinori Iwamura will be back in the lineup Friday after missing the past five games with an eye injury, and manager Joe Maddon plans to keep him in the leadoff spot. Iwamura hit leadoff Saturday, going 2-for-4 and lifting his season average to .370 before being forced from the game when a he was hit in the left eye with a foul popup.
Analysis: Maddon had kept Iwamura in the sixth and seventh spots in the order to take pressure of Iwamura in the opening months of his first season of American baseball. But even then it was clear that the team had top-of-the-order aspirations for Iwamura, especially given his ability to score runs and draw walks. He's a solid option for most leagues, when healthy, and should be ready to activate for Fantasy Week 10 (June 11-17).
News: Devil Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura sat out for the second consecutive day with a bruised left eye. He will not travel with the team for a three-game series that begins Tuesday in Toronto.
Analysis: Iwamura is hitting .370 with one homer and six RBI. The former Japanese Central League star was 8-for-17 in five games since returning from a right oblique strain that sidelined him for a month. He's a solid option for most leagues, when healthy, but keep him reserved for Fantasy Week 10 (June 4-10).
News: Devil Rays third baseman Akinori Iwamura is expected to miss four to five games with a left eye injury. Iwamura chased after a ball Saturday night in the bullpen down the third-base line in the eighth inning that bounced and hit him in the eye. He was checked by a team trainer and stayed in the game for the rest of the inning, but then left the game after the inning. Iwamura, through an interpreter, said it feels like he "got punched by a heavyweight." "It's better than when it happened," Iwamura said before Sunday's game against Kansas City.
Analysis: Iwamura has a small cut above the eye, but no fractures. He was examined by an eye doctor late Saturday, who recommended Iwamura sit out for a few days. "It's kind of a bruise on his eye," Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. "I don't think it's going to exceed five days. I don't know if it could be less, but it shouldn't be much more than that. He got hit in a bad spot." Iwamura is hitting .370 with one homer and six RBI. The former Japanese Central League star was 8-for-17 in five games since returning from a right oblique strain that sidelined him for a month. He's a solid option for most leagues, when healthy, but keep him reserved for Fantasy Week 10 (June 4-10).
News: Akinori Iwamura batted leadoff for the first time this season Saturday. Manager Joe Maddon said it is possible the former Japanese Central League star might will hit there full-time.
Analysis: Iwamura is an AL Rookie of the Year candidate. He has come off the DL just as hot as when he went on it. Get him active in any Fantasy league until he cools off. The move to the leadoff spot will only help because he will get more at-bats over the long haul.
News: 3B Akinori Iwamura went 3-for-4 in this third game back from the DL Wednesday vs. Detroit and is hitting .523 (11-for-21) against left-handed pitchers.
Analysis: Get Iwamura active immediately in all AL-only Fantasy leagues which allow daily transactions. He appears to be back to full strength.
News: Akinori Iwamura (oblique) was in the starting lineup in Monday's game against the Tigers. He was 2-for-3 with a triple (2) and two runs scored in his return.
Analysis: Get Iwamura active immediately in all AL-only Fantasy leagues which allow daily transactions.
News: The Tampa Bay Devil Rays activated Akinori Iwamura (oblique) from the 15-day disabled list on Monday and they optioned Jonny Gomes to Triple-A Durham. With Iwamura back as the starting third baseman, Ty Wigginton is likely headed back to regular duty as the designated hitter and second baseman when B.J. Upton gets time in center field.
Analysis: The big loser here is Jorge Cantu, although he keeps a roster spot, who will likely only see regular at-bats against left-handed pitchers playing at first base, splitting time with Carlos Peña. Get Iwamura active immediately in all AL-only Fantasy leagues.
News: 3B Akinori Iwamura will be activated Monday and start at third base, his first action since straining his right oblique in the April 23 game.
Analysis: With Iwamura back, either INF Jorge Cantu or OF Jonny Gomes will be sent to Class AAA, and neither will be happy about it. Iwamura will go back to third base, with Ty Wigginton splitting most of his time between first and DH. Keep Iwamura reserved in mixed leagues one more week, ensuring that he can play without problems.
News: Tampa Bay Devil Rays third baseman Akinori Iwamura appears set to rejoin the team Monday after being sidelined by a right oblique strain one month ago. The former Japanese League star went 1-for-5 with a walk in his fifth extended spring training game Saturday. "I'm ready," Iwamura said in English after the game at Tropicana Field. "No problems."
Analysis: Iwamura was placed on the 15-day disabled list April 24. The Devil Rays' biggest offseason acquisition was injured swinging the bat on a fifth-inning double one day earlier. Keep him reserved in most Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health in consecutive games without any lingering effects of the injury. Watch his progress upon his return, though. He could return to mixed league status shortly.
News: Devil Rays manager Joe Maddon remains hopeful that 3B Akinori Iwamura (right oblique strain) will be able to rejoin the team Monday against the Tigers. Iwamura went 3-for-3 with two doubles as the DH in his third extended spring training game Thursday.
Analysis: A final decision on Iwamura is not expected until this weekend. A six-time Gold Glove third baseman in Japan, Iwamura agreed to a $7.7 million, three-year contract in December. Iwamura was hitting .339 with one homer, five RBI and 15 runs scored in 18 games before getting injured. Iwamura's return could happen as soon as Fantasy Week 9 (May 28-June 3), but keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health in consecutive games without any lingering effects of the injury. Watch his progress upon his return. He could return to mixed league status.
News: Devil Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura could return from a right oblique strain on Monday. The former Japanese League star was placed on the 15-day disabled list April 24. The Devil Rays' biggest offseason acquisition was injured swinging the bat on a fifth-inning double one day earlier. He played in his second extended spring training game Wednesday after partaking in one on Tuesday. "He's doing very well," manager Joe Maddon said. "He hasn't felt any pulling sensation in his side."
Analysis: A final decision on Iwamura is not expected until this weekend. A six-time Gold Glove third baseman in Japan, Iwamura agreed to a $7.7 million, three-year contract in December. The Devil Rays paid a posting fee of $4.55 million, hiking their investment in the former Yakult Swallows star to $12.25 million. Iwamura was hitting .339 with one homer, five RBI and 15 runs scored in 18 games. Iwamura's return could happen as soon as Fantasy Week 9 (May 28-June 3), but keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health in consecutive games without any lingering effects of the injury. Watch his progress upon his return. He could return to mixed league status.
News: Devil Rays third-base coach Tom Foley met with injured 3B Akinori Iwamura (oblique) on Monday and brought back good news to manager Joe Maddon, according to MLB.com. "Aki's doing well," Maddon said. "We've decided that he does not have to get 10 hits to return. We're just requiring some form of general feeling of good health or well-being, and then we'll bring him back." Iwamura played three innings during extended spring training on Tuesday, and is scheduled to play five more innings Wednesday. "We're going to get him in a game, and (a return) might happen sooner than we thought," Maddon said.
Analysis: Iwamura's return could happen as soon as Fantasy Week 9 (May 28-June 3), but keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health in consecutive games without any lingering effects of the injury. Iwamura started his career in the majors on the right foot before going down with injury. Watch his progress upon his return. He could return to mixed league status.
News: 3B Akinori Iwamura (strained right oblique) went 0-for-2 and played three innings in the field during his first extended spring training game on Tuesday. He could play five innings Wednesday. "Right now, there have been no setbacks," manager Joe Maddon said. Iwamura might soon start a minor league rehab assignment.
Analysis: Iwamura might be able to return as soon as Fantasy Week 9 (May 28-June 3), but keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health in consecutive games without any lingering effects of the injury.
News: Akinori Iwamura (right oblique strain) continues to take batting practice at the Devil Rays' minor league complex. Manager Joe Maddon said a decision on when Iwamura will start playing in minor league games - possibly first at extended spring training - could be made by the middle of next week. "No setbacks," Maddon said. "It's all good right now."
Analysis: Iwamura continues to progress in his rehab and that is a good sign. Continue to keep Iwamura reserved in Fantasy leagues, but a return could happen in the coming weeks. He remains a decent option in AL-only leagues and might be worth using as a reserve in mixed leagues.
News: Devil Rays rookie 3B Akinori Iwamura, on the DL since April 24 because of a right oblique strain, took 10 batting practice swings at the team's minor league complex in St. Petersburg on Tuesday. Manager Joe Maddon said the former Japanese League star also has been running, fielding and throwing and "looks good." Barring a setback in the next week, Iwamura might be ready to add game situation-type drills to his workouts.
Analysis: Iwamura continues to progress in his rehab and that is a good sign. Continue to keep Iwamura reserved in Fantasy leagues, but a return could happen in the coming weeks. He remains a decent option in AL-only leagues and might be worth using as a reserve in mixed leagues.
News: 3B Akinori Iwamura hit off a batting tee for the first time Thursday, another step in returning from a right oblique strain. He is ahead of schedule and could begin participate in extended spring training games next Wednesday.
Analysis: Keep Iwamura reserved, but this is good news that he's ahead of schedule. He started off strong, but keep an eye on his progress once he returns. He remains a decent option in AL-only leagues and might be worth using as a reserve in mixed leagues.
News: Devil Rays manager Joe Maddon said that injured 3B Akinori Iwamura, who went on the disabled list April 24 and was slated to be out four to six weeks with a strained right oblique, is ahead of schedule and could begin participate in extended spring training games next Wednesday.
Analysis: Keep Iwamura reserved, but this is good news that he's ahead of schedule. He started off strong, but keep an eye on his progress once he returns. He remains a decent option in AL-only leagues and might be worth using as a reserve in mixed leagues.
News: Tampa Bay's Akinori Iwamura was placed on the 15-day DL with a right oblique strain that will sideline the former Japanese League star four to six weeks. "Of course I'm disappointed since I got off to a good start," Iwamura, who's hitting .339 with one homer and five RBI in 18 games, said through an interpreter. "Being on the DL for the first time makes me a little nervous. Not only for myself, but the team. I'll do my best to recover and play as soon as possible." To take Iwamura's spot on the roster, the Devil Rays recalled infielder Jorge Cantu from Triple-A Durham. Cantu was hitting .267 with eight RBI at Durham, primarily playing first base after being Tampa Bay's regular second baseman the past two seasons. Ty Wigginton will move from first to third base. Carlos Pena likely will share playing time with Cantu at first base.
Analysis: Iwamura is a candidate to cut in leagues where you cannot afford to stash him. Wigginton's value won't change as versatile bat in deeper leagues, while Cantu and Pena are more intriguing in deeper AL-only formats now.
News: The Rays placed third baseman Akinori Iwamura on the 15-day DL with a right oblique strain. To replace him on the roster, infielder Jorge Cantu was recalled from Triple-A Durham. Iwamura, 28, was currently ninth in the AL in hitting at .339 (19-for-56). He leads the Rays in on-base percentage at .479 (5th in AL), runs scored with 15 (T-6th) and walks with 15 (4th). He has hit safely in 14 of 17 starts and has scored the tying or winning run in six of Tampa Bay's eight victories. Cantu, 25, was batting .267 (20-for-75) at Durham with five doubles, a triple and eight RBI in 19 games.
Analysis: Reserve Iwamura in all leagues for Fantasy Week 5 (April 30-May 6) at least. An oblique strain is usually a three-week injury. Cantu is a potential pick-up in all AL-only leagues. There is still pop in his bat, despite some a so-so start in Triple-A.
News: 3B Akinori Iwamura said he is looking forward to Monday's matchup with Yankees Japanese LHP Kei Igawa, which will be shown live on TV and broadcast live on radio in Japan. "Of course there is some excitement," he said through an interpreter. "But I'll try not to be too excited and play the game as usual."
Analysis: Iwamura is hitting only .176 (3-for-17) over his past six games after starting the season on fire. He remains a must-start in all AL-only Fantasy leagues and he is worth a look in most mixed formats as well, but expect some inconsistency from the rookie 3B.
News: Struggling SS Ben Zobrist was dropped from second to eighth in the lineup Saturday against the Indians. Although DH Elijah Dukes hit second Saturday, one long-term option for the slot is Japanese rookie 3B Akinori Iwamura, who was batting .340 through 15 games. Manager Joe Maddon said a concern about moving Iwamura up to second from sixth is that he would "hate to mess with him because he's been doing so well."
Analysis: Iwamura has cooled off a bit after being one of the hottest hitters through the first two weeks of the season. He remains a must-start in all AL-only Fantasy leagues and he is worth a look in most mixed formats as well, but expect some inconsistency from the rookie 3B.
News: Devil Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura (flu) returned to the team's lineup Friday against the Indians. He went 1-for-4 with a strikeout and saw his average drop to .340. Iwamura has just three hits in his last 17 at-bats.
Analysis: Iwamura has cooled off a bit after being one of the hottest hitters through the first two weeks of the season. He remains a must-start in all AL-only Fantasy leagues and he is worth a look in most mixed formats as well, but expect some inconsistency from the rookie 3B.
News: Akinori Iwamura was scratched from Wednesday's lineup against the Orioles due to flu-like symptoms. The hot-hitting Brendan Harris is getting a start in his absence at third base.
Analysis: Iwamura is considered day to day. He'll use Wednesday and the scheduled day off on Thursday to get himself well again. Expect him to be back in the lineup on Friday against Paul Byrd and the Indians.
News: 3B Akinori Iwamura was out of the lineup for the first time this season on Monday against Baltimore. Manager Joe Maddon said he plans to have Iwamura, who opened his major league career with a nine-game hitting streak, play in 140-to-145 games this year. "He grinds it out everyday," Maddon said.
Analysis: Iwamura came on and made a pinch-hitting appearance in the ninth inning for Brendan Harris and he struck out. He remains a must-start in all AL-only Fantasy leagues and he is worth a look in most mixed formats as well.
News: The Devil Rays had high hopes for 3B Akinori Iwamura heading into the season, but that he entered Thursday's game against Minnesota with a league-leading .444 average surprised even manager Joe Maddon. "I felt he would play well, I just didn't know he'd get off to this kind of start," Maddon said. "He's a great teammate. The guys love him already."
Analysis: Iwamura went 1-for-3, with his sixth walk in as many games. He also has three steals in that span. It's time to start him in mixed leagues as a corner infielder/designated hitter.
News: Of all the very impressive things Japanese import Akinori Iwamura showed in his first eight games -- great glove, power, ability to hit line drives -- one statistic stood out. In his first 24 at-bats, he had seven walks and four strikeouts.
Analysis: No one expects Iwamura to continue hitting .444, but his ability to make contact makes him a great candidate to hit .300 with at least 20 home runs. It's time to start considering him in larger mixed leagues.
News: Tampa Bay rookies Delmon Young and Akinori Iwamura have hit in all six games, and helped lead 2-0 in the opener of a seven-game trip to Texas and Minnesota -- places where the Devil Rays didn't win any games last season. Iwamura went 1-for-3 with two RBI, a walk and a stolen base Monday. Young went 1-for-4 with a run scored.
Analysis: Iwamura is now hitting .500 through the team's first week. Iwamura had such an awful spring at the plate, many began to wonder if he could hack it in the big leagues. He has looked good at the plate so far. Continue to use him in larger AL-only leagues.
News: After struggling in spring training, Akinori Iwamura is showing why he was Tampa Bay's top offseason acquisition. The five-time Japanese League All-Star hit his first major league homer and sprinted home from third base with two outs in the ninth inning to help the Devil Rays beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-5 Friday in Tampa Bay's home opener. Delmon Young erased a 5-3 deficit with a two-run homer off B.J. Ryan (0-1) in the ninth, then Iwamura laid down a bunt single to finish 4-for-4 and set the stage for an exciting finish. Iwamura raced to third on Elijah Dukes' two-out single and Upton followed with a high chopper to drive in the winning run.
Analysis: Iwamura is now hitting .636 through the team's first three games. Iwamura had such an awful spring at the plate, many began to wonder if he could hack it in the big leagues. He has looked good at the plate so far in three games, but let's not crown him the MVP just yet. Continue to use him in larger AL-only leagues.
News: Japanese 3B Akinori Iwamura continues to adjust to the major league game. Teams have been pitching him outside and he is starting to drive those balls up the middle and to the opposite field. He said his goal is to hit the ball at the pitcher's foot. Thursday, he had a huge hit for the Rays by doubling to left-center to spark the rally the led to the winning run.
Analysis: Iwamura had such an awful spring at the plate, many began to wonder if he could hack it in the big leagues. He has looked good at the plate so far in two games, but let's not crown him the MVP just yet. Continue to use him in larger AL-only leagues.
News: Devil Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura went 2-for-4 with three runs and a walk during Thursday's game against the Yankees. Iwamura raised his batting average to .429 after going 1-for-3 on opening day. He is still looking for his first homer and RBI.
Analysis: Iwamura had such an awful spring at the plate, many began to wonder if he could hack it in the big leagues. He has looked good at the plate so far in two games, but let's not crown him the MVP just yet. Continue to use him in larger AL-only leagues.
News: Akinori Iwamura went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored at the Yankees on Opening Day Monday.
Analysis: Iwamura hit sixth in the lineup behind Delmon Young. Expect him to move up and down in this lineup as manager Joe Maddon tinkers with it. He's someone to consider in AL-only formats as a corner infielder.
News: Devil Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura singled twice and drove in a run during Friday's spring game against the Reds. He is now hitting .200 this spring.
Analysis: Iwamura hit .311 with 32 homers and 77 RBI in Japan last season. The D-Rays are hoping he can bring that kind of production with him to the majors. However, remember Japanese parks are smaller than most American parks, so don't expect similar power numbers in the states. At this point, we're suggesting looking at him as an AL-only corner infielder.
News: 3B Akinori Iwamura has gotten off to very slow start at the plate, and the Devil Rays aren't sure what to do about it. Especially since they invested more $12 million in Iwamura, and he is having trouble adjusting to the major league game and the spring training routine. Iwamura had one hit in his first 20 at-bats. "He is pulling off the ball a bit," manager Joe Maddon said. "We're trying to help him along with that, but having not seen him in the past, it's hard to say what it takes for him to get that foot down at the right moment. "I've been trying to stay in touch with him to figure out what it takes for him to get ready based on the cultural differences between our camp and the camp he's used to. A mechanical issue like (with his swing) is very fixable over time. Next year at this time we'll have a benchmark. Right now we have to rely on what he has to say, watch some video, come up with a couple little things. I still have full confidence he will be ready by the beginning of the season."
Analysis: Iwamura hit .311 with 32 homers and 77 RBI in Japan last season. The D-Rays are hoping he can bring that kind of production with him to the majors. However, remember Japanese parks are smaller than most American parks, so don't expect similar power numbers in the states. At this point, we're suggesting looking at him as an AL-only corner infielder.
News: Akinori Iwamura had an RBI double in the sixth inning against the Pirates in a spring training game Friday
Analysis: Iwamura went 1-for-3 and he is not batting a dismal .087 for the spring. Iwamura hit .311 with 32 homers and 77 RBI in Japan last season. The D-Rays are hoping he can bring that kind of production with him to the majors. However, remember Japanese parks are smaller than most American parks, so don't expect similar power numbers in the states. At this point, we're suggesting looking at him as an AL-only corner infielder.
News: The St. Petersburg Times reports Devil Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura left the team's spring training game early Monday. He was tired from playing five straight days. "I was exhausted a little bit and need to get used to it," Iwamura said through interpreter Masa Koyanagi. "I was a little tired."
Analysis: Iwamura hit .311 with 32 homers and 77 RBI in Japan last season. The D-Rays are hoping he can bring that kind of production with him to the majors. However, remember Japanese parks are smaller than most American parks, so don't expect similar power numbers in the states. At this point, we're suggesting looking at him as an AL-only corner infielder but that can change this spring.
News: Akinori Iwamura was relieved to get his first hit in spring training. Tampa Bay's new third baseman singled and drove in a run Saturday, but the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Devil Rays 6-4 in a split-squad game. "It feels like I passed a kidney stone," Iwamura said through a translator. "The Japanese media are always questioning me about not getting hits and I hope this one today will quiet them."
Analysis: Iwamura hit .311 with 32 homers and 77 RBI in Japan last season. The D-Rays are hoping he can bring that kind of production with him to the majors. However, remember Japanese parks are smaller than most American parks, so don't expect similar power numbers in the states. At this point, we're suggesting looking at him as an AL-only corner infielder but that can change this spring.
News: Devil Rays 3B Akinori Iwamura went 0-for-2, grounding out to the mound and flying to center field, in his first spring training game Friday, but said the experience was a positive one and the transition is going well. Manager Joe Maddon said he has no doubt Iwamura will succeed. "He's going to perform," Maddon said. "I love what he's doing. I think he'll be very good this year."
Analysis: Iwamura hit .311 with 32 homers and 77 RBI in Japan last season. The D-Rays are hoping he can bring that kind of production with him to the majors. However, remember Japanese parks are smaller than most American parks, so don't expect similar power numbers in the states. At this point, we're suggesting looking at him as an AL-only corner infielder but that can change this spring. Zobrist no whiz at the plate, so deeper AL leagues only on him. Upton is falling back down in Fantasy value because it's uncertain whether he has a starting job. Consider him more a late-round mixed-league flier.
News: Joe Maddon says Akinori Iwamura is his likely favorite to start at third this season, his natural position. B.J. Upton will be left to compete with defensive whiz Ben Zobrist at shortstop -- good luck -- or be relegated to a reserve role.
Analysis: Iwamura hit .311 with 32 homers and 77 RBI in Japan last season. The D-Rays are hoping he can bring that kind of production with him to the majors. However, remember Japanese parks are smaller than most American parks, so don't expect similar power numbers in the states. At this point, we're suggesting looking at him as an AL-only corner infielder but that can change this spring. Zobrist no whiz at the plate, so deeper AL leagues only on him. Upton is falling back down in Fantasy value because it's uncertain whether he has a starting job. Consider him more a late-round mixed-league flier.
News: According to the Tampa Tribune, newly-signed Devil Rays INF Akinori Iwamura should have quite a following this spring. The D-Rays were recently asked by a group of Japanese broadcasters if they could build a center field camera platform at the team's Grapefruit League home in St. Petersburg. Why you ask? The media's mission is to chronicle every move made by Iwamura this season. "It's an interesting story about Iwamura, about if a Japanese third baseman can succeed in Major League Baseball or not," said Gaku Tashiro, a New York-based baseball writer for the Sankei Sports newspaper. "Third base is a difficult position to play in Major League Baseball, because there are a lot of power hitters. The manager of the Devil Rays told us at the winter meetings he hadn't decided if Iwamura is a third baseman, a second baseman or an outfielder, so that's going to be a very interesting story in spring training."
Analysis: Iwamura hit .311 with 32 homers and 77 RBI in Japan last season. The D-Rays are hoping he can bring that kind of production with him to the majors. However, remember that Japanese parks are smaller than most American parks, so don't expect similar power numbers in the states. At this point, with uncertainty over where he's playing, we're suggesting looking at him as an AL-only corner infielder.
News: New Japanese INF Akinori Iwamura promises to bring a personality to the Devil Rays with his lively bat and smooth glove. Evidence is how he kicked off his preseason workouts in Japan, showing not only a preference for the No. 1 -- that he will wear -- but a borderline obsession: He hit the field on Jan. 11 at 11:11:11 and said: "I like No. 1 and wanted to start at all ones."
Analysis: As long as Iwamura, who hit .311 with 32 homers and 77 RBI in Japan last season, brings his bat with him, he can act as odd as he wants. However, remember that Japanese parks are smaller than most American parks, so don't expect similar power numbers in the states. At this point, with uncertainty over where he's playing, we're suggesting looking at him as an AL-only corner infielder.
News: Infielder Akinori Iwamura became the second Japanese star to land in the major leagues in as many days when he agreed Friday to a $7.7 million, three-year contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. "He's a player who can help us next year and for years down the line," Devil Rays vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. "His versatility is one of the things that really attracted us to him ... and we also feel he can be a spark plug ... whenever he's in the lineup."
Analysis: Friedman said it's premature to speculate on where Iwamura will play in the field or how his arrival will impact incumbent starters like third baseman B.J. Upton and second baseman Jorge Cantu. The power-hitting infielder batted .311 with 32 homers and 77 RBI with Yakult last season. He hit at least 30 homers each of the past three years, including a career-high 44 in 2004. Iwamura, who hit 188 homers in eight seasons with Yakult, also was the starting third baseman for Japan in the inaugural World Baseball Classic. He batted .389 in six games to help his team win the tournament. Remember that Japanese parks are smaller than most American parks, so don't expect similar power numbers in the states. At this point, with uncertainty over where he's playing, we're suggesting looking at him as an AL-only corner infielder.
News: The Devil Rays were closing in on an agreement with Japanese star infielder Akinori Iwamura and are likely to finalize a deal Friday in what would be Tampa Bay's first major move of the offseason. The team submitted a winning bid of $4.55 million for rights to negotiate with the six-time Gold Glove third baseman and have until midnight ET Friday to reach agreement on a contract to bring him to the major leagues. Iwamura's agent, Alan Nero, said the two sides were "very close." He already has taken a physical. If a contract is not finalized before the deadline, the Devil Rays don't have to pay the posting fee, and the 27-year-old Iwamura will remain with his Japanese League team, the Yakult Swallows.
Analysis: A five-time All-Star who hit .311 with 32 homers and 77 RBI last season, Iwamura also was the starting third baseman for Japan in the inaugural World Baseball Classic. In addition to his offensive statistics, the Devil Rays were drawn to his versatility in the field. He has the capability to help the team at a number of positions, including the outfield and first, second and third base. Iwamura hit 188 homers in eight seasons with Yakult. He had at least 30 each of the past three seasons, including a career-high 44 in 2004. He batted .389 in six games last spring, helping Japan win the first WBC championship. Consider the Japanese import a potential AL-only sleeper on Draft Day at this point.
News: The Devil Rays won the negotiating rights to Japanese star infielder Akinori Iwamura on Wednesday, submitting a winning bid of about $4.5 million for the power hitter. The Devil Rays have 30 days to finalize a contract with Iwamura, a six-time Gold Glove third baseman. Tampa Bay vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Iwamura also capable of playing the outfield and first and second base. If he is not signed by Dec. 15, Tampa Bay doesn't have to pay, and Iwamura returns to play in Japan. "One of the things we like about him is his position flexibility," Friedman said, adding subsequent moves the Devil Rays make in free agency or via trades would impact what role Iwamura would fill.
Analysis: The 27-year-old Iwamura was a five-time All-Star in eight seasons with the Yakult Swallows. A left-handed hitter, he batted .311 with 32 homers and 77 RBI in a career-high 145 games last season. The Devil Rays have been interested in Iwamura since watching him in the World Baseball Classic last spring. In six games, he hit .389 and helped Japan win the inaugural WBC championship. Iwamura hit 188 homers with 570 RBI with Yakult. He hit at least 30 home runs in each of the past three years and set a Swallows record for most homers by a Japanese native with 44 in 2004. Consider the Japanese import a potential AL-only sleeper on Draft Day at this point.
News: Bidding closed on 3B Akinori Iwamura, and his Japanese team has until Thursday to accept the highest offer. Major-league teams had until Friday to submit offers for the 27-year-old, a five-time Gold Glove winner who played for Japan's World Baseball Classic championship team in March. If the Yakult Swallow of Japan's Central League accept the offer, the winning major-league team has 30 days to negotiate a contract. The Seibu Lions of the Pacific League have until Tuesday to accept the highest bid for pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka. The identities of teams that make high bids are revealed only if their offers are accepted.
Analysis: Defensively, there's no question Iwamura can play in the big leagues, but it has taken a special player to hit here. A five-time gold glove winner, Iwamura went .311-32-77 last season in Japan and had hit 44 homers in 2004 and surpassed 100 RBI in '04 and '05. The potential is there, but the Kaz Matsui stigma is there, too. Consider Iwamura nothing more than a flier in deeper leagues on Draft Day, unless you see he's really adjusting quickly in spring training.
News: Akinori Iwamura was put up for bid Monday by the Yakult Swallow of Japan's Central League. Major league teams have until Friday to submit bids for the 27-year-old Iwamura, a five-time Gold Glove winner in Japan who played for his nation's team that won the inaugural World Baseball Classic in March. The Swallows will be notified of the top offer -- without being told which team made it -- and have until Nov. 16 to accept. If the offer is accepted, the winning major-league team has 30 days to negotiate a contract. During the WBC, Iwamura hit .389 (7-for-18) with three RBI and two steals.
Analysis: Defensively, there's no question Iwamura can play in the big leagues, but it has taken a special player to hit here. A five-time gold glove winner, Iwamura went .311-32-77 last season in Japan and had hit 44 homers in 2004 and surpassed 100 RBI in '04 and '05. The potential is there, but the Kaz Matsui stigma is there, too. Consider Iwamura nothing more than a flier in deeper leagues on Draft Day, unless you see he's really adjusting quickly in spring training.
