Royals sign Nomo

Archie Bunker · 01-03-2008, 11:31 PM

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/430041.html

Royals sign veteran Japanese pitcher Nomo
Nomo-Mania — or, at least, what’s left of it — is coming to the Royals.

Hideo Nomo, the 1995 National League Rookie of the Year, announced on his personal, Japanese-language Web site that he has agreed to terms on a minor-league deal with Kansas City that includes an invitation to big-league spring training.

Part of his announcement, translated, reads: “I try to keep myself in good shape and do my best.”

Nomo, 39, was the first Japanese player to make a major impact in the major leagues when he won 43 games his first three seasons with the Dodgers, including a no-hitter at Coors Field in 1996. He won 45 more during 2001-03 with the Red Sox and Dodgers but then fell off fast after shoulder surgery.

He last pitched in the big leagues in 2005 for the Devil Rays.

Nomo is close and shares the same agent as Japanese reliever YasuhikoYabuta, who recently signed with the Royals.

“He’s a pitcher who’s had a lot of success,” said Royals general manager Dayton Moore. “He’s somebody we’re going to give an opportunity to compete for a job in spring training.”

01-03-2008, 11:31 PM	Topic Starter
Archie Bunker The Wait Is Over Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Random Small Town Casino cash: $858978	Royals sign Nomo http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/430041.html Royals sign veteran Japanese pitcher Nomo Nomo-Mania — or, at least, what’s left of it — is coming to the Royals. Hideo Nomo, the 1995 National League Rookie of the Year, announced on his personal, Japanese-language Web site that he has agreed to terms on a minor-league deal with Kansas City that includes an invitation to big-league spring training. Part of his announcement, translated, reads: “I try to keep myself in good shape and do my best.” Nomo, 39, was the first Japanese player to make a major impact in the major leagues when he won 43 games his first three seasons with the Dodgers, including a no-hitter at Coors Field in 1996. He won 45 more during 2001-03 with the Red Sox and Dodgers but then fell off fast after shoulder surgery. He last pitched in the big leagues in 2005 for the Devil Rays. Nomo is close and shares the same agent as Japanese reliever YasuhikoYabuta, who recently signed with the Royals. “He’s a pitcher who’s had a lot of success,” said Royals general manager Dayton Moore. “He’s somebody we’re going to give an opportunity to compete for a job in spring training.”
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