Through May 17, 2000
YR 2000
|
G 2
|
GS 0
|
CG 0
|
SHO 0
|
IP 2.2
|
H 5
|
R 3
|
ER 3
|
HR 1
|
BB 0
|
SO 0
|
W 0
|
L 0
|
SV 0
|
ERA 10.13
|
Profile
& Scouting Report
Height:
6-3
Weight:
210 lbs.
Throws:
Right
Bats:
Right
Positions:
Relief Pitcher
Born:
September 12, 1968, Tokyo ,
Scouting Report
1999 Season Given a two-year, $3 million contract as a free agent from Japan's Orix Blue Wave, Masao Kida wasn't as effective as the Tigers anticipated. When put in a key relief role in early April, he was hit very hard. He was moved to a mopup role and stayed there for the remainder of the year.
Pitching & Defense Kida consistently tops 90 MPH, but his fastball is straight as an arrow. He doesn't have a breaking ball or a changeup he can throw with any degree of effectiveness. Despite being a 10-year veteran of the Japanese major leagues, Kida has surprisingly little feel for pitching. When he gets in trouble, he stays in trouble. He's a poor fielder, but he's quick to the plate and has a decent pickoff move.
2000 Outlook Unless he manages to develop some secondary pitches, Kida's career in the U.S. major leagues will be short. Based on the way he pitched last season, it's unlikely that Detroit will trust him with much responsibility in 2000.
Scouting Report Source: STATS, Inc. Copyright 2000 STATS, Inc.
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