The San Diego Padres landed Tadahito Iguchi, the free-agent second baseman who finished last season with Philadelphia after spending time with the Chicago White Sox. The Japanese born Iguchi signed a one-year contract worth $3.5 million and will compete for the starting position at second base….
The 33-year-old Iguchi yesterday said “San Diego was one of the big reasons” why he signed a one-year free-agent contract with the Padres, although some teams were offering “Tad” a multiyear contract.
“I am hoping to stay here many, many years,” continued Iguchi. “I didn’t play as well as I wanted to last year. The shorter-term contract gives me more motivation.
“But the No. 1 priority was the atmosphere of the town. Last year, when I was playing with Philadelphia, I was living away from my family and that was very difficult. I wanted to play in a place where I could live year round with my family. [link]
First off, the “Padres Signed An Asian” tag may not come across as very PC, but WTF. Living in San Diego, we were trying to land the more prominent Asian on the market, Japan’s Kosuke Fokudome….but were outbid by the Chicago “Where Players Go to Rot” Cubs. Secondly, blow me….oh….and lastly, I just love them lil’ Japanese buggers!
PS - Photo above could be the sickiest of the year!
