 In the
early 1990s, right-handed pitcher Kenjiro
Kawasaki appeared to be one of the Swallows' top
pitching prospects. Though he had a shaky start
his first two years, in 1991 the young pitcher
went 14-9 with a 2.91 ERA, 148 strikeouts and
only 65 walks. Out the entire following season
with arm trouble, Kawasaki returned in 1993 with
a 10-9 record and a 3.48 ERA. Though
his career has gone downhill in the last four
years because of recurring problems with his
pitching arm, there's a nagging sense that he has
the potential to be a really good pitcher.
1997 was only a moderately
successful comeback for the often-injured
pitcher. In 116 innings, Kawasaki went 7-5 with a
4.19 ERA, but while he gave up a mere 46 walks,
he only struck out 48 batters.
The highlight of his season came in
game four of the Japan Series. Pitching the first
5 1/3 innings, Kawasaki earned the win while
striking out five Lions batters and allowing one
earned run on four hits and three walks.
Since 1989, Kawasaki has compiled a
career 56-51 record with 632 strikeouts and a
3.75 ERA. It's a shame that Yakult manager
Katsuya Nomura, who has a reputation for
"recycling" has-been players hasn't
been able to help 27-year-old Kawasaki and other
Yakult hurlers who have apparently burned out
their arms at an early age.
|
|
 |
| #
17 |
| Starting |
| Pitcher |
| Born:
1-8-71 |
| Height:
180 cm |
| Weight:
78 kg |
| Bats:
Right |
| Throws:
Right |
| Honors: |
| 1993 |
| Japan Series |
| MVP |
|
