Reilly
01-27-2005, 10:44 PM
Tadahito Iguchi
Jan. 27 - Japanese infielder Tadahito Iguchi and the White Sox completed their $4.95 million, two-year contract Thursday. Iguchi will make $2.3 million in 2005 and $2.4 million in 2006. Chicago has a $3.25 million option for 2007 with a $250,000 buyout.
"Tadahito is one of Japan's premier infielders, both offensively and defensively, and he immediately strengthens our lineup and the middle of our infield," said GM Ken Williams. "As a middle infielder, Tadahito has shown that rare ability to hit for average, get on base, run the bases well, hit with power and drive in runs."
The 30-year-old Iguchi spent eight years with the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks of Japan's Pacific League and batted .333 with 24 homers and 89 RBI last season. He's won two stolen base titles, three Gold Glove awards and been a four-time All-Star.
Iguchi is the second White Sox player from Japan, joining reliever Shingo Takatsu, who was 6-4 with a 2.31 ERA and 19 saves in his first season a year ago.
Jan. 27 - Japanese infielder Tadahito Iguchi and the White Sox completed their $4.95 million, two-year contract Thursday. Iguchi will make $2.3 million in 2005 and $2.4 million in 2006. Chicago has a $3.25 million option for 2007 with a $250,000 buyout.
"Tadahito is one of Japan's premier infielders, both offensively and defensively, and he immediately strengthens our lineup and the middle of our infield," said GM Ken Williams. "As a middle infielder, Tadahito has shown that rare ability to hit for average, get on base, run the bases well, hit with power and drive in runs."
The 30-year-old Iguchi spent eight years with the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks of Japan's Pacific League and batted .333 with 24 homers and 89 RBI last season. He's won two stolen base titles, three Gold Glove awards and been a four-time All-Star.
Iguchi is the second White Sox player from Japan, joining reliever Shingo Takatsu, who was 6-4 with a 2.31 ERA and 19 saves in his first season a year ago.