November 3, 2008 The Royals assigned Yasuhiko Yabuta outright to Omaha on Monday, according to MLB.com. Yabuta had the right to elect free agency, but chose to accept the assignment.
Our View:Yabuta had a 4.78 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 37.2 innings for the Royals last season.
August 2, 2008 Reliever Yasuhiko Yabuta was designated for assignment by the Kansas City Royals, according to the Chicago Tribune. He signed a two-year, $6 million contract with the team in the offseason.
Our View:That was an expensive mistake. Not only was Yabuta hittable, giving up 10.92 hits per nine innings, but he lacked control, with a 4.88 BB/9 rate.
June 25, 2008 Yasuhiko Yabuta has been demoted to Triple-A Omaha, according to the Kansas City Star. His first season in the majors after coming over from Japan has not been a stellar one, as Yabuta has posted a 5.46 ERA and 1.76 WHIP out of the Royals bullpen.
Our View:Yabuta actually pitched well in May and early June, but he allowed five earned runs over his last three outings, covering two innings. He earned the loss in two of those games.
May 2, 2008 Yasuhiko Yabuta could lose his spot in the Royals bullpen when John Bale come off the DL, according to the Kansas City Star. The other option is Joel Peralta, but manager Trey Hillman didn't mince words when discussing his preference. "Peralta is better," Hillman said. "He is. I have no reservations in saying that. Right now, he's better in consistency of throwing strikes. And in consistency of fastball command and secondary pitches, he’s better there, too."
Our View:Yabuta has posted an 8.31 ERA and 8/9 K/BB rate over 13 innings this year, so it goes without saying that fantasy owners won't lose any sleep if he's demoted.
November 28, 2007 The Royals signed Yasuhiko Yabuta to a two-year, $4 million contract Wednesday that includes a club option for the 2010 season, according to the AP. "Yasuhiko has been one of the best relievers in Japan the last several years," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. "He will be an important veteran arm that will help add stability to the back end of our bullpen." Yabuta has a career record of 44-59 with a 4.03 ERA and nine saves in Japan, and he'll more than likely work in a setup role for the Royals.
