Dynamic duo? Yan and Vogelsong possible saviors for the Hanshin Tigers

Following their failure to acquire fireballing lefty Juan Morillo from the Minnesota Twins, the Central League’s Hanshin Tigers may turn to a couple of former foreign players to fill out gaping holes in their bullpen, reports Tokyo Sports (Nov. 20).

The team’s skipper, Akinobu Mayumi, has requested action by the front office in replacing the roles served last year by middle relievers Jeff Williams and Scott Atchinson. Right-handers Esteban Yan, who was a starter for the Tigers in 2007, and Ryan Vogelsong, also a member of the rotation that year, are considered to be strong candidates.

An individual close to the team speculates: “There must be some kind of hidden issue with Juan, as he does not compete at the major-league level while being able to throw at 167 kilometers an hour. Foreign players with unknown elements leave us with a lot of anxiety. So the chances of success by those who used to play for us is higher.”

That means Yan and Vogelsong will probably each get a look, according to the source. “With [Kenji] Jojima joining,” he says of last year’s backstop for the Seattle Mariners, “he can lead them effectively and they will produce positive results.” (K.N.)

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