What I didn't expect was for Masuhide Kobayashi to be available at the #59. i had briefly considered him with the 19 as my Pen had been an issue last season, but I felt confident I had upgraded it sufficiently. However, 40 picks later, I couldn't pass up a 98mph heater and a plus slider that would contribute this season.
At #70 we picked up John Tolisano. Arencibia was in the mix at that pick as well, but Boston has a fair bit of depth at Catcher already and we love Tolisano's bat. If he ends up in the OF, that's no skin off our teeth as 2007 ROY Dustin Pedroia is entrenched at 2b.Masahide Kobayashi, RHP, Chiba Lotte Marines
Height: 6'0" Weight: 196 Bats: Right Throws: Right Age: 33
Kobayashi is the closer for Lotte and the final piece to ìYFKî, which stands for Yabuta, Fujita, and Kobayashi. YouÃll notice that IÃve skipped over Soichi Fujita, another WBC member, despite his free-agent status. Yabuta and Kobayashi are simply in a different league from their relief corps teammate. Kobayashi has been a dominating closer for the better part of seven and a half seasons, thanks in large part to a 98 mph fastball and powerful inside-out slider. In some respects, I like YabutaÃs game a bit more, but the power profile of Kobayashi and the proven track record as a closer puts him in an excellent position to cash in with a desperate US team looking to plug in an established veteran presence at the end of close games.
As it turns out, Schilling was moved for some great immediate help in Kobayashi and a more long-term project in Tolisano. A great return on a pitcher who, while still very solid, has very few miles left in the tank.4. John Tolisano, 2B
DOB: 10/7/88
Height/Weight: 5-11/180
Bats/Throws: S/R
Drafted: 2nd round, 2007, Estero HS (FL)
2007 Stats: .246/.336/.437 at Rookie-Level (49 G)
Year In Review: After a below-expectations senior year, the switch-hitting infielder struggled to make contact in his pro debut, but nonetheless led the Gulf Coast League in home runs.
The Good: Tolisano's swing path provides natural loft with backspin from both sides, and he already has a knack for recognizing which pitches he can drive. He has a patient approach, a tick above-average speed, and good overall athleticism.
The Bad: Tolisano often sells out the rest of his offensive game for power, becoming pull-happy at times and flailing at breaking balls at others. He hasn't gotten good reviews for his range, glove work, or instincts, and many think he'll need to move to the outfield soon.
Fun Fact: In the eighth inning of GCL games, Tolisano was 1-for-19.
Perfect World Projection: A 30+ home-run producer at a position still to be determined.
Timetable: Tolisano will be another part of the very talented squad at Lansing, where his defense will be watched with as much scrutiny as his power bat.
