Tomo Ohka Signs with the Jays

by mark w on Jan 23, 2007 4:57 PM EST in News Comment 3 comments

Earlier today, it was reported that Tomokazu Ohka is now a member of the Blue Jays. He'll have to slug it out with Casey Janssen, John Thomson, Josh Towers, Sean Marcum, and perhaps others for the final two spots in the rotation.

From mybaseballbias.com :

According to Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports.com, the Blue Jays have signed Ohka to a one year deal possibly worth $750-$1M, pending a physical. Also, Rosenthal reports that Ohka turned down a two year deal with the National and the Pirates so he can become a free agent after the 2007 season.
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The 30 year old Ohka has been around the block so to speak, pitching for five teams since 1999 (Boston, Montreal, Milwaukee twice, Washington and now Toronto). He's compiled a 48-58 record and a 4.04 ERA over that time and should add depth to the Blue Jays rotation.

Most of my friends in Toronto only know about Ohka because his name was mentioned on The Simpsons. Now they'll be able to see him in person. Whether they'll be impressed by what they see, though, remains to be seen.

Update: Apparently Jeff Blair from The Globe and Mail reported different figures than Rosenthal's:

Ohka, who was 4-5 in 18 starts for the Milwaukee Brewers this past season, agreed on a one-year contract worth $1.5 million (all figures U.S.) with incentives that could push its value up to $3 million.

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Good deal

I like this move, another low risk - good reward signing like Thomson.

Go Jays!!!!

by achengy on Jan 23, 2007 5:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

One point five million?

If true, i'd have to say that's a damn fine pickup. My hopes aren't high, but for that price how can you lose?

He must be like the only MLB pitcher who'll be making less this year than last.
i guess the cynic in me is asking "what's REALLY wrong with this guy?"

by easyrichboy on Jan 23, 2007 5:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

A great depth move at that price for only one year

although the price can be deceptive. the thomson contract looked really low too, but he makes an additional million or so just for making the roster. it'll be interesting to see how the Okha deal is structured.

all in all though, so long as the Jays don't stick with Okha too long (like Towers 2006 long) in the face of ineffectiveness, it can only help - he has been above average (in ERA+) every season except 2006 in which he was injured and only made 18 starts. it remains to be seen whether he has regained his stuff and velocity, but if he can get back to what he was, he will be a contributor for sure. and he has had some success in the AL East.

another thing that might help a bit is that he is taking a one-year deal specifically to try to sign a bigger deal next year, so he will have pressure to perform. That might not help, but it can't hurt. remember, Chacin has been okay, but his peripherals have never really suggested future success so it is good to have a backup, and the 4-5 spots are wide open. I don't think the Jays would hesitate to cut either Okha or Thompson in the Spring if they show they can't cut it, although if they show regained velocity the Jays will probably keep them around.

Also, thanks to the Simpsons, he is my sister's favorite player.

"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Jan 23, 2007 7:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs