Angels sign Japanese reliever Kobayashi to Minors deal

 

Angels are still staying very busy during the off-season adding minor league depth by signing Japanese reliever Kobayashi. This is a very nice back up if there is a need for a new arm in the pen. He will also bring experience for the September call up to give some good effective inning late in the season.

 

from the Angels:

 

The Angels have agreed to terms with Japanese reliever Hiroyuki Kobayashi on a Minor League contract with a Spring Training invite, a source confirmed late Thursday. Kobayashi has posted a 3.53 ERA through 12 seasons in Japan. After seven years as a full-time starter, the 34-year-old right-hander was moved to the Chiba Lotte Marines' bullpen in 2010 and thrived, posting a 2.21 ERA and 29 saves. After not securing a Major League deal, Kobayashi moved to the Hanshin Tigers in 2011 and posted a 3.00 ERA with 45 strikeouts and 19 walks in 39 innings, then spent the 2012 season pitching in Japan's Industrial League. The Kobayashi signing -- still pending a physical -- comes a day after the team signed veteran infielder Bill Hall to a Minor League deal, putting its list of camp invites at 64. (Angels)

Angels sign 6 to minor league contracts

 

Billy Buckner is a 29 year old RHP which pitched for the Red Sox last year. He was drafted by Kansa City in 2004 in the second round. Career stats 6-11 with a 6.25 ERA and 103 strikeouts. (Buckner)

 

Luke Carlin is a 31 year old catcher that was selected by Detroit in the 10th round in the 2002 daft. Last season he finished in the Cleveland organization. Career stats .179 Ave,3 HR, 11RBIs.(Carlin)

 

 

Brendan Harris is  a 32 year old infielder. He was drafted by the Cubs in the 5th round in the 2001 draft. He finished last season with the Rockies. Career stats .260 Ave, 29 HRs, 159 RBIs. (Harris)

 

Trent Oeltjen is 29 year old outfielder. He was signed by the Twins in 2001, he was part of the 2004 Australian national team that won silver in the 2004 Olympics. He finished this last season with the Dodgers. Career Stats .220 Ave, 5 Hrs, 11 RBIs and 9 stolen bases. (Oeltjen)













Jo-Jo Reyes is a 27 yer old LHP. He was drafted by the Braves out of Riverside Polytechnic High School in the second round of the 2003 daft. He finished this past season with the Pirates organization. Career states 12-26 with a 6.05 ERA and 215 K's. (Reyes)

J.B. Shuck is the youngest of the group at 25 years of age. He could play all three outfielder positions. He was drafted in the 6th round by the Astros in the 2008 daft. Career stats .272 Ave, 9 Runs, 3RBIs (Shuck)

They all sign a minor league contract with a invitation to spring training.