Tokyo Pursues Diamondback Jamie D'Antona

Tokyo is courting this hard-hitting infielder from Arizona. (Photo courtesy of MLB.)

The Arizona Diamondbacks have reportedly released infielder Jamie D’Antona so that he can pursue a contract with the Tokyo Swallows.

The 26-year-old made his major league debut in July of this year and appears, at least according to his recent triple-A numbers, to have some pop in his bat. He went 3-17 with one RBI for the snakes in 2008.

Power is what the birds need, and hopefully D’Antona can continue his recent surge in form while transitioning to NPB.

He’s not known for his defense, so it appears that he will be a likely candidate for first base.

Here’s hoping that D’Antona is as easy-going as Guiel and Riggs. Welcome to Japan!*

* contract negotiations not yet concluded He is now a Swallow.