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OF Lastings Milledge signed with the Tokyo Swallows?

December 24, 2011 by 2 Comments

Tokyo's new center fielder?

This hasn’t been picked up by anyone on this side of the Pacific yet, but a number of sources are claiming that outfielder Lastings Milledge signed with the Tokyo Swallows all the way back on the 7th of December.

CBS has already updated his profile with the information, and Patrick over at NPB Tracker reported it yesterday as well.

If it’s true, then Tokyo just picked up a young (26) outfielder with a decent amount of big league experience. He’s had 1500 at-bats in over 400 major league games with the Mets, Nationals, Pirates and White Sox.

The righty comes to Tokyo after spending the vast majority of 2011 at Charlotte, Chicago’s AAA affiliate.

Hopefully the Japanese press with follow suit with a more detailed announcement soon.

UPDATE Tuesday December 27th, 2011 at 11:40AM

The team has confirmed the deal and plans to make an official announcement later today. It also seems that the team plans to play him in left field. No specifics yet on the size of the contract although it was reported elsewhere that it was a one-year deal with a club option for year number two.

Here is a link to Nikkan Sports (Japanese) confirming the team’s plans.

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About Christopher Pellegrini

Christopher is a budding sabermetrician and long-time supporter of Tokyo's more lovable team, the Swallows. He has publicly volunteered, several times, that he plans to buy the team at some point in the future. When he finally runs the joint, it is likely that he will fine any player who swings at the first pitch or sac bunts (unless it's a pitcher, of course). Follow him on Twitter: @chrispellegrini

  • Kozo

    Nothing in the Japanese media. If you search his name in Japanese (ラスティングス・ミレッジ) you get a whole bunch of Japanese baseball bulletin boards reporting that the American media announced he signed a 2 year deal with the Swallows.

    I wonder if the reason why the Swallows haven’t announced anything yet is because whatever deal is place is conditional on Lastings first arriving in Japan. Perhaps for a physical… Based on what happen to Bae Young-Soo last year, I’ll consider it a done deal only after the team announces it.

  • http://twitter.com/simoncurrie simon

    … and Josh has signed with the Marines. PL should be a good fit for him to get regular playing time.