Yu Darvish feels need to prove Japanese players' ability
by The Mainichi Daily News
SAPPORO (Kyodo) -- New Texas Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish feels the need to change people's growing skepticism about Japanese players in the majors.
"I still think Japan gives me the best playing environment, but I've needed to pitch against major leaguers," Darvish said in a farewell press conference Tuesday at Sapporo Dome. "I don't like that Japanese players have been rated low by major league clubs."
Many Japanese players have struggled in the major leagues in recent years, making clubs reluctant to commit big offers to them, except Darvish.
Darvish signed a six-year contract with the Rangers last week after having a 93-38 record with a 1.99 ERA over seven seasons, all with the Nippon Ham Fighters.
The deal is reportedly worth $60 million on top of a posting fee of $51.7 million, more than the Boston Red Sox's $52 million, six-year deal with Daisuke Matsuzaka plus a posting fee of $51.1 million.
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