Well the bigger things are here.
Gosuke Katoh announced his retirement on social media last month. He coupled this with the statement that he had accepted a role in the Blue Jays front office. While the exact nature of the position is unknown, Shi Davidi reports that it will «focus on ways research and development, big-league players and coaches, and pro scouting work together."
The fact that the American-born Katoh is fluent in Japanese, is also a useful tool should the Blue Jays get involved in the sweepstakes for Roki Sasaki or any other Japanese player.
While Gosuke Katoh, didn't contribute much on the field, going 1-7 with eleven plate appearances for his career, his lone major league hit being a double, it is clear that he made an impact off of it.
After being released by Toronto, Katoh quickly signed on with the New York Mets. Although he was called up by the team he never saw game action. He was eventually designated for assignment in June, before being sent outright to the minors.
Katoh did find minor success in Japan however, playing parts of two season with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, but it became clear to him that a career as a player was not in the cards.
Gosuke Katoh's hiring continues the Blue Jays overhaul of their front office. Last month, former player and Cincinnati Reds David Bell was brought on board as the club's new vice president of baseball operations and assistant General Manager.
At only 30, Katoh still has a long career ahead of him, and this front office move bolsters Toronto as a multicultural, analytical, and versatile organization.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 5 | 86 ANSWERS Katoh Embraces New Role Can Gosuke Katoh improve the Front Office? | ||
Yes | 37 | 43 % |
No | 49 | 57 % |
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