Yoshii Off the Market
All the rumors and speculation that Masato Yoshii would be returning to Shea to alleviate the Mets’ pitching woes can be put to rest: he’s officially announced his retirement.
In addition, Rick Peterson can sleep restfully, because Yoshii won’t even be returning to be a coach. He’s accepted the position of pitching coach for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters.
Last season, Yoshii went a disappointing 1-9 ERA of 7.47. He pitched his final four games for the Chiba Lotte Marines after a June 29 trade from the Orix Buffaloes. A native of Osaka, the 42-year-old Yoshii retired with a career 89-82 record in Japan.