Something Must Be Lost In Translation

"The White Sox are among five teams in the running for Japanese reliever Yasuhiko Yabuta. The Sox are looking for bullpen help, and Yabuta has told Japanese media the Sox, Royals, Indians, Rays and Pirates are the finalists for his services."

From the country that brought you both bukkake as well the most insane game shows in the world, now comes Yasuhiko Yabuta -- a pitcher who's interested in signing with four teams that were a combined 275-373 last season (with the Tribe being the fifth and only winning team in the mix).

Apparently, the Royals are at the top of his list. If this is the case, they must only get Kansas City games from 1985 in the Pacific Rim. He sure is gonna be disappointed when he looks over at third base and doesn't see George Brett... although Kauffman Stadium does have a koi pond zen-ness to it.

I thought shame was a bad thing in Japanese culture. Yas-Ya appears to just embrace it.