Dodgers Rumors: JABA Could Ruin Dodgers’ Signing Of Takumi Numata

http://youtu.be/Hv906t8nym4
Yesterday afternoon it was reported that the Dodgers signed Japanese pitcher Takumi Numata to a minor-league contract. Not much was known about the 19-year-old, but it’s been reported that he throws a 92-93 mph fastball.

Numata is expected to join the Instructional League team in Arizona and was signed by Dodger scouts Isao O’Jimi and Pat Kelly. However, according to Gen of YakYubaka.com, the JABA (Japanese Amateur Baseball Association) could pose a potential problem in finalizing the agreement:

A JABA official said, It is extremely regrettable that [an MLB team] signed a contract with a player that cannot be drafted by an NPB team and never had paperwork filed to take him off the registry.

It remains to be seen what’s to happen as the JABA could block the move or just allow Numata to sign with the Dodgers.While his stats haven’t surfaced, the Dodgers look to be gathering another international asset after signing Yasiel Puig, Hyun-Jin Ryu and going after infielder Alexander Guerrero.

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In case you missed it, be sure to find out more about Hanley Ramirez’s hamstring injury.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkphTuNyf6A