Hiroyuki

Kobayashi

The deal presumably would include an invitation to spring training. Kobayashi, 34, posted a 3.00 ERA and 45/19 K/BB ratio over 39 innings in 2011 for the Hanshin Tigers of Japan’s Central League but did not appear in a game last year.

The deal is expected to include an invitation to spring training. Kobayashi, 34, posted a 3.00 ERA and 45/19 K/BB ratio over 39 innings in 2011 for the Hanshin Tigers of Japan’s Central League but did not appear in a game last year. He’s put up a 3.65 ERA and 493/151 K/BB ratio over 543 innings during his career in Japan.

The Angels signed Kobayashi to a minor league contract in late January but apparently weren’t very impressed with him this spring in camp. The 34-year-old right-hander posted a 3.00 ERA and 45/19 K/BB ratio over 39 innings in 2011 for the Hanshin Tigers of Japan’s Central League. He did not pitch in 2012.

Kobayashi posted a 2.21 ERA, 29 saves and a 53/14 K/BB ratio over 61 relief innings with the Chiba Lotte Marines this past season. He’s also worked as a starter in Japan but would presumably be used as a reliever with Arizona or whatever major league team might sign him.

Sponichi, a Japanese website, reported that the D-backs had a two-year, $3 million offer ready for Kobayashi. It doesn’t necessarily mean Arizona isn’t interested in the right-hander, only that they just aren’t prepared to make an offer just yet.

Kobayashi will be a free agent this winter, so he will not have to go through the posting process. The 32-year-old right-hander has a 3.54 ERA over parts of 11 seasons in Japan. Formerly a starter, he made the transition to the bullpen with the Chiba Lotte Marines this season, posting a 2.21 ERA, 29 saves and a 53/14 K/BB ratio over 61 innings. We’re guessing he would be a reliever stateside, as well.