Player Search
Player name:


Or choose a letter:
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M,
N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
Team:
Position:
Masa Kobayashi #30 | Pitcher | Cleveland Indians
Height: 6-0    Weight: 196    Throws: R    Bats: R
Born: May 24, 1974, Yamanashi,
Contract: Signed though 2009 with a club option for 2010
SatSunMonTueWedThuFri
29300102030405

 Profile  Player News  Articles  Split Stats  Game Log  Player Comparison 
2008 Statistics
PeriodGGSCGSHOWLSVBSIPHBBERHRKERAWHIP
Yesterday00000000.0000000.000.00
Last 7 Days00000000.0000000.000.00
Last 14 Days00000000.0000000.000.00
Last 21 Days200000002.07030013.503.50
200857000456355.26514288354.531.42
Career Stats
YearTeamGGSCGWLSVIPHBBERHRKERAK/9BB/9H/9WHIP
2008CLE570045655.26514288354.535.662.2610.511.42
Career570045655.26514288354.535.662.2610.511.42
Player Notes
September 1, 2008
Masa Kobayashi will be monitored closely down the stretch as the team doesn't want to expose him to a heavy workload after years of pitching in Japan, according to the Indians Official Website. "We want him to finish the season strong," manager Eric Wedge said. "We want him to feel good physically."

Our View:Kobayashi only had one season in Japan with more than the 54 appearances he has this year for the Indians, and that was way back in 2000. The team doesn't want to burn him out for next season, so don't look for much out of this import the rest of the way.
August 14, 2008
Masa Kobayashi is tired, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The reliever has worked 49.2 innings with the Indians this season, and only threw 47.1 innings for the entire season in 2007 with the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan. Manager Eric Wedge said, "With the way our bullpen has been, he pitched very well for us for an extended period of time. We had to go to him a lot more than we originally planned. He was more of a one-inning guy in Japan. I think it's fair to say that he's probably wearing down."

Our View:Kobayashi hasn't recorded an out in his last two appearances. Of the five hitters he faced in those two games, he allowed four hits, one walk and four earned runs. The team feels he is capable of setting up, but think it is asking a bit too much to expect him to close.
July 25, 2008
Masa Kobayashi did not get a single out, and he nearly blew a fantastic effort from Cliff Lee, allowing two runs on three hits as Cleveland held on to beat the Twins 5-4.

Our View:Kobayashi was bad, and Rafael Perez had to come in and bail him out. This may delay any further save opportunities to come Kobayashi's way.
July 5, 2008
Indians general manager Mark Shapiro doesn't believe the franchise has a closer in their system to properly replace Joe Borowski. "We'll probably have to address that in the off-season," he tells the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Our View:Nice. We're sure such words are a boost of confidence for Masa Kobayahi, Rafael Betancourt, Rafael Perez, and other Indians relievers.
July 4, 2008
Masa Kobayashi may get the first opportunity to earn some saves, but the Indians will likely use a closer-by-committee, according to Indians.com.

Our View:Kobayashi has been relatively good, at least compared to Joe Borowski, so if you are in need of saves, pick him up, but be warned: the situation could change at any minute.