Hiroyuki Kobayashi

Kobayashi spent most of the last decade in the middle of Chiba Lotte's rotation, but moved into the closer role in 2010 after back-to-back rough seasons as a starter. He figures to pitch in middle relief after deciding to move to MLB in 2011. He was outstanding as a closer in 2010, collecting saves in 29 of his 57 appearances backed by a 2.21 ERA, 1.066 WHIP, 7.8 K/9IP and a 3.79 K/BB ratio. He has a deep arsenal for a reliever: a slider, a splitter and a changeup to go with an 88-91 mph fastball. Of his breaking pitches, his slider and splitter were the most effective last season. It's not uncommon for Japanese pitchers to struggle to throw splitters with the MLB ball, so that will be something to watch for.