Pack Break: 2008 Topps Series 2
Written by Steve on February 5th, 2010
2008 Topps Series 2:
- #574 Scott Baker
- #630 Chris Carpenter
- #413 Wandy Rodriguez
- #433 Carlos Silva
- #529 Masahide Kobayashi (Rookie)
- #362 Fernando Hernandez (Rookie)
- Gold Foil #503 Jeremy Bonderman
- #387 Sean Marshall
- #647 Randy Winn
- #511 Jeff Francis
…and Series 2 checklist 2 of 4.
…and 10% off a Fathead.
“One of Japan’s best relievers, Masahide saved at least 20 games for the Chiba Lotte Marines in each of the last seven years. Great durability, a deceptive delivery and a nasty slider are his hallmarks. “He can throw it any time for strikes,” Indians scouting director John Mirabelli says of Kobayashi’s best pitch. His fastball touches the mid-90s.”
Kobayashi was kind of a bust for the Indians. He pitched in 57 games in 2008, including 9 save opportunities, and ended up with a 4.53 ERA and blowing 3 of his save opportunities.
In 2009, he provided relief in 10 games early in the season allowed the 9 Runs… his ERA ballooned to 8.38. He was sent down to triple-A and didn’t fare much better, so the Indians released him in July 2009.
Masahide Kobayashi is currently back in Japan with the Yomiuri Giants as a 35-year-old reliever.