Kawakami has spent his entire career with Chunichi; last years Japan Series champions. He has a career ERA of 3.29, 326 walks to his 1216 strikeouts in 1525 inning pitched. Keep in mind this is all through 2007, not including his numbers from this year. He's missed a few weeks this season due to an undisclosed illness, but recently returned to the team. He won the 1998 Central League Rookie of the Year award after going 14-6 with a 2.57. In addition he has a no-hitter under his belt and in 2004 won the Central League MVP award as well as the
Sawamura (NPB equivalent of the Cy Young award). Obviously, success in NPB doesnt necessarily translate to the States (see Kei Igawa), but I don't want the Red Sox to get their hands on him.
http://www.japanesebaseball.com/play...?PlayerID=1026