The Oakland A’s didn’t just get a shortstop when they signed Japanese infielder Hiroyuki Nakajima, they also got a comedian.
Nakajima was introduced by the A’s on Tuesday, and the shortstop was full of jokes (either that or he has one clever interpreter). Nakajima busted up the room when he was asked why he signed with the A’s and said, “Billy Beane is extremely sexy and cool.”
Sounds like somebody saw “Moneyball” where Beane was played by actor Brad Pitt.
Nakajima had another funny line when asked about the adjustment he would have to make coming from Japan to the US:
Hiroyuki Nakajima is 30 years old and has been playing pro ball for the Seibu Lions in Japan since he was 19. He generally posted an OPS close to .900 and was around a 20-20 player most seasons (his full stats in Japan are here). Nakajima’s deal with the A’s reportedly is for two years at $6.5 million, with a $5.5 million option for 2015. Oakland will hope he gives them reliable defense while being decent with the bat. At the very least, he should help keep things loose inside the clubhouse.
