Akinori Iwamura
| AB | 1545 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .267 |
| OBP | .345 |
| SLG | .375 |
| HR | 16 |
- Full name Akinori Iwamura
- Born 02/09/1979 in Uwajima, Japan
- Profile Ht.: 5'9" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: L / Throws: R
- School Uwajima Higashi
- Debut 04/02/2007
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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The Devil Rays won the bidding for Iwamura by posting $4.55 million. The club then signed him to a three-year contract worth $7.7 million. A five-time all-star in Japan, Iwamura kicked off his 2006 by batting .389 to help Japan win the World Baseball Classic. Though he's a free swinger, he was a career .300 hitter in Japan and scouts believe his batting average and on-base percentage will remain solid in the U.S. He averaged 35 homers over the past three seasons, though Japanese ballparks are more conducive to longballs and he's projected as more of a gap hitter here. He's a slightly above-average runner. Iwamura won six Japanese Gold Gloves as a third baseman, showing good agility and a strong arm. With third basemen B.J. Upton and Evan Longoria close to being ready for the majors, Tampa Bay may move Iwamura to second base. The Rays also think he could handle center field if needed. He's brimming with confidence, which should help him make the transition.
