Satoru Komiyama

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked New York Mets #6 prospect in 2002
  After getting more than they expected from outfielder Tsuyoshi Shinjo last season, the Mets returned to the Far East and signed Komiyama to a one-year deal worth $500,000. He had his best season in Japan in 1995, when current Mets manager Bobby Valentine was his skipper with the Chiba Lotte Marines. Komiyama had another strong campaign in 2001, going 12-9, 3.03 in 24 games with the Yokohama Bay Stars. He has been billed as the "Japanese Greg Maddux," which is more hyperbole than anything else. Komiyama does have tremendous control and mixes his five pitches well. He works both sides of the plate, including a liberal use of the black, and rarely falls behind hitters. His fastball resides in the 87-89 mph range but has good movement. He also throws a curveball, changeup, cutter and forkball. Like Maddux, Komiyama gives up singles but is frugal with home runs and walks. A starter for most of his career, his role on the Mets staff will be determined by the team's needs come spring training.