I'd like someone at the next SPH event with Rizzo or DiPuglia to ask what level they think NPB and KBO is at relative to AA/AAA/MLB. Do we not trust their stats? It seems we just don't get involved in with players out of Asia. We do Dominican, Venezuela, and a Cuban or two. Do we just assume that, if they come to the east coast, it's going to be NYC, and that otherwise, these guys will go to the West Coast?
Asian players are fairly unreliable. The game is simply differently played. The ball is a bit smaller and tackier. More emphasis is put on contact. The mound is a bit different.
There's a reason why so few of them are here.
Also, in like May of 2020, Fangraphs did a series of articles and podcast interviews on the Asian baseball leagues. Worth listening to if you got time. Essentially, only Japan is seen as close to MLB. Korea and Tawain were .... not good. Also, not a lot velo. So while the skill level of the pitchers was Single A, there werent any Jackson Rutledge types blowing 98 either.
