Yusei Kikuchi to Start 2010 In The Minors

Seibu Lions rookie Yusei Kikuchi (L) jokes around after practice in Miyazaki camp on 2/25/10

Seibu Lions skipper Watanabe told the media on the 25th that prized pitching phenom rookie Yusei Kikuchi will start the 2010 season in the minor leagues. “He is not top-level material yet.” said Watanabe.

Kikuchi entered camp in Miyazaki being told he had a shot to start in the rotation, and had been putting in late nights of 140+ throw sessions to get his chance.

Watanabe opened the door for a 2010 Kikuchi debut in NPB however, by following the comments with “We will see if he can get up to par soon in the farm system.”