Jamie D’Antona Update
Posted by cuorange on July 18, 2009
Jamie D'Antona
Besides the page on the CUTigers.com Texas Bashes, no post I’ve written since moving to WordPress has generated more views than “Finding Jamie D’Antona”. I suspect that’s because it somehow got linked to a blog on the team D’Antona now plays for in Japan, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. Go figure. I wasn’t expecting a large number of views (or any at all for that matter) on the D’Antona piece, I just personally find it interesting reading “where are they now” stories.
Here’s an update for all you D’Antona followers out there: Jamie is batting .256 with 11 HRs and and 40 RBI in 59 games with the Swallows. He also leads the team is striking out, having done so 54 times in 203 ABs.
I’ve heard from some who think I am somehow bashing D’Antona. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I am, however, a bit mystified why a guy who hit .365 in AAA would be released after just 17 major league at bats (defense according the blog mentioned above) when just last year he was being touted as a future star (the story was focused on his hitting, true) by at least one Diamondback web site. Nonetheless, I like the kid and wish him well. Why else would I be following his exploits in Tokyo?
Garrett DeOrio said
When you linked to us, your blog pinged us, leaving a trackback. Since we first posted on D’Antona, the number of visitors from the US greatly increased – many of them because of him. I suspect his fans are the same people who clicked through your trackback to reach your blog.
For what it’s worth, he seems to be settling in well – the team is slipping, but he’s getting better.
cuorange said
Good the here he’s getting better. How long is the Japanese season?
Robert Pujat said
D’Antona’s hitting .286 now with 17 homers. For those who want to follow him, here is a good link.
cuorange said
Thanks, I appreciate the link.
Robert Pujat said
D’Antona’s hitting .300 now with 18 homers and 65 RBIs in 80 games.
cuorange said
Good to hear. Sounds like he is coming around. Thanks for the update.
Susan said
D’Antona was just named MVP for the Central League for the month of July.
cuorange said
Good to hear…I will be doing an update in the near future. Thanks for the information.