By Saruwatari Tsuyoshi, Kyoto Shimbun News

3/7/2013: Kyoto, Japan – In a somewhat surprise move, Edo announced the signing of free agent LF Shimpei Adachi.

Team owner Patrick “Speedy” Hildreth appeared at the news conference today, sitting between Edo superstar LF Morihiro Nakamura and Adachi.  “Meet the bookends,” he offered somewhat sheepishly.  “To be completely honest, we didn’t expect to land a player of Shimpei’s caliber.  We had no chance of being able to offer him the longer-term contract he was seeking.  The fact that he signed with us on a one-year deal after having spent so many years performing well in the PEBA just goes to show how serious he is about winning here in the LRS.  It also demonstrates the quality of the Japanese game when players like him come here to compete.  This is good for Edo and good for Japanese baseball.”

Asked about how he’ll fit in the lineup and what this means for last year’s RF Kansuke Murata, who fans will recall had a breakout career best season, Hildreth elaborated, “Make no mistake; we will find ways for all our players to contribute.  Murata is a solid player and a very good leadoff man in our lineup.  He will be playing.  He’s still got top-notch speed and is a solid fielder.  He gives us a lot of options in how we set up our outfield.  Shimpei will probably be batting leadoff and we look to him to create havoc on the base paths and create opportunities for ‘Wheels’ and ‘Homu-Ran’.  We really love his work ethic and his amazing ability to read the pitcher when he’s looking to steal.  It’s going to be an exciting season for Edo fans.”