11/11/2012: Kuwana, Mie, Japan – Those were the words spoken by Steel Dragons Head of Baseball Operations/GM Hiro Tanaka at an interview today at Steelfire Stadium when posed the question of whether or not he was financially able to add an impact player such as the highly talked-about Kirby Gibson.

My, how things have changed.  When Tanaka was hired to his position in October of 2009, he was strapped with just a $21 million budget to work with.  He pleaded with upper management that, in order to build a perennial contender, he needed financially backing.  Instead of just begging team owner Anthony Esposito to give him the needed cash, the two worked together on a master plan to make the franchise more self-sufficient.

It all started right off the bat in the winter of 2009, as the team used all of its resources off the field instead of on it.  “After our winning bid, the league gave us a $9 million grant to develop our market.  We were able to add the proper amenities to our stadium and hold several fan fests to really boost team loyalty,” Esposito said.  After the 2010 season, many were quick to criticize this plan.  The team’s record had gotten worse, attendance was declining, and even fan interest polls were dropping.

Instead of abandoning the plan, Kuwana just went knee-deep into things again in the winter of 2010.  Rather than writing a huge arbitration check to Katsunosuki Kichida, he became the first player ever to be successfully posted to the PEBA.  In hindsight, this may have been the greatest move in franchise history.  At the time, it looked like a desperate plea for help from a struggling franchise.  Later that winter, the team placed first baseman Jonathan Cook on waivers to clear up enough salary to buy a bus for a winter caravan.  The caravan ended up being a success.  Interest once again was on the rise.

By 2011, many top prospects were starting to come up and be productive.  Kuwana had managed to sneak by the defending champion Celestial Warriors to earn their first ever playoff spot.  In 2012, the team continued to improve and established themselves as one of the better LRS teams.  During these two seasons, fans came to the ballpark in flocks and bought lots of food and merchandise.  All of a sudden, Kuwana was no longer a small market team.

Sources say the Steel Dragons have roughly a $37 million budget (6^th highest in LRS) and $9 million in petty cash to work with.  That is about $46 million that can be used towards 2013 payroll.  Currently, the team has only $19 million in obligations.  So, if Hiro Tanaka feels the need, he could spend upwards of $27 million on free agents this winter – more than double the current roster.

Out of the players on the 2012 roster that are currently in limbo, Sozui Kawashima, is the only one likely to return.  Sources say that yet another offer has been made and, either by long-term deal or arbitration, Sozui will be back somewhere in the ballpark of $6.5-$8 mil/year.  Yoshisada Rin has stopped talking to the team after being bashed in the Kuwana press about not pitching through pain in the playoffs.  Norm Hawk and Katsunosuki Sasaki are considered replaceable parts and will be non-tendered.

So where will all this money be spent?  It’s rumored that Kuwana will look to add the best starting pitcher on the market regardless of salary, nationality, race, religion or age (i.e. Kirby Gibson).  They could also look to add another outfielder to the mix to avoid another catastrophic October.  If they really want to make an impact, they could try to add a PEBA icon such as Bud Hoffman, Chris Weaver or Jeff Cline.  The best bet may be to keep the money in house and lock up the players who have gotten them this far.

No matter which route they take, there are options out there that have never been available before.  Hiro Tanaka spoke some big words this afternoon.  Only time will tell if his actions can back them up.  He can no longer hide behind the excuse of being a small market team.