Noburo Adachi, Kyoto Sun Daily

October 1, 2012: Toyama, Japan – Fans of the Lupin Cliff Hangers were delighted last month to learn that starting pitcher Shigemori Suzuki has signed an extension to his contract for two more years.  Shigemori was signed to a one-year contract as a free agent this past offseason.  Expectations were high for the veteran pitcher, who was slotted as the team’s ace.  He has met all expectations this season and apparently the club believes that he will continue to produce for a couple more years.

One might be concerned with how age will affect a pitcher’s production into his 39^th year, but the Cliff Hangers apparently believe that Suzuki will continue to produce to the end of his third decade.  Suzuki is a fierce competitor and remains committed to the cause while on the mound.  This is an aspect that the Cliff Hangers have certainly taken into consideration.

Is Suzuki worth the $20,500,000 guaranteed him over the next two years?  That remains to be seen.  If he remains healthy, it is a reasonable conclusion that he will win more than he loses.  His only significant injury in the past was a ruptured tendon sidelining him for seven months.  This is not a bad injury history.

It is certainly possible that he may be the player to lead the Cliff Hangers to winning seasons over the next couple years.