There is a big cultural difference between Japan and the U.S.. But I'm not willing to excuse his behaviour and performance because of it. He willingly took big money to come here and I have to assume he had full knowledge of what the expectation were for his performance.
He did ok to pretty good through 2008. Then showed up out of shape and "injured' in 2009. He either deceived or lied to the Sox and then publicly cast a bad light on his employers while collecting millions of dollars. I'm not sure what the word "loyalty" has to do with any discussion of his worth.
If he had been an American employee of an American company, under most circumstances, he would have been fired. He has a no-cut, no trade contract, personal mesouse (sp), translator, limousine, and flights back to Japan.
He's won (useless stat!) just over 30 games in 3+ years. Wonderful.
I'm not calling him a complete bust, but he can not be viewed as a good investment. $60. mil. for three years of this? Posting Fee included.
Next.