Japan
On January 15, 2006, Graman signed a one-year, 50 million yen (about US$467,000) contract with the Seibu Lions. Graman re-signed with the Lions after the season. Beginning in 2007, he replaced Chikara Onodera as the closer.
Graman has come into his own as a closer, finishing 2008 with a 3-3 record, 31 saves, and a 1.42 ERA. He helped the Lions win the Pacific League championship and the Climax Series before saving Games 1 and 7 of the Japan Series as Seibu beat the Yomiuri Giants 4 games to 3. Graman tossed the final two innings of Game 7, allowing no hits or walks while striking out two. He finished the postseason by allowing two earned runs in five innings, but did not allow a run in three Japan Series frames.
Opening day 2009 finds Alex with the defending champions, the Saitama Seibu Lions for his fourth season in the Japanese Pacific League.
Alex's growth as a pitcher while in Japan, lead many in baseball to believe he will be returning to the Major Leagues in the near future; likely as a set-up man or long reliever.
Read more about this topic: Alex Graman
Famous quotes containing the word japan:
“I do not know that the United States can save civilization but at least by our example we can make people think and give them the opportunity of saving themselves. The trouble is that the people of Germany, Italy and Japan are not given the privilege of thinking.”
—Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945)