The Arizona Diamondbacks and Oakland Athletics both have gaping holes at shortstop, and they may be looking internationally to fill the void. Both clubs are said to be interested in Japanese League shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima, who plays for the Seibu Lions.
Hiroyuki Nakajima reportedly draws interest from D-Backs, Athletics
Arizona and Oakland both have voids at shortstop to fill.
Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE
This is not the first time Nakajima has drawn interest from major league ballclubs. In 2011, the Yankees placed the winning bid on the shortstop, but failed to reach a contract agreement, resulting in Nakajima going back to the Lions.
The 30-year-old shortstop hit .311/.382/.451 during the 2012 season, collecting 29 doubles and 13 home runs. Over the last six seasons, Nakajima has hit .310/.381/.474.
The Athletics turned down their option on Stephen Drew, who they acquired from the Diamondbacks during the 2012 season. They also shipped Cliff Pennington to Arizona as part of a three-team trade early in the offseason, but Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers could be looking to upgrade on Pennington's anemic bat.
See More:
