“The Mets have signed Japanese lefthander Ken Takahashi to a minor-league contract. The 39-year-old lefthander went 8-5 with a 3.50 ERA in 21 games (20 starts) for the Hiroshima Carp last season. He appeared in one spring-training game with the Blue Jays, and was released Monday.”–Adam Rubin Surfing The Mets.

Adam went on to say “I haven’t had a chance to quiz anyone yet, but I have to believe he’d be in the AAA bullpen, as an option to call up as a second lefty, or sole lefty if Feliciano were injured.”

While being interviewed on the MLB network Bobby Valentine evaluated the 6 new Japanese pitchers who will pitch in the U.S. this year. After giving sparkling reviews for the first five Japanese pitchers, all he said about Takahashi was “he’s old”.