FanGraphs Audio: Frank Herrmann on Pitching in Japan

Episode 948

On this edition of FanGraphs Audio, we are joined by a veteran journeyman before taking a look at FanGraphs’ recently released 2022 Top 50 Free Agents list.

• At the top of the program, David Laurila welcomes Frank Herrmann, former Cleveland and Phillies pitcher and current Chiba Lotte Marine. Herrmann shares what it has been like to play in Japan, from the league parity to the strange playoff structure to the many talented players — some of whom could end up stateside. We also hear about former first-rounder Carter Stewart and how starting his pro career overseas has been going. [2:19]
• After that, Eric Longenhagen joins Ben Clemens to discuss the immense challenge of ranking this offseason’s free agent class. Eric and Ben review the process as well as the notable Boras clients who ranked high on the list and which players were particularly tricky to place. Finally, the duo talk about Seiya Suzuki and how various teams’ 40-man crunches might match up with Oakland’s supposed interest in selling. [26:04]

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Audio after the jump. (Approximate 1 hour 8 minutes play time.)

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