Tonight's Target: Kei Igawa

Vitals: 27 yo LHP. Born in Oarai, Japan. 6-1, 212. 86-60, 3.14 in Japan. 2-1, 6.08 here. $4 million salary.

Arsenal: An 88-92 mph fastball, a low-80s slider that he throws mostly to lefties, and a pretty good low-80s change. His stuff is a lot like Jarrod Washburn's.

Recent Battles: The M's have never faced Igawa. Ichiro probably did, in Japan, but we couldn't find any Japanese batter/pitcher stats.

Our Best Weapon: Vidro usually has a smart approach, he should be able to wait out this guy for a fastball and smack it. If Beltre happens to guess right on a fastball, say goodnight, but more likely he'll flail all night at Igawa's change.

The Internet Says: This will be the first time ever that the Mariners have faced two former Japanese League pitchers in back-to-back games.

Cha Seung Baek (0-0, 4.22) goes for the M's. Gametime is 4:05. It's on FSN.

Kei Igawa [ESPN]
Scouting Report: Kei Igawa [Prospect Insider]