Vigilantes Sign Japanese Infielder to One-Year Deal

The Mission Viejo Vigilantes did not sign the Japanese pitcher they’ve been hoping to lure to the U.S., but club officials think they found a good player anyway.

After four days of putting 20 Japanese players through various drills at Mission Viejo High, the Vigilantes signed infielder Koji Tanaka to a one-year contract.

Tanaka, 22, was one of six Japanese players to sign with teams in the Western Baseball League, club President Patrick Elster said.

“This was only the start,” Elster said. “We know there are kids there who dream of playing American professional baseball. Once the word spreads, I’d bet you’ll see double the turnout and number of signees next year.”

Pitching coach Brad Lesley said the team was looking for potential shortstops and second basemen.

“He was the fastest guy in the camp,” Lesley said. “The kid can fly. He swung the bat decent and played decent. I don’t know how [Manager] Buck [Rodgers] wants to use him yet, but you can’t teach speed, and he has great wheels.”

Tanaka and the other signees have gone back to Japan, and will return when visas are approved, Lesley said.