Listening to Koji Uehara make quips through a Japanese interpreter and watching Orioles club president Andy MacPhail beam as he passed a No. 19 Orioles jersey to the team's newest starter during Uehara's introductory news conference at Camden Yards yesterday, one thought was prevalent.
Finally.
Finally, the Orioles have signed a Japanese player of note - or, really, any Asian player at all.
Finally, they weren't a day late and a yen short.
Finally, the Japanese will know the Orioles for something other than Cal Ripken Jr. As Uehara said, "That's about it," when asked the extent of his country's knowledge of his new team.
If Uehara, a right-hander, 33, who twice won Japan's top pitching award, is a success during his two-year contract here, it can only mean good things for the Orioles' foray into the Far East. Even his mere presence, however, is a victory for an organization desperate for any type of win, here or abroad.
"The Orioles don't enjoy a high profile [in Japan] compared to other clubs, and that's OK," MacPhail said. "But we've been told once you get your first signings, and players start to follow how their teammates are doing over there, it becomes a little easier in the future."
The Orioles can live without the highest of profiles in Japan.
Having any profile anywhere besides, say, Pratt Street is comforting.
Go back to the 2002 offseason for some international perspective.
Hideki Matsui, Uehara's Yomiuri Giants' teammate, was ready to come to the United States. Syd Thrift, then the Orioles' vice president of baseball operations, shifted into gear. Orioles gear. Glacier-paced gear.
Thrift told people he had "spies" checking out the burly outfielder.
Those spies ended up being club trainer Richie Bancells and former pitcher Rodrigo Lopez, who were part of the annual U.S. baseball tour of Japan. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees sent a cadre of scouts to watch Matsui play the game.
Once intrigued, Thrift faxed a letter to inform Matsui's people of the Orioles' interest. Meanwhile, the Yankees sent a group, including general manager Brian Cashman, to Japan to wine and dine Matsui.
The Orioles waited patiently and politely for a response.
Meanwhile, the Yankees signed Matsui.
