Should Sasaki join Cubs? Emanuel, a fan of the team and ambassador to Japan, is being diplomatic
During a news conference at the United States Embassy in Tokyo, Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga was asked what he'd say to countryman Roki Sasaki to convince him to join his team
TOKYO (AP) — It was a simple question. During a news conference Monday at the United States Embassy in Tokyo, Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga was asked what he'd say to countryman Roki Sasaki to convince him to join his team.
Sasaki will be moving from Japan next season to join an MLB team, the most sought-after pitcher in this season's free agency. The Cubs are among a half-dozen teams seen as his likely landing spot.
Rahm Emanuel, the United States ambassador to Japan, was sitting at a table next to Imanaga. Sensing a moment for diplomacy, he jumped in to keep Imanaga from, perhaps, an uncomfortable reply.
“I know the world’s dying to know and they’re just going to keep guessing,” Emanuel said. “I’m going to be his (Imanaga's) attorney right now. He's not answering that question. I’m going to be his agent. Won’t happen. I’ll pull the plug on his microphone.”
