Once a throw-away prospect attached to a shot-in-the-dark trade with the Edmonton Jackrabbits, starting pitcher
Kinzo Iwamoto has quietly worked his way up the Sacramento minor league system. An injury to Map Pope ace
Matt McCartney and a poor season by the once highly-touted
Ben Render gave Iwamoto the opening he needed to land a spot in the BBA. After three marvelous BBA starts, the young Japan native hopes his time has finally come.
"(Something in Japanese)," said Iwamoto, who typically is trailed by interpreter Hector Sanscheiz but wasn't this day due to Sanscheiz calling in sick. "(More Japanese). (Excited Japanese)! (Ecstatic Japanese)!!"
Iwamoto's three starts came against Mad Pope Pacific rivals Valencia, Vancouver, and Long Beach. Over the 19 1/3 innings in the three affairs, only Valencia was able to push across any runs, scoring three in Iwamoto's debut outing. Vancouver and Long Beach managed just seven hits and three walks in 14 innings.
"(Seriously, where the hell is Sanscheiz ... I don't understand a word of what he's saying here)," Iwamoto said with expressive hand gestures and a smile. "(more Japanese words .. I think he's asking if I'm understanding him... )?"
