Right-hander Hideo Nomo was

released Monday by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

 

Nomo, who will turn 37 next month, has said he won't pitch

in Japan if he isn't signed by another major league team. He

went 5-8 with a 7.24 ERA in 19 starts.

 

The first Japanese-born player to appear in the majors

after playing at the top level in Japan, Nomo has a record of

123-109 in a career that began when he was the 1995 NL Rookie

of the Year for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

 

Nomo had been designated for assignment July 16, one day

after lasting just 2 2-3 innings in an 11-6 loss to Toronto.

He allowed seven runs and nine hits with three walks in what

turned out to be his final Tampa Bay appearance.

 

??We enjoyed having Hideo here,'' Devil Rays manager Lou

Piniella said. ??He is really a true professional ... a good

influence with his work ethic on the young pitchers that we

have here. It got to the point really where the whole focus

here has been young. We're trying to develop young

pitchers.''

 

The Devil Rays also reinstated pitcher Doug Waechter from

the 15-day disabled to start Monday night's game against

Boston. He has been out with tendinitis in his right index

finger.

 

To make room for Waechter, infielder Fernando Cortez was

optioned to Triple-A Durham.

 

Source: AP

Good move, just cutting the dead weight.

this move was for the best.

 

They are the '98 Marlins now with all the rookies on board. Look for them to make a run by the end of this decade.

It's crazy to think how far Nomo has fallen compared to when he first debuted.