TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Kei Igawa is getting an early start to his first spring training with the New York Yankees.
"He looks like he is going to be a real good pitcher," Yankees vice president Billy Connors said Wednesday after Igawa's second workout at New York's minor league complex. "He throws a heavy ball. He should be very good."
Igawa, who agreed in December to a $20 million, five-year contract, has been throwing on flat ground. The 27-year-old left-hander is scheduled to throw off a mound on Monday.
"It's an honor to be on this field," Igawa said through a translator.
Igawa is likely to be part of a rotation that includes Chien-Ming Wang, Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte, with Carl Pavano also starting if he is healthy.
Igawa went 14-9 with a 2.97 ERA for the Hanshin Tigers last season.
"We need him this year," Connors said. "He's very important for our club. I've heard a lot of good things about him. We're happy to have him. We're anxious to see him out there."
Igawa has gotten the chance to meet several new teammates also working out at the Yankees spring training complex, including shortstop Derek Jeter, catcher Jorge Posada and infielder Miguel Cairo
"It's all a feel for him, getting to know the guys," Connors said. "Jeter has been already kidding him ... teaching him a new word every day. He's going to be fine. It just takes the time to get adjusted."
