Giants Owner Says Lee Seung-yeop is a Failure

Lee Seung-yeop (31) of Yomiuri has been declining in value as the centerpiece of his team.

On October 23, Sankei Sports and other major Japanese sports papers and magazines reported that Yomiuri is seeking to scout Kosuke Fukudome of Chunichi, who will be opting for free agency. This is the second such scouting rumor following Yomiuri’s plans to scout Alex Ramirez of Yakult.

Tsuneo Watanabe, owner of the Yomiuri Giants, plans to reinforce the team by scouting more raw talent after a disappointing season by Lee. During the Central League Championships against Chunichi, Lee had no home runs and was held scoreless. As a result, Yomiuri lost the series three games to none.

Naturally, Lee’s role as the team’s cleanup hitter is in jeopardy.

Watanabe openly criticized the foreign players of his team in front of the press.

“With the exception of Warren Cromartie, Karl “Tuffy” Rhodes, and Roberto Petagine, all our foreign players were total failures.” He added, “I plan to sign on new players that can guarantee us victories.”

Lee Seung-yeop is scheduled to undergo thumb surgery this week. It is a hard time for Lee, emotionally as well as physically.