So Taguchi

2013

There was no outlook written for So Taguchi.

2008

As a fourth outfielder on a team decimated by injuries, Taguchi proved invaluable once again in 2007, hitting .290 with 48 runs and seven stolen bases. Considering that Taguchi probably only cost a buck or two on draft day, those are respectable numbers. Still, the Cards had a number of younger alternatives, so Taguchi was deemed expendable and ended up signing with the Phillies. He'll maintain a similar reserve role there, likely hawking his at-bats when Geoff Jenkins sits against lefties or when Shane Victorino needs a day off.

2007

For the second season in a row, Taguchi stole 11 bases and filled in admirably in the St. Louis outfield. He hit only .266 with no power, but 10+ stolen bases for a buck or two on draft day is a nice return on investment. He’ll likely be the fourth outfielder for the Cardinals again in 2007.

2006

Always considered a superior defender, Taguchi proved in 2005 that he has adjusted to American pitching at long last. His eight homers off the bench show he's finally developing a little pop, too. He should platoon at a corner outfield spot in 2006.

2005

Taguchi twice was sent to Triple-A only to be brought back a few days later when it appeared Jim Edmonds might need a day off or two. Taguchi wasn't much of a hitter even during his Japanese career, hitting .300 and more than 10 home runs only once. Although he hasn't played poorly in the majors, he's not a particularly valuable asset either -- other than his ability to play center field and get an occasional hit. The Cardinals can do better than this fifth outfielder.

2004

It's easy to dismiss Taguchi as Tsuyoshi Shinjo Lite, but in fairness to him, his career MLB line is .290/.310/.519. Yes, it's 69 at-bats, but if Drew Henson ever did that they'd name a building after him. Taguchi suffers from the Cardinals' excess of useful bench players, and the situation should be the same in 2004.

2003

Taguchi didn’t hit in the majors and then didn’t hit a at Triple-A last season, going .247/.286/.352. At age 33, he would be lucky to make it as a gold-glove catcher, let alone an outfielder.