The Orioles are very busy in the Asian market this year. Just hours ago they agreed to terms with Japanese lefty Tsuyoshi Wada. Wada is considered to be the second or third best Japanese starter, behind Yu Darvish, who is coming to the major leagues this season. Wada is projected to be a Dallas Braden like #2-#3 starter with a 86-87 mph fastball, a good circle change, and a solid slider. In 2011 he posted a 1.51 ERA w/ 8.2 K/9 and a 1.9 BB/9 in 184 IP. The update on him can be found at MLB Trade Rumors.

The Orioles are also said to be interested in Wei-Yin Chen. Chen is also projected to be the second or third best Japanese starter coming over this season. Most believe that Chen is the better pitcher between him and Wada. He will likely require more money to sign than Wada will. If Chen can be signed, I expect the two new Japanese starters to be the 2nd and 3rd best starters the Orioles have this season. Both project to be better than Jeremy Guthrie, for comparison.

A few weeks ago it was reported that the Orioles were very close to Korean relief pitcher Chong Tae-Hyon. Today Chong decided that he will not come to the majors, but has instead signed with the Lotte Giants. That report can be found here.

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