NPB, MLB clubs make moves to prepare for stretch run

Now that the July 31 deadline has passed for Japanese teams to sign new foreign players this season, here is a review of players acquired since the beginning of the year by Central and Pacific League clubs in an effort to bolster their rosters for the run toward the Climax Series.

In the CL, the Yomiuri Giants brought in third baseman Josh Fields, and the Hiroshima Carp have called on infielder Brian Barden to take the place of third sacker Chad Tracy, out for the season with an injury. The Yokohama BayStars inked pitcher Luis Gonzalez after he passed a tryout in June.

Fields is the one-time Oklahoma State football quarterback who began playing for the Giants July 10. Barden made his Carp debut on Aug. 2.