Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki is expected to be officially posted at Major League BaseballS winter meetings next week, sources told ESPN on Saturday, opening a 45-day window in which teams will try to convince him to choose them once the international amateur signing period opens Jan. 15.
Sasaki, 23, is widely regarded as one of the world’s most talented pitchers. his team in Nippon Professional Baseball, the Chiba Lotte Marines, announced Nov. 9 that they planned to place him in the posting system, the method of transfer between NPB and MLB teams. The window is expected to open Tuesday, sources said.
Because MLB rules dictate that foreign professionals under 25 years old and with fewer than six years’ experience must sign as international amateurs, Sasaki’s contract will be for a fraction of what he would receive as a major league free agent.
The ability for teams to secure a potential front-line starter on a steep discount is expected to lead to a furious recruitment of Sasaki. In the capped international-amateur system, the top bonus pools are around $7.5 million and the bottom around $5.1 million, with a team able to trade for up to an additional 60% of it’s pool money.
While Sasaki could sign before the expiration of the current international-amateur period that ends Dec. 15, he plans to do so after Jan.15, when the new period opens. Most teams have committed their pools to teenage prospects from Latin America, but those agreements are nonbinding, and whichever team Sasaki chooses will be faced with a conundrum on how to handle those verbal agreements.
Teams say they believe Sasaki is worth the turbulence.With a triple-digit fastball, arguably the best split-fingered fastball in the world and a slider, his quality and array of pitches is among the game’s best.With the Marines this year, Sasaki went 10-5 with a 2.35 ERA, 129 strikeouts, 32 walks and two home runs allowed over 111 innings. Over the course of his four-year career, Sasaki is 29-15 with a 2.10 ERA and 505 strikeouts against 88 walks in 394⅔ innings.
While the Los angeles Dodgers have long been linked to Sasaki — and will remain so, with his Samurai Japan teammates Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto integral parts of their 2024 World Series-winning team — him joining them is no fait accompli. Among the other teams expected to be notable players in the Sasaki sweepstakes: the San Diego padres, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, New York Mets and San Francisco Giants.
While the details with Sasaki will differ, there is expected to be a similar process to determine his ultimate destination.
How can society ensure that the benefits of AI technology outweigh its risks in the future?
Title: An Engaging Interview on the Future of AI adn Its Impact on Society
Setting: A sleek virtual conference room, equipped with multiple screens displaying data and graphics.Soft ambient music plays in the background as the editor prepares for the interview.
Characters:
- Alex Morgan: Editor of Time.news, a leading digital news platform focusing on technology and its societal impacts.
- Dr.Maya Singh: An AI ethics researcher and professor at a prestigious university, known for her work on the implications of artificial intelligence in various sectors.
Alex Morgan: (smiling) Welcome, Dr. Singh! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today on Time.news. Your insights on artificial intelligence and its societal impact have been incredibly influential.Let’s dive right in—how do you see AI shaping our future?
Dr.Maya Singh: (enthusiastically) Thank you, Alex! I’m thrilled to be here. AI is poised to revolutionize many aspects of our lives. From healthcare to education, and even our everyday interactions, AI technologies can enhance efficiency and personalize experiences. Though,it also raises questions about ethics,privacy,and job displacement.
Alex morgan: Absolutely.It truly seems to be a double-edged sword.Could you elaborate on some specific areas where you see both the benefits and the potential pitfalls of AI?
Dr. Maya singh: Of course! In healthcare, for instance, AI can analyze vast amounts of medical data to improve diagnostics and treatment plans. This could lead to early detection of diseases and personalized medicine. On the flip side,there are concerns about data privacy and the integrity of decision-making processes. what happens if an algorithm makes a mistake,and how do we hold it accountable?
Alex Morgan: Those are critical points. How do you think we can navigate the ethical landscape of AI to ensure that its benefits outweigh the risks?
Dr. Maya Singh: A multi-faceted approach is essential. First, we need robust regulations that enforce transparency and fairness in AI systems. Secondly, involving diverse stakeholder groups in the development process—ethicists, technologists, and representatives from vulnerable communities—can help identify potential biases early on. Lastly, continuous education about AI’s implications is vital for public awareness.
Alex Morgan: Education is key. Speaking of public awareness, how do you view the current discourse around AI in media? Is it frequently enough alarmist or is there a balanced approach?
Dr. Maya Singh: It’s a mixed bag. Some media outlets focus heavily on sensational stories about AI taking over jobs, while others highlight the technology’s potential to solve pressing issues. The challenge is finding a middle ground that sparks informed discussions without inciting needless fear. We need to empower people with knowledge so they can engage with these technologies critically.
Alex Morgan: That’s a brilliant outlook. Given the rapid pace of AI advancements, what do you think the next five years will look like? any predictions?
Dr. Maya Singh: I foresee important strides in AI governance. There will likely be an increase in collaborations between governments, tech companies, and civil society to create ethical guidelines. I also expect to see AI tools integrated more deeply into our day-to-day lives, enhancing everything from urban planning to personalized learning in schools. However,we must remain vigilant about ensuring these technologies are used responsibly.
Alex Morgan: It sounds like a transformative time ahead, but with that change comes obligation. If you could leave our audience with one piece of advice regarding AI, what would it be?
Dr. Maya Singh: Stay curious and informed! Engage with the developments in AI, ask questions, and participate in discussions. The more we understand these technologies, the better we can shape their future.It’s up to all of us to advocate for ethical practices and ensure that AI serves humanity positively.
Alex Morgan: Wise words, Dr. Singh.Thank you for sharing your insights today. It’s crucial that we keep the conversation going as AI continues to evolve.
Dr. Maya Singh: thank you for having me,Alex! It was a pleasure discussing this vital topic.
[The ambient music rises slightly as the screen fades to black, displaying the Time.news logo and a teaser for upcoming interviews on technology and society.]
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End of Interview