Braves introduce new pitcher Kenshin Kawakami

Atlanta Braves

New Braves pitcher Kenshin Kawakami star agreed to a three-year, $23 million free-agent contract with the Braves on Saturday.

New Braves pitcher Kenshin Kawakami tries on his No. 11 Braves jersey for the first time as he is introduced to the Atlanta press corps. The Japanese star agreed to a three-year, $23 million free-agent contract with the Braves on Saturday.

"This is a very significant signing for the Braves," said general manager Frank Wren (left), who introduced Kawakami to Atlanta, along with manager Bobby Cox.

Kawakami, the 2004 Central League MVP, has won 112 games in 11 seasons in Japan and was regarded as one of the top free-agent pitchers from Japan available this offseason.

Kawakami models his jersey for the cameras.

Kawakami will join Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez as newcomers to a rotation that also includes 2008 rookies Jair Jurrjens and Jorge Campillo.

Braves scout Hire Oya trails Kawakami as he leaves press conference. Cox said Braves scouts have closely followed Kawakami for recent years as the club tried to boost its presence in Japan.

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New Braves pitcher Kenshin Kawakami tries on his No. 11 Braves jersey for the first time as he is introduced to the Atlanta press corps. The Japanese star agreed to a three-year, $23 million free-agent contract with the Braves on Saturday.

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